A week of learning, discovery, and connection with whales and dolphins.
Tarifa, Spain
23rd–30th November 2025
Limited to 20 persons
The Whale and Dolphin Camp is a one-of-a-kind immersive programme organised by WeWhale, bringing together science, education, and meaningful experiences with cetaceans. Over the course of one week, participants will join a balanced programme of lectures, interactive workshops, and field activities.
Participants will gain insights into cetacean biology, ecology, and conservation, guided by internationally recognised specialists. The camp includes talks, practical workshops, and whale-watching trips in the Strait of Gibraltar, where you will learn how to collect scientific data, identify species, and observe their behaviour.
Beyond the scientific content, the camp is also an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, share perspectives, and take part in group discussions and collaborative activities. It is a space where knowledge, curiosity, and passion for the marine world come together, helping you to gain both insight and practical experience that can be applied to future studies, projects, or personal interests.
Join boat excursions into the Strait of Gibraltar and surrounding areas. Observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat while practising real data collection and species identification.
Explore how to share scientific knowledge with clarity and impact. From presentations to storytelling techniques, you’ll discover ways to make conservation messages resonate.
Connect with like-minded participants from different backgrounds. Build networks, share experiences, and be part of a growing community of people committed to the protection of cetaceans.
Benefit from the experience of internationally recognised specialists in cetacean research and conservation, who will guide you throughout the programme.
Experience Tarifa beyond the classroom — where flavours, music, and traditions become part of the journey. Share meals, stories, and witness amazing sunsets over the sea at one of Andalusia’s most beautiful and wild beaches.
Internationally recognised orca expert - Invited Tutor
She began studying orcas in New Zealand in 1992, becoming the first scientist to research that population. She is the founder of the Orca Research Trust, Co-founder of the Free Morgan Foundation, and Co-founder of the Punta Norte Orca Research Project in Argentina. An active advocate for the welfare of cetaceans in captivity, she has worked with orcas worldwide, contributed to numerous scientific publications, and regularly appears in documentaries and lectures on marine conservation. She is also a key contributor to the WeWhale, Iberian Orca Guardians and Sea Shepherd France joint project, Save the Iberian Orca.
Conservationist and storyteller - Invited Tutor
With over 10 years’ experience specialising in cetacean protection. For the past decade she has worked with the non profit Dolphin Project, leading campaigns in Taiji, Japan to end dolphin hunts and helping release formerly captive dolphins at the sanctuary in Bali and worked with the critically endangered southern resident killer whales. She is now also collaborating with WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians, advocating for the critically endangered Iberian orca population. Alongside conservation Alexandra uses film and media to connect people with the sea. Her latest documentary, Orca in the Arctic, is streaming internationally and was selected for the International Ocean Film Tour Festival.
Cetacean researcher and advocate - Organiser and Tutor
Since graduating in 2014, Cristina has dedicated her career to the study of cetaceans. She began as a whale watching guide in the Strait of Gibraltar, later pursuing an international Master’s degree and a PhD in cetacean cell biology and ecotoxicology. She has participated in numerous cetacean surveys with various organisations and is now based in the Strait of Gibraltar, where she serves as Scientific Coordinator for the Save the Iberian Orca campaign with the WeWhale Association and Iberian Orca Guardians. Alongside her scientific work, she is also a photographer and watercolourist, combining art and science as her main professional paths.
CEO and founder of WeWhale, and co-founder of the Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation - Organiser
Driven by his passion for cetaceans, Janek transformed his life by moving to southern Spain, where he founded WeWhale and launched the Save the Iberian Orca campaign in collaboration with Sea Shepherd France. As a dedicated advocate for whales and dolphins, he devotes his work to their protection while reshaping the concept of whale and dolphin watching. His vision promotes a sustainable, responsible and educational approach - minimising noise and chemical pollution, advancing non-invasive science, and placing strong emphasis on whale and dolphin education and awareness.
The Whale and Dolphin Camp is designed for anyone with a passion for the ocean and its inhabitants. Whether you are a student, an early-career researcher, or simply an ocean enthusiast, this camp offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and gain hands-on experience.
It is particularly suited for:
No previous academic or professional background is required — just curiosity, openness to learn, and a genuine interest in cetaceans and marine conservation.
The event will take place in Tarifa, the southernmost point of continental Europe, right at the heart of the Strait of Gibraltar. This unique marine hotspot is home to great biodiversity, where seven cetacean species coexist. Tarifa is a charming Andalusian white town, with long natural sandy beaches and a lively atmosphere. Accommodation will be provided at La Cocotera, a boutique co-living and co-working hostel located in Tarifa’s historic centre. It offers both shared and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the town — where we will also hold some activities (weather permitting). In addition to Tarifa, we will also enjoy a day trip to Sotogrande harbour, on the eastern side of the Strait, for a dolphin-watching excursion in this beautiful hotspot.
Local gastronomy is not to be missed: this region offers a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
Arrival: Sunday, 23rd November
Departure: Sunday, 30th November
Contact us for information about available rooms and pricing. Enjoy an early bird discount of 10% if you register before 15th October!
Breakfast and coffee breaks, field trips, transport to Sotogrande, and a surprise gift on the last day.
Lunches and dinners, and travel costs to and from Tarifa. Detailed travel information will be provided upon registration.
Join us for an unforgettable week of learning, exploration, and connection with whales, dolphins, and like-minded ocean enthusiasts!
Support conservation: Part of the camp fee directly supports WeWhale Association, dedicated to cetacean research and conservation projects, such as Save the Iberian Orca in the Western Strait of Gibraltar.
contact@wewhale.co
