An unforgettable adventure.
Whales and dolphins in the Strait of gibraltar
The Strait of Gibraltar, a majestic water passage between Spain and Morocco, is much more than just a sea route. It is a living ecosystem that is home to an abundance of marine life all year round.
The underwater world - an endangered beauty
The currents that flow through this strait bring rich nutrient-rich water from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean Sea. This abundance of nutrients attracts a variety of fish, which in turn attracts whales and dolphins. Among the resident species are the striped dolphin, the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin, as well as pilot whales, orcas and sperm whales depending on the season. Even fin whales pass through the Strait on their way to and from the Mediterranean Sea.
At slow speed, the marine mammals seem to look at the hull of the RHEA like a large conspecific. Pilot whales in particular are curious and often stay in large groups directly on the hull of the ship.
An apparently intact ecosystem, but the marine mammals are seriously endangered. The heavy shipping traffic that crosses the strait every day poses a constant threat. Fast container ships and ferries not only endanger the animals’ peace and quiet, but also lead to collisions and injuries, especially while they are sleeping. Katharina Heyer, founder of the “firmm” foundation (foundation for information and research on marine mammals), has therefore long been campaigning for speed limits and safe routes for ships in this region.
The fascination of the region
The Rock of Gibraltar and the opposite Djebel Sidi Musa (Moses Mountain) in Morocco marked the end of the world in ancient times as the “Pillars of Hercules”. The region is still home to fascinating nature and rich cultural treasures. On the Spanish side, endless beaches from Cadiz to Tarifa attract kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over the world. Behind it are the vast bull pastures of Andalusia and the picturesque white villages of Bejer de la Frontera, Medina Sidona and Ronda. From the hippie hangouts in Tarifa to the historic cities such as Jerez with its sherry and the motorcycle motodrome, this region offers a variety of experiences along the wild Andalusian Atlantic coast.
On the African side, the lively port city of Tangier and the beautiful beaches near Marina Smir south of Ceuta await visitors. There is a lot to discover and experience along the Strait of Gibraltar, whether on the Spanish or Moroccan side of this fascinating and windy waterway.
lasting impressions
From Gibraltar to the picturesque bays of Smir in Morocco, this route offers a variety of experiences. Under the expert guidance of experts such as Katharina Heyer, visitors can experience and understand the wonders of this region up close.
After a week full of adventure and discoveries, it’s hard to say goodbye to the Strait of Gibraltar. But the memories of the pilot whales with their typical head shape, the playful dolphins and the breathtaking landscape will linger for a long time. The hope remains that the threats to marine mammals will be reduced and that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of this region.