Today we spent the day with common and Atlantic spotted dolphins during both watching and swimming activities.

The common dolphins were in a socializing mood, especially in the morning when we found a group not too far from the Ilhéu of Vila Franca do Campo. They were tight and we could observe lots of body contact, belly up and some aerial behaviour such as headslaps, meaning hitting the head on top of the sea surface once or repeatedly.

 

Common dolphin raising its head during headslap behaviour / Delphinus delphis

 

The Atlantic spotted dolphins were at first hiding and difficult to see, but later in the day they started to be more active closer to the surface, likely in a first stage of cooperative foraging. This is why Cory’s shearwaters seemed to be interested in their movements and started following the dolphins in the eventuality they could take advantage of some tasty snack.

In the group of spotted dolphins we could observe at least a couple of mothers with their newborns and lots of juveniles. A small group of juveniles passed next to the boat showing synchronized chasing movements, which eventually confirmed they were engaged in foraging activity.

 

 

Today’s swim with common dolphins

 

The ocean was definitely full of dolphins today, how about tomorrow? Come and join us to discover it 😉

 

Arianna Cecchetti

About Arianna Cecchetti

Arianna is a Marine Biologist and was Main Guide at TERRA AZUL since 2009, and Technical & Scientific Director until 2018. Originally from Italy, she sees herself more as a world citizen. Arianna deserves the very best, and we hope she can come back to share her passion for the sea with us again.

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