Witness the most stunning bird migration in SW Europe
High concentrations of Vultures, Eagles, Kites and Storks
A carefully selected array of birding spots, watchpoints and habitats
Marinated with butterflies, stunning scenery and a bit of cultural immersion
or request a private tour
The Strait of Gibraltar's Birding Tour
We've been guiding birdwatching tours in the Strait of Gibraltar since 2017. Over the years we've treasured many sightings and a good set of delightful birding spots that we visit on this tour. It's a lovely area, still quite green and bursting with birdlife. Being near Tarifa in September is a magnificent experince for a patient birdwatcher, usually rewarded by both unforgettable bird passage windows and also iconic local birds.
Tour highlights
There is no better place to enjoy bird migration in September in Western Europe than here. Over 250,000 birds of prey and over 150,000 White Storks gather in this magnificent bottleneck, waiting for the right weather conditions to cross southwards towards their wintering grounds in Africa. Beautiful landscapes throughout this not-to-be-missed birding tour, which is also quite accessible for any level of fitness.
Tour itinerary
While wind conditions play a huge role in The Strait, a good bird guide's decissions are key to success. The itinerary below is therefore and often just orientative:
We will meet in Málaga in the morning and travel west along the coast. We will try to stop at some of the coastal observatories for the first set of migrating birds. Booted and Short-toed Eagles, White Storks and hopefully some Honey Buzzards. Time allowing, a small trail might produce the very elusive Firecrest and Sardinian Warblers.
We will enjoy filling up a daily checklist together before dinner and present the upcoming tour itinerary.
The morning will start with us visiting several delightful locations along the coast. We should enjoy stunning views of Djbel Mussa moutain in Morocco. Before noon we'll make sure to visit the most convenient observatories to maximize migratory sightings. We will be bringing camping chairs and the unvaluable help of local knowledge to help avoiding birders crowds!
After a nice lunch break we will be visiting a limestone ridge where Griffon Vultures have established a nice breeding colony. Even Egyptian Vultures and Bonelli's Eagles are observed there regularly. The very rare Rüppell's Griffon -a tropical species- is from times to times observed here.
A nice stop for landscape photography may happen on the way back to hotel. The area is just too beautiful not to do it!
Today we will travel north and make strategic stops along the surroundings of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a truly gem for watching rare birds or birds that are extremely localized at an European range.
One not-to-be-missed species is the charismatic Little Swift, who is now breeding here. We will be birding along some ponds, often comfortably from the van making limited stops when birds turn up. Greater Flamingos, Ospreys, Slender-billed Gulls and even White-headed Ducks should be seen.
Although this area is considered the buffer perimeter of Doñana National Park, it looks far different from El Rocío or its other renown enclaves. Here there is mostly intensive farming and greenhouses, but the birdlife is still quite interesting.
Other possible sightings on this day may include Eurasian Wryneck, Common Waxbill (intr.), Iberian Pied Flycatcher and Purple Swamphen.
Today we will explore the hinterland of the Strait, more precisely the area known as comarca de La Janda. Undoubtedly, the most striking bird here in the Northern Bald Ibis. Everyboday that has seen them can't forget them! They will be highly mobile as the juveniles will be quite grown up and independent, so we will work hard to locate their foraging grounds.
We will visit some derelict saltpans that are left wild for waterfowl. Nice set of species will be expected here, hopefully the very local Audoin's Gulls, Eurasian Spoonbills, Little Terns, Greater Flamingos, Alpine Swifts on migration or even Curlew Sandpipers may show up!
Another highlight of the day will be our time spent in the formerly largest lagoon of the Iberian Peninsula, the Laguna de La Janda. The abundance of birds here is highly variable from year to year, depending on the always scarce water points there, but we should have some chances to see flocks of Glossy Ibis, European Kingfisher, Spanish Sparrows and -although difficult- Spanish Imperial Eagle or Black-winged Kite.
A very exciting and productive day.
After a relaxed breakfast we will pack our luggage and get on the van. If time allows there should be easy to fit a little bit of birding locally before travelling back to Málaga, where the tour ends. This may add some woodland birds or improve the views of some of the soaring migrants.
What wildlife to expect
Birds
Bird migration is the main focus of this tour. Numbers of birds will be highly variable depending on timings and weather conditions. Extended information on numbers of birds species by species, observatories and other aspects can be found in our Guide to the Bird Migration in the Strait of Gibraltar. This tour normally produces slightly over 100 bird species.
Butterflies
The warm weather of September makes it possible to find around a dozen butterfly species on this tour. Some highlights of the region are Two-tailed Pasha, Monarch, Plain Tiger or the very rare Zeller's Skipper.
Mammals
Although difficult, we've sometimes enjoyed quick views of Egyptian Mongoose and Roe Deer. We are no longer including a whalewatching boat trip on this tour.
Other wildlife
Chances to find Fidler Crab, Spanish Pond Terrapin, Iberian water frog and Great Banded Grayling.
Plants
We will be visiting very different habitats and hence the plantlife will also be generally rich. We will visit examples of Mediterranean Forest and scrubland. Some charismatic species include Squirting Cucumber, Wild Olive, Carob and Cork Oak.
OPEN GROUP TOUR DATES
September 8 - 12, 2025 (5 days)
* You can also book this tour privately on different dates
PRICES
Rates per person: TBA €
TOUR PARTY
Min. 4 - max. 7 fellow travellers
Tour leader: Álvaro Peral
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfers from/to Málaga
- Transport on a courte basis
- Professional guiding services (in English)
- Guidebooks and daily checklist
- Accidents insurance
- All taxes and entry fees
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Accomodation (around 80 eur/night in single occupancy). We prebook, you pay at arrival.
- Food or drinks (around 40 eur/full day)
- Personal costs
- Travel insurance
ACCOMODATION
We will be single-based in a charming hotel just outside Tarifa.
PACE
This tour is quite accessible for the most part. Most of the birding is done at short distances from our van.
FOOD
Plentiful breakfast at the hotel. Lunches will be a combination of picnics or stops at nearby local establishments. Dinners in the many restaurants in town or at the hotel, TBC.
What trippers say
Thanks again for all your help. Jim called the trip “top 5 he’s ever taken,” which is high praises from someone who’s been traveling with us for years!
M.B. -an Audubon Society-, 2022
We guide this bird watching tour by means of Andalucía Slow Tours, S.L., a local travel agency accredited by the Spanish Tourist Board with number CIAN 297083-2.