Common dolphin, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Baleen whale, Beaked whale, Loggerhead turtle
We have recently seen the following whale and dolphin species on our whale watching tours off La Gomera:
- Common dolphin
- Pilot whales (Short-finned pilot whales)
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Beaked whale (unidentified)
- Baleen whale (unidentified)
A rare and very special visitor:
A curious common dolphin accompanied us for a brief moment on its journey into the unknown. Why it was travelling alone remains its secret.
A pod of bottlenose dolphins approached our boat and allowed us a touching glimpse of their baby. One day, we even encountered an offshore group of these impressive dolphins – their powerful, larger bodies and confident demeanour alongside our boat left a lasting impression.
The pilot whales have allowed us to share in their lives particularly frequently in recent weeks. A curious youngster seemed – or so we thought – to have convinced its mother to come closer. When it was finally close to us, it briefly stretched its small body out of the water, as if to take a closer look at us. Then its mother gently pulled it back, and together they swam to the rest of the family.
On some trips, large, dark bodies appeared in the distance – mysterious and, unfortunately, only for a fleeting moment. Were they baleen whales? Or sperm whales?
We also observed beaked whales repeatedly during their brief moments at the surface.
Not all encounters were joyful: once we spotted a dead young pilot whale that its family was still carrying with them – a deeply sad and moving sight.
The sighting rate for the whole period was 96%.
Fotos: Noel Covián, OCEANO Archiv