DOLPHINS

 

As mammals, Dolphins suckle their young with milk and breathe air. Two species of Dolphin can be found in Tofo: the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and the indo-pacific Humpbacked Dolphin (Sousa chinensis). Sightings are year round, as they are resident in southern Mozambique. 

The Bottlenose Dolphins are very curious  towards  humans  both  in  and  near  the  water

and  also  a  very intelligent species. They  use  sonar  to  detect  with  precision  the  size,

distance and location of objects, which they rely on for  hunting.  When  sleeping, they rest

only half of their brain at a time to allow them to  surface  for  air  and  they  keep  one  eye

open  at  all  times  to  detect  predators.  Slapping  their  heads  or tail flukes on the water

are examples  of  communicative  behaviours  often  seen  during  our  Ocean/Bio  safaris.

They are fast swimmers and usually sighted in large groups.

The  Humpback Dolphins got their name from their elongated dorsal fins with a noticeable

hump,  which arises from the accumulation of fat tissue on their backs as they age.

These  dolphins  are  much  less  social  than  the Bottlenose, showing up in much smaller

groups  and  often  diving  or  swimming  off  as soon as they detect the boat. Although an

encounter  with  this  species  is  more  difficult,  both  species  have  been seen riding the

waves almost into shore and playing at the bows of diving and fishing boats. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT AN ENCOUNTER WITH DOLPHINS CAN NEVER BE GUARANTEED ON A PARTICULAR OCEAN SAFARI OR DIVE!! This is what makes the wild so special; every day is just unique!