Gibraltar Monkeys: How to see safely

Gibraltar is a popular Mediterranean cruise port known for its Barbary Apes that live on the Rock.

I’ve visited a couple of times on cruises and have compiled this simple guide to help you to see these Gibraltar monkeys safely.

Gibraltar Monkeys

The Gibraltar Barbary Macaques are well-known residents of Gibraltar. There is estimated to be around 300 of them living in Gibraltar and are the only wild monkey population in Europe.

Gibraltar monkeys

There is sometimes a debate about whether they are monkeys or apes as they are often referred to as Barbary Apes, but they are in fact monkeys.

The Gibraltar monkeys originate from Morocco but with only 9 miles of water (Strait of Gibraltar) dividing the two places, it’s no surprise that they managed to make their way to Gibraltar.

Where to see Gibraltar Monkeys

The main place to see the monkeys is Gibraltar Rock. The monkeys do sometimes venture into the town but you are likely to see most at the top of the Rock. The base of the Rock is in easy walking distance from the cruise port (around 15 to 20 minutes walk).

You shouldn’t go to the top just for the monkeys. From the peak, you can look down over the town below, North towards Sierra Nevada, East over the Mediterranean Sea and South across the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa.

This gives you quite a unique view of two continents, three countries and the meeting point of two great bodies of water: the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

You can also get a good view of your cruise ship in port from the ‘Top of the Rock’.

Gibraltar cruise port from top of the rock

You can download an app on your phone in advance of your trip, which offers a multimedia tour once you get to the top. Search for ‘CityGuide Gibraltar’ in your mobile phone’s app store. WiFi is free to access at the top of the rock.

There are a few ways to reach the top of Gibraltar Rock:

  • Cable car (aerial tramway)
  • Taxi tour
  • Walking

Gibraltar Cable Car

The cable car is the most popular way to reach the summit of Gibraltar Rock. I would recommend booking your tickets in advance as most of your fellow cruise passengers are likely to be heading in the same direction as you.

It’s open seven days a week from 9.30am to 5.15pm, with the final car descending at 5.45pm. The cable car only takes 6 minutes to scale the Rock, 412 metres above sea level.

At the time of writing, the cable car is not accessible for wheelchair users. There are future plans in place to construct a new accessible cable car, including base and top station.

There is a mid-station close to the Ape’s Den but if you’re visiting between April and October, the cable car will not stop there. Instead, you’ll be taken straight to the top and you are able to walk down to see the monkeys.

Taxi Tour

From the cruise terminal, you’ll be able to pick up tours of the main sights, including the Rock to see the monkeys.

During the summer months, when it’s busier, it’s advisable to book a taxi tour in advance with Gibraltar Taxi Association.

Walking Gibraltar Rock

It is possible to walk to the top of the Rock using steep roads and steps. It can take around two hours but there are several places to stop, take a breath, and enjoy the views.

There is a £13 fee per adult to enter the Nature Reserve to see the monkeys at Ape’s Den. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance to allow entry between 9.30am and 7.15pm.

Main Monkey Hangouts

At the Top of the Rock, you can enjoy the views before walking down the path to a feeding station.

Food is left here for the Macaques but on our visit in the morning there weren’t many around.

Gibraltar monkey feeding station

You can carry on following the road down hill where more monkeys can be found. They perch themselves on the walls, fence posts, around the old buildings or simply in the middle of the road!

Gibraltar monkey
baby monkey

You can follow a footpath that leads to Ape’s Den. Although the Macaques are not apes and it’s strictly not a ‘den’, it’s where many of them hang out.

Ape's den
Ape’s Den photo: Visit Gibraltar

Keeping Safe

It’s important to remember that the Gibraltar Macaques are wild animals and can be unpredictable at times. There are few things to remember, to stay safe:

  • Walk slowly and do not make any sudden movements that could frighten the monkeys
  • Do not take food with you (even if it’s not on show, the monkeys are likely to sniff it out)
  • This means you shouldn’t feed them either (it’s illegal)
  • Do not approach the monkeys or make them feel cornered
  • Do not touch them, however cute they look, they aren’t pets!
  • The monkeys have learnt that bags = food, so if possible do not take a bag with you as this may lead to inquisitive monkeys jumping on your back or stealing your belongings
  • Recognise the warning signs: if a macaque looks at you with pouting lips and raised eyebrows it means ‘back-off’
  • Avoid leaning on walls or railings, where it is easier for the Macaques to jump on you
  • The best thing to do is keep a safe distance
  • Staying safe when visiting the monkeys, also means no need to visit the hospital or ship’s medical centre – which can be costly. Scratched and bites can be nasty and require a Tetanus injection.
Gibraltar Rock

Tips for visiting Gibraltar

Having visited Gibraltar, I have a few recommendations on how to enjoy your visit and make the most of your time in port.

Book your cable car tickets in advance and get off the ship early to avoid queuing. You can see the Macaques and still have time to do other things such as visit the World War II Tunnels or Europa Point.

Walking down the main street in Gibraltar is like finding yourself in a typical UK high street.

The one bonus is the duty-free shopping. If you plan to pick up anything during your cruise, Gibraltar is great place to do it.

The main square in Gibraltar is called Casemates Square. Here you will find some cafes to stop and enjoy a bite to eat or drink.

The currency is British Sterling (£) but Euros are also accepted in most places. If you receive change in Gibraltar pounds, make sure you use them before leaving as they’re difficult to exchange at home.

A guide to visiting the Gibraltar monkeys at the Top of the Rock, including safety advice, how to get there and where the monkeys hang out!
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Laura
Laura

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food.
Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados
Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

Find me on: Twitter/X

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9 Comments

  1. July 30, 2020 / 6:29 pm

    I am absolutely in love with monkies. This would be such a cool thing to do while in port. By going to the top of the Gilbralter Rock you not only get to see the monkies but also views of the city and cruise port. I always carry my backpack with me when I am in port. I guess it would be a good idea to leave it behind when visiting Gilbralter.

    • cruiselifestyle
      Author
      July 31, 2020 / 6:54 am

      Yes the view is equally as good as seeing the monkeys but backpacks = food in the monkey’s head! We did see one jump on a ladies head when we were there.

  2. Michelle
    August 2, 2020 / 2:41 pm

    What great tips. I would love to see these. Although, I don’t know how I would feel if one got on me. LOL!

    • cruiselifestyle
      Author
      August 4, 2020 / 7:46 pm

      Yes I was happy to watch other people get jumped on but I’d be scared 😧

  3. August 2, 2020 / 8:37 pm

    I’m dying to get to Gibraltar one day. These are awesome tips, I’m glad that I know about the types of things that need to be booked in advance!

  4. August 4, 2020 / 6:54 pm

    This is so cool! I didn’t know this was the only wild monkey population in Europe. Would LOVE to visit and see them one day 🙂

  5. Kiara Williams
    August 7, 2020 / 1:27 am

    I always love to see the animals that are around the area that I’m traveling in. So thanks for the post.

  6. August 7, 2020 / 1:20 pm

    I’ve visited Gibraltar and, of course, went up the mountain to see the monkeys. So cute! However, I didn’t know they came from Morocco. Makes total sense since it’s just about 17 short kilometers. Gibraltar’s status is still one of these administrative curiosities 😀

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