Sotogrande Dolphin Tour: Hybrid Boat, Rock of Gibraltar

Listen to dolphins while the Rock of Gibraltar rises behind you

A small group dolphin tour from Sotogrande on the hybrid boat Bretema, designed for up to 10 people, with a live guide in English or Spanish. The vessel is the quietest in the Strait of Gibraltar and equipped with a hydrophone so you hear the animals as well as see them. Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins and Striped Dolphins are sighted year-round. Migrating Fin Whales or Sperm Whales appear seasonally. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes a scenic pass of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and scenic boat tour

• Board eco-friendly hybrid boat Bretema
• Observe various dolphin species
• Listen to skipper's information on whales and dolphins
• Enjoy scenic views of the Rock of Gibraltar

The experience

You board Bretema in Sotogrande and head into waters that rank among the Mediterranean's best for year-round dolphin sightings. The boat's hybrid engine runs quieter than any other vessel in the Strait, which means the dolphins stay calmer and you hear their clicks and calls through the onboard hydrophone: a detail that changes how close you can get to them. An experienced skipper narrates the journey in English or Spanish, explaining the behavior and migration patterns of the species you encounter. Some days you'll see one kind of dolphin. Other days three or four different species cross your path.

The boat's low freeboard keeps you close to the water without the height of a traditional tour vessel, and the small group cap of 10 people means you're not jostling for position at the rail. As you move through the Strait, the Rock of Gibraltar, the Pillars of Hercules, stays visible on the horizon, framing the whole experience. The 2.5-hour tour includes a scenic ride past this landmark and ends back in Sotogrande.

Bretema carries water and different flavors of AguaNea throughout the journey. Infants travel free but must sit on an adult's lap. The boat suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers at high risk.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Spanish.
• water and AguaNea in different flavors throughout the tour.
• access to the onboard hydrophone so you can hear dolphins and whales underwater.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 12:30Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by WeWhale

Is this one for you?At 2.5 hours, this tour fits a morning or afternoon slot without consuming your whole day in Sotogrande. The small group size and quiet boat mean you're not competing with crowds for sightings or space at the rail.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What dolphin species will I actually see on this tour?

Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins and Striped Dolphins are sighted on most tours year-round. With luck, you may also spot migrating Fin Whales or Sperm Whales, depending on the season.

How does the hybrid boat change the dolphin-watching experience?

Bretema is the quietest vessel in the Strait of Gibraltar, which keeps the animals calmer and lets you hear their underwater calls through the onboard hydrophone. The low freeboard also puts you closer to the water than a traditional tour boat.

How long is the tour and what time does it depart?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours. Specific departure times are not listed in the operator's information. Contact them directly to confirm the schedule for your date.

Will I see the Rock of Gibraltar on this tour?

Yes. The Rock of Gibraltar, also called the Pillars of Hercules, is visible throughout the tour as you navigate the Strait, and the scenic pass is part of the 2.5-hour experience.

Can I bring an infant on this tour?

Infants are welcome and travel free, but they must sit on an adult's lap for the duration of the 2.5-hour tour.