15.05.2023 – Their choice

This morning some Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stayed near the coast. They were spread out and otherwise occupied. Many, many, many flying fish sailed across the surface of the sea. What an ingenious trick of nature this sailing talent is. In a clever way, they escape their predator. Even I have never seen so many flying fish on one tour. A Bottlenose dolphin approached us for a brief visit. A group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), however, did not want to be asked and joined us.

It wasn’t easy in the afternoon. Some Striped dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins were extremely reserved. There was no close contact. We had information from our spotter that Melon headed dolphins (Peponocephala electra) or Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) were in our waters. But we didn’t see them. We can do our best to spot marine mammals, the captain can do his best to get close to the animals, but the final decision rests with the dolphins. Even if we like to enable our guests to have an intensive encounter, that wasn’t possible on today’s midday trip.

Click here for our petitions to protect Bottlenose and Striped dolphins in Taiji/Japan: https://www.lobosonda.com/whale-watching/marine-protection/

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

15:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Flying fishes

13:30 Striped dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins