Part 1 - The Best Dolphin Watching Moments of 2024
Another year full of unforgettable adventures on Bolhas Tours' daily dolphin watching trips in Sesimbra.
Nestled in the Arrábida Mountains and facing south, the town of Sesimbra benefits from the natural protection of this impressive mountain range, which shields it from the prevailing north and northwesterly winds that typically affect the Portuguese coast. This privileged location provides ideal conditions for boat trips and is an excellent starting point for dolphin and whale watching tours throughout the year.
This first section highlights the most remarkable moments of 2024, showcasing the main species of dolphins sighted, along with testimonials from our friends around the world who have joined us on these daily expeditions.
So far, over 200 dolphin and whale watching tours have taken place in Sesimbra. During these excursions, we've sighted 6 species of dolphins (common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, Iberian orca, and pilot whale) and 2 species of whales (fin whale and Bryde's whale).
The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) continues to be the most frequently sighted species on our boat trips. Known for its acrobatic feeding displays, the common dolphin consistently surprises everyone on board with its curiosity and speed, reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour. Its striking coloration, with a unique pattern of yellow, grey/black, and white, is mesmerizing. It is also the only tri-colored dolphin in the world. During spring and summer, large groups of common dolphins are often seen hunting in impressive feeding frenzies, accompanied by various pelagic birds such as Balearic shearwaters (Puffinus mauretanicus), Cory´s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis), and Northern gannets (Morus bassanus), among others. These birds and dolphins share the waters of the Professor Luís Saldanha Marine Park, creating a symbiotic spectacle during this period.
The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been spotted on nearly 70% of our daily outings to date. This species, which can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh around 600 kg, is known for its shy nature. However, when it feels comfortable, it often approaches our boats with great curiosity. Bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent and form strong family bonds within their groups. This year, groups of coastal bottlenose dolphins, often numbering more than 50 individuals, have been seen along the Arrábida coast. Juveniles, in particular, have been very interactive, frequently approaching the boats and performing large leaps out of the water.
The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) are less commonly spotted off the coast of Sesimbra, making each encounter with these species a memorable experience. The striped dolphin is easily identified by the black stripe running along its body, while Risso’s dolphins stand out due to their lighter (whitish) coloration in adults and the unique scars they acquire as they age. Risso’s dolphins tend not to interact much with boats, so we always make sure to maintain a respectful distance when we spot them. This year, large groups of striped dolphins were observed in the summer months, while smaller groups of one or two individuals were seen hunting alongside common dolphins.
The Iberian orca (Orcinus orca) is a unique subpopulation of Orcas that feeds exclusively on bluefin tuna and are present only in the Iberian Peninsula coast. Its migratory route is closely tied to the tuna’s movements, spanning from the Strait of Gibraltar to northern Spain, along the entire western coast of Portugal. In recent years, some individuals from this subpopulation, known as the “Gladis” orcas, have interacted with boats, particularly sailing vessels. Sightings require certain precautions, such as slowing down and cutting the engine. This year, we were fortunate to observe these apex predators hunting on July 19th (6 individuals) and September 29th (7 individuals).
The pilot whale (Globicephala melas) was observed on Bolhas Tours boat tours in 2022 and 2023 in August, but this year observations of this species occurred only in September. We witnessed a fascinating behavior called “spy-hopping,” where the whales project their heads vertically out of the water to observe their surroundings. As the name suggests, pilot whale groups are led by a dominant individual, or "pilot," who guides the others during migrations. In more tropical regions of the Atlantic, strandings of this species have been linked to atypical oceanographic conditions, meteorological variations, geomagnetic disturbances, and disorientation of the leader.
Among all the species described, the common dolphin was the most frequently observed, with a 100% success rate across all our tours. The bottlenose dolphin closely followed, with sightings on 70% of our daily outings throughout 2024.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the active participation of our visitors, whose presence not only enriches their experiences but also contributes to a better understanding of this unique ecosystem in Portugal. At Bolhas Tours, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation and respecting the natural habitats of these incredible mammals, always emphasizing the need for their preservation.
