Welcome AuGust!
Circle swimming with the local #dolphinsofpopnta!
This morning the onshore was already starting to puff by the time we pushed in for our first encountour of the morning and although pleasant, the wind was set in for the day!
On our sunrise encountour - after a quick sighting of a humpback whale offshore heading south; we headed north along backline keeping eyes peeled!
Kitting up and getting ready to slip into the water with our dolfriends.
As we cruised through the next bay some fins were observed as well as sleek, silver bullet like bodies bolting themselves out the surf.. The Dolphins of Ponta had been spotted living it up in the waves; making it difficult for the boat to get close!
With that in mind the dolphin team decided to wait it out and see if any dolfriends would approach. Indeed they did and soon after slipping in we were greeted by a small group of young sub-adult females including Beijo (Portuguese for Kiss - she has interesting scar tissue on her rostrum) @01:42 who were keen for a visit.
Video: Sunrise Encountour
9am Encountour
Our second encountour of the day observed a large pod of some 40 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in our home bay with adult male Skellitor and some mums and babes including Blossom! By now the wind had picked up and our dolfriends were using the surface swell to cruise steadily south with a number of individuals making their way to the bow for a free ride!
In-water we were greeted by Beijo @2:06min and the same females who were seen some 2.5hrs before in the next bay! During the course of the morning, her pod of young ladies had merged with this larger pod and although most of the pod were travel resting, she and the girls slowed to engage, allowing everyone to get an up-close look at her and her girlfriends.
Dolphin smiles and sunny skies - Beijo, a sub adult female with healed scar tissue
Today we say farewell to volunteer Laure who spent just short of a month with us. Once more it was a pleasure having her on project assisting with both data and community education! Laure’s last launches were filled with circle swims and direct re-approaches by the same females who, clearly by now know her.
Dolphins joining the bow of our boat Avalon
It was a fantastic morning at sea, sadly we had to cancel our last encountour due to choppy seas, however are grateful that we were able to sprinkle some dolphin magic into the lives of those who joined us! Thank you to our guests for your support, without you we would not be doing what we love most!
Video highlights:
Pooh-plume @01:23min
Whale whispers @ 02:50min
Please feel free to post your comments below, like and share.
Did you know you can adopt a Dolphin of Ponta through the Society for Dolphin Conservation - Germany www.delphinschutz.org. By adopting a family line you directly assist in research and conservation of the local dolphins!
