26.07.2020 – Ocean children

Among our many guests we occasionally encounter true water people of all ages, that love being both on and in the water. We had a nice group of ocean lovers on our snorkelling tour this morning and their perfect behaviour in the water also prompted the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) to come just a little bit closer. The placid conditions and perfect visibility only complimented this fantastic and flawless encounter, allowing our crew to wrap another snorkelling activity up with a massive smile. Before meeting our snorkelling dolphins, we had the pleasure of encountering a group of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) that gently broke the surface before plunging into the depths to hunt for some squid.

This wonderful morning was succeeded by an equally enjoyable afternoon on our zodiac, which was once again surrounded by spotted dolphins. Both encountered groups were incredibly calm, with some mothers even fearlessly approaching us with their calves. While oceanic dolphin calves tend to stick with their mothers, calves from the blackfish dolphins, such as the pilot whales, are raised by all females in the pod. These different social structures are partial proof of how versatile the cultural lives of these animals are.

Well, a day that ends with a few dolphin calves can only be considered a good day and lately we’ve been lucky to enjoy quite a few of them out on the Atlantic!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins (snorkeling), Short-finned pilot whales

15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins