Season start in Tarifa – The first two weeks with firmm

Text: Christiane Hansen (volunteer with firmm), photos: firmm

With the start of the Respectful Whale-Watching season on the 30th of March 2026, one of the most exciting times of the year for marine enthusiasts begins once again in Tarifa. As every year, the first two weeks of the season were something very special – marked by anticipation, changeable weather and the first encounters with the creatures that inhabit the Strait of Gibraltar.

A particular highlight was meeting our sponsored cetaceans: Beato, Edu, Fernando, Franzfin, Rikki and Luis – it was wonderful to see these elegant Pilot whales so close to the firmm boat.

Lolly and White Cap, both Bottlenose dolphins, also came to greet us – a heart-warming reunion!

On some trips, the Bottlenose dolphins were very active and boisterous: they leapt high into the blue sky 20 times or more, much to the delight of our guests – these feats were rewarded with applause each time

A cautious start – influenced by the weather

As is so often the case, the Strait of Gibraltar showed its rough side at the start of the season. Although a few trips were able to take place in the first few days, several tours had to be cancelled due to the weather. Strong winds in the region are not uncommon, particularly at the start of April, and play a decisive role in determining whether boats can set sail.

These caprices of the weather are part of everyday life at firmm. Safety comes first, and at the same time, they serve as a reminder that Respectful Whale Watching always depends on the rhythm of nature.

The first sightings – a promising start

As soon as the weather cleared up, the first trips turned out to be a real success. The likelihood of spotting dolphins or whales in this region is exceptionally high – often over 98–99%.

The following are particularly typical of the early weeks of the season:

• Common dolphins and Striped dolphins, often in large groups

• Bottlenose dolphins, which approach the boats curiously, and

• Pilot whales

These species are, in a sense, the ‘regulars’ of the Strait of Gibraltar and have already provided some impressive encounters right at the start of the season.

Sometimes Pilot whales can be rather shy – they dive for longer and take their time coming back to the surface.

During a trip, there were long, consistent waves – these aren’t caused by local winds, but by storms out at sea – known as swell – which prompted large numbers of Pilot whales to gather around the boat and accompany us.

Learning and observing – more than just a boat trip

A distinctive feature of firmm’s tours is their scientific approach. Each tour begins with a multilingual introduction, during which visitors learn a great deal about the species, their behaviour and the conservation of the animals.

This acquisition of knowledge is particularly fascinating, especially in the first few weeks:
The crew closely observes which animals return and when, which individuals reappear, and how the group structures develop.

Our marine biologist collects data on every trip so that it can be analysed later.

Spring in the whales’ habitat

The first two weeks also mark an ecologically significant period. Spring brings nutrient-rich water into the Strait of Gibraltar – ideal conditions for marine food chains.

This means:

• increased activity among many species

• good chances of spotting larger marine mammals such as Sperm whales and Fin whales

• the start of the season's dynamic development

Although the spectacular encounters with Orcas are still a while away (these usually don’t happen until summer – July/August), the foundations for a successful season are being laid now.

Conclusion – A quiet but promising start

The first two weeks of the season in Tarifa are already the first highlights – and that is precisely what makes them so special. It is a time of arrival: for the animals, for the team and for all the visitors who are witnessing the start of a new cycle.

Between wind-induced breaks and the first successful sightings, a sense of excitement and anticipation builds. Every trip is different, every encounter unique – and every wave holds the promise of an unforgettable moment.

The season has only just begun – and it promises plenty more extraordinary experiences.