We started out sightings with a large, spread out pod of Atlantic white sided dolphins! These dolphins were very "low profile", barely making a splash when they surfaced. There must have been at least 200 dolphins in the group which spread out for over a mile! Then, much to our surprise, right in the middle of the dolphin pod, we noticed a different kind of dorsal fin. It was an ocean sunfish, also called the Mola mola (scientific name)! This was our first Mola sighting all year!! Molas are the largest species of bony fish (some cartilage fish/sharks are larger) and can weigh over 1000 pounds and grow up to 10 feet in diameter! Our fish was a bit smaller, but still fun to watch.
Ocean sunfish, also called Mola molaAs we watched the dolphins and sunfish, several fin whales and a humpback whale were very close by. We spent some time with Tigris, a male humpback whale, and then tried to catch up with some of the fin whales. All the whales were seemingly behaving the same: up for just a couple breaths, and then right back down on a deep dive, making them a bit difficult to get near. We did manage to get several great looks:
Humpback named Tigris
Fin whale divingOn the way home, we encounted the dolphins again. This time they were a bit more active and seemed to enjoy playing in our wake as we left!
Atlantic white sided dolpin jumping through the wakeKeep in touch!
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1 comment:
an awesome experience. it lived up to our expectations and excitement. the sheer number of dolphins was amazing. the whales were very cooperative. the staff and crew made the trip very special. i highly recommend this trip !
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