
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Santa Cruz, Canary Islands, Spain
1. Loro Parque
An interactive zoo showcasing exotic parrots and orcas in impressive exhibits. Enjoy the world-famous dolphin and orca shows.
- Exotic Parrot Collection: Boasts one of the largest collections of exotic parrots from all around the world.
- Dolphin and Orca Shows: Known for its captivating dolphin and orca shows demonstrating their intelligence and agility.
- Interactive Experiences: Provides visitors with unique opportunities to learn about the animals through interactive experiences.
2. Monte Igueldo
A beautiful nature reserve on a hill overlooking San Sebastian. It's home to a variety of birds and wildlife.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Bay of Biscay.
- Bird Watching: Ideal for birdwatching with a variety of native species present.
- Historic Funicular: Accessible via a historic funicular railway, adding to the attraction's charm and historical value.
3. La Orota
A protected natural space in Santa Cruz with a diverse range of flora and fauna. It's perfect for hiking and wildlife observation.
- Hiking Trails: Offers well-marked hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe various species of local wildlife, including the Cantabrian brown bear.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning landscapes with rivers, forests, and mountain vistas.
4. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve where you can observe a wide variety of birdlife, including storks and cranes.
- UNESCO Designation: Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing its global importance for biodiversity.
- Wetland Birds: Famous for the rich diversity of wetland birds such as storks and cranes.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help visitors make the most of their wildlife viewing experiences.
5. Itzurun Beach
A scenic beach that's home to a colony of common guillemots. Observe these fascinating seabirds up close.
- Guillemot Colony: Home to a large colony of common guillemots, a unique attraction for birdwatchers.
- Scenic Beach: A picturesque beach offering beautiful coastal views and opportunities for relaxation.
- Nature-Based Activities: Provides a variety of nature-based activities, such as guided birdwatching tours.
6. Sagres Island
An uninhabited island with a rich marine ecosystem. It's ideal for snorkeling and diving to observe the diverse sealife.
- Marine Ecosystem: Hosts an abundant and diverse marine ecosystem with many opportunities for exploration.
- Uninhabited Island: An unspoiled, uninhabited island perfect for a day trip away from the city.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities to observe the rich sealife around the island.
7. Ajabengo Natural Park
A tranquil natural park with diverse habitats, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.
- Diverse Habitats: Features various habitats including forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife such as deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.
- Hiking Trails: Provides well-marked hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
8. Zarautz Beach and Dune Nature Reserve
A long sandy beach and nature reserve where you can observe various bird species, including sea eagles.
- Sea Eagle Observation: Ideal for observing sea eagles and other coastal bird species.
- Nature Reserve: A protected nature reserve that ensures the preservation of its unique ecosystem.
- Long Sandy Beach: Offers a long sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities.
9. Getaria-San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
A scenic coastal hike leading to a medieval church on an islet. The route is home to seabirds and other wildlife.
- Coastal Hike: Features a stunning coastal hike with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Seabirds and Wildlife: Home to various seabird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Historical Landmark: Visit the medieval church on an islet, adding historical and cultural value to your journey.
10. Ayala Harbour Bird Sanctuary
A coastal sanctuary with a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins and cormorants.
- Seabirds: Home to various species of seabirds, including puffins and cormorants.
- Coastal Sanctuary: A protected coastal sanctuary that ensures the preservation of its unique ecosystem.
- Scenic Coastline: Boasts a beautiful scenic coastline perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
11. Pasaia Marine-Terrestrial Nature Reserve
A coastal reserve offering opportunities to observe a variety of marine and terrestrial wildlife.
- Marine and Terrestrial Wildlife: Offers opportunities to observe diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife.
- Coastal Reserve: A protected coastal reserve that ensures the preservation of its unique ecosystem.
- Scenic Coastline: Features a stunning scenic coastline perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
12. Zumaya Dunes Natural Park
A sandy dune system with diverse habitats, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.
- Hiking Trails: Provides well-marked hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Diverse Habitats: Features various habitats including dunes, forests, and wetlands.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife such as foxes, deer, and various bird species.
13. Aia Etxebarria Natural Park
A park with a diverse ecosystem featuring forests, meadows, and wetlands. Ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.
- Diverse Ecosystem: Features various habitats including forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Hiking Trails: Provides well-marked hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife such as deer, foxes, and various bird species.
14. Mt. Arkale Natural Park
A forested mountain park with diverse wildlife and scenic views.
- Diverse Wildlife: Hosts a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Hiking Trails: Provides well-marked hiking trails suitable for all skill levels.
15. Sobrado Reyes Natural Park
A coastal park with diverse habitats and opportunities to observe various bird species.
- Diverse Habitats: Features various habitats including forests, meadows, and wetlands.
- Birdwatching: Ideal for birdwatching with a variety of native species present.
- Scenic Coastline: Boasts a beautiful scenic coastline perfect for nature lovers and photographers.