Dolphins

Dolphins are very common to this area. Large pods are frequently seen in the near-shore environment. Dolphins are actually considered to be toothed whales (Suborder Odontoceti). This is the same classification as killer whales. Killer whales and dolphins use thick blubber to maintain their body temperature, have one blowhole and use echolocation. Echolocation uses bursts of sound that is bounced off of objects, it can be used to determine: size, shape, distance, internal structure, and also to stun prey at close range!

This is a very large pod of common dolphin. For some reason they were really moving on this day. The boat was going at a quick rate just to keep up with the pod.

The same day, notice how many dolphin are breaching.

Note the single blowhole. This is a characteristic of toothed whales.

These dolphin are coming in to “bow ride” with the boat.

Here is a mother and her baby. She may be teaching the baby to “bow ride” here. You can’t get a better seat that this!