It was only a week or two ago that we reported a whale sighting off Motril and now there has been one off La Herradura on Monday.

The type of whale was a finback or common rorqual (Balaenoptera physalus) which is the second largest cetacean after the blue whale (the largest animal on the planet) with adults reaching up to 26 metres in length and weighing between 77 and 80 tonnes.

As for its diet, its prey mainly consists of smaller shooling fish, small squid, or crustaceans, including copepods (2mm-long crustaceans) and krill. 

It’s always a surprise to catch a glimpses of these unusual visitors off our beaches, brought by sea conditions: copious rain and storms stimulate a population growth of phytoplankton, which are the basis of the marine food chain.

(News: Herradura, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia – Photo: Buceo La Herradura)

Keywords: Whale, Finback, Crustaceans, Squid, Krill, Common Roqual, Balaenoptera physalus

news, andalucia, granada, costa tropical, herradura, whale, finback, crustaceans, squid, krill, common roqual, balaenoptera physalus

Reader’s comment: “Ban the wretched jet skis – the noisy enjoyment of maybe 20 people a week spoils the peace for 2,000 or more. And the delicate ecosystem of the bay is being damaged, driving away the beautiful marine life.” – Peter Wright

Reader’s comment: “Last week, I had the absolute honor of witnessing whales in our bay — not once, but twice. They were feeding peacefully near Cerro Gordo, likely drawn by a rich school of fish or squid. It was magical… and it reminded me why this bay is so special.

If jet skis had been tearing through the water, this moment would have never happened.
Jet skis are noisy, polluting, and disruptive to marine life. They scare away dolphins, whales, and even the fish that sustain them. They turn a peaceful natural haven into a chaotic playground.

Let’s keep up the pressure to say NO to jet skis in La Herradura Bay.
Let’s protect this calm, sacred space — not just for us, but for the incredible creatures who call it home.

For the whales. For the dolphins. For the future.
#SaveOurBay #NoJetSkis #LaHerradura #ProtectWhatMatters” – Christopher Jenkins