Dolphin watching in Benalmádena

The Alborán Sea has one of the highest densities of cetaceans in the Mediterranean, and boats leave daily from Puerto Marina in Benalmádena to go and see them. It is one of the best-value family activities on the whole Costa del Sol.

What you will see

The usual species on these trips is the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), which frequently approaches boats and often rides the bow wave. Less often you may see striped and common dolphins, and occasionally pilot whales or even a loggerhead turtle.

One important point: these are wild animals. Reputable operators do not guarantee a sighting, although success rates in this area are high. Many offer a free repeat trip if nothing is seen.

What the trip is like

• Duration: around one hour, though there are longer two-hour trips.
• Boat: catamaran or pleasure craft with both covered and open deck.
• Typical price: €18-30 for adults, with a reduced children’s rate.
• Suitable for all ages, babies included.

Responsible tourism

Spanish law regulates how boats may approach cetaceans: minimum distances, speed limits and a ban on chasing or encircling them. Choose operators who respect this and who explain why. If you see a boat cornering dolphins, that is not the boat you want to be on.

Tips

• Go on the first trip of the morning: the sea is flatter and sightings tend to be better.
• If you get seasick, take something an hour beforehand and sit in the middle of the boat looking at the horizon.
• Cap, sunglasses and sun cream: on deck the sun hits twice as hard.
• Don’t bring glasses or hats without a retainer.

Other departure points

Besides Benalmádena, there are trips from Puerto Banús, Fuengirola, Estepona, Puerto de la Duquesa and Caleta de Vélez. For orcas and sperm whales you need to go to the Strait of Gibraltar, sailing from Tarifa in Cádiz province.