SEA WILDLIFE: WHALES AND DOLPHINS
WHALE WATCHING
When two large recipients such as the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet in just one and only place and with just a mere 14km dividing it, it is no surprise that there must be something special going on.
FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER you can observe the whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar. Four species of dolphins can be seen throughout the year: common dolphins, striped dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, which strictly speaking do also belong to the dolphin family.
FROM APRIL TO JULY Sperm whales can be observed in the deeper waters of the Strait.
IN JULY AND AUGUST you can join some longer excursions to watch orcas near Tanger. With a little luck, you might also see fin whales.
The sheer diversity between temperatures, salt contents, currents and natural environment of these two water stretches, generate two distinct animal habitats which, curiously enough, need each other to survive. So many species on land and water use this connecting point to enter new environments for breeding, feeding or simply protection and Tarifa’s strategic position is ideal to see all this happening.
Tarifa is only just over one hour drive from Cortijo de los Flamingos. We can book for you a seat for 2 hour whale watching boat trip from Tarifa. Also you can find much more information about whales and dolphins on FIRMM web site. FIRMM is the foundation for information and research on marine mammals.
Beaches
The famous la Playa de Barossa is 8 km of fine white sands and clear blue water. La Playa de la Caleta situated near barrio el Viña in Cádiz and was pictured in James Bond movie, Die another Day. La playa de la Victoria with main promenade – Paseo Marismo and many tapaserias overlooking the sea.La Playa de Santa Maria del Mar – small and intimate, covers the ancient walls of Cádiz. La Playa de la Cortadua – the most unspoilt golden sand beach in Cádiz!El Palmar, Zahora, Caños de Meca, Playa de Bolonia with amazing roman ruins on its side…and many more…
Towns: Chiclana, Cadiz, Sevilla, Jerez, Giblartar
The old walled towns of Cadiz province and Sevilla are densely packed with medieval churches, Arabic forts, watchtowers, palaces, bodegas, tobacconists, scooters, bars full of bullfighting paraphernalia, and people eating fish at rickety tables that block the traffic.
National Parks
Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is one of Andalucia’s most visited parks with its wildelife, rugged limestone landscape and great hiking territory. The Alcornocales Natural Park – gentle walking experience amid centuries-old cork oak woodland. The Estrecho Natural Park – prime spot for viewing the twice-yearly migration of birds between Europe and Africa. The Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park has one of Europe’s most important wetlands.