Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales, Spotted dolphins, Beaked whales, Loggerhead turtle
We have recently seen the following whale and dolphin species on our whale watching tours off La Gomera:
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Pilot whales (Short-finned pilot whales)
- Beaked whales (unidentified)
April bids us farewell with some unforgettable encounters: bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins and pilot whales accompanied us on our trips.
After a long time, the bottlenose dolphins were spotted close to the coast off Valle Gran Rey again – apparently in the middle of their morning hunt for food. On two occasions, we observed one of them actually carrying its prey in its mouth, as can be seen in some of the photos. Unfortunately, it was not possible to determine exactly what the prey was. Near our boat, they also displayed impressive jumping skills. Were they simply playing – or perhaps trying to get rid of pesky boaters?
Numerous spotted dolphins joined our boat. Curious and full of energy, they swam alongside us and played boisterously in the bow wave – a fascinating spectacle.
We encountered four beaked whales on one of our last tours. Here too, you need even more luck than usual to spot them – to be in the right place at the right time – as they spend only a few minutes at the surface before diving back into the depths of the sea.
These days we usually encountered pilot whales far to the south of the island. Were they perhaps on their way to meet up with other families? There is still much we do not know about them – and that is precisely what makes every encounter so special.
The sighting rate for the entire period is 84%.
Fotos: Noel Covián, OCEANO Archiv