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Dolphin and Whale Spotting in Gibraltar
One great attraction that Gibraltar has is the many historical landmarks
that can be seen in practically every known corner of the city. In fact,
many of these landmarks have very rich and interesting stories behind them
that the Gibraltar government has spent millions to reconstruct them so
that they can become favorite tourist destinations of both local and
foreign visitors. Fortunately for Gibraltar, the government, to a great
extent, has succeeded in this aspect.
Still, the city does not only boast of historic landmarks and structures.
It has actually lots more to offer. The many beaches situated in various
centers of the town are fine examples. Its enchanting waters and amazing
backdrops have likewise attracted a great number of tourists from all
around the world.
Admittedly, the waters of Gibraltar have attracted mostly surfers and
beach lovers. However, there is also another side of the waters that is
equally attractive and is actually enjoying brisk business — dolphin
spotting.
Wildlife in Gibraltar
Plant and animal life flourish quite extensively in Gibraltar, with
some species considered to be entirely unique to the place. Examples
of these are the CandyTuft and the Sea Lavender, rare flower species
that exist in Gibraltar along with the more common flower types like
bougainvillea, palms, and geraniums.
In terms of animal life, there are the Barbary Monkeys, the Barbary
Partridges and several other bird species living on land, while in the
Gibraltar seas, there are the dolphins and the whales, apart from the
many other varieties of fish and marine life that have found Gibraltar
waters a suitable habitat.
Collectively, these plants and animal species have become bywords
among many foreign tourists and have greatly contributed to the
continuously growing tourism industry of Gibraltar. Indeed, the town
has been blessed with a rich and diverse collection of both plants and
animals that has made the place a virtual paradise.
The Dolphins of Gibraltar
The waters of Gibraltar, specifically, its bay and its strait, are
quite unique because it is situated in an area that can be easily
accessed by many West European visitors. Yet, apart from the natural
splendor of the waters, what further attracts many guests here are the
marine animals that reside herein, notably the dolphins and the
whales. In fact, Gibraltar Bay and Gibraltar Strait are known as
natural breeding grounds for several dolphin types. It comes but
naturally that the dolphin population here is quite large. Yet, this
significant fact is not well known to many people. Nevertheless, for
those who do know this, dolphin-watching in Gibraltar is one activity
that they can certainly enjoy quite tremendously.
Ostensibly, the favorable climate that pervades in Gibraltar waters
has enticed dolphins and other similar animals to regularly come to
the place, even making it their virtual residence, where they are able
to find rich sources of food like sardines, squids, flying fish,
anchovies, and herrings.
Dolphin and Man
For some reasons, humans have shown great affection for dolphins, and this
is not entirely surprising. This is because dolphin and man both belong to
the same general classification — mammal. As such, they both share several
special characteristics not normally found among other animals. Two of
these characteristics are quite noticeable — sociability and intelligence.
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Just like man, dolphins are known to be quite sociable, which means they
prefer being in groups that can range from a small trio to as big as a
hundred. Seldom do they spend their time alone and often work together,
making use of an elaborate system of cooperation and organization. In
practically every important area of their lives, they can be seen trying
to lend a helping hand, or fin, such as in gathering food, going to sleep,
in taking care of a sick member, and even in helping a female dolphin give
birth.
Another characteristic common between man and dolphin is intelligence.
While it may not be as equal as that of man, dolphin intelligence is still
quite high, and definitely more superior over other species. One can see
this in their hunting for food, which they do so in a very organized
fashion. Observers once saw a huge school of garfish caught into a small
circle by a school of dolphins composed of about twelve members. The
dolphins were observed taking turns swimming through the garfish at very
high speed, eventually catching a few of these before the dolphins come
out on the opposite end of the circle.
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Another good example of the level of intelligence of dolphins is by
observing them catch another good food source — the flying fish. Observe
how the hunting for such a food can turn into a good and clean contest
among the dolphins, an activity that ultimately aids in their development
as mammal.
One observer also told the story of about 50 dolphins that he once saw in
Gibraltar Bay taking turns racing around a large circle, in what appeared
to be some sort of a contest. The contest lasted for about an hour, with
the dolphins looking like they are having loads of fun amidst all the
splashing and leaping. While the activity may look nothing more than a
simple play, still, it required a certain amount of mental inspiration to
see it through, something that other species, except for man, is not known
to possess or at least develop.
Also, the activity appeared to point out the path where intelligence among
dolphins is generally directed, which is enjoyment. Take note though that
the enjoyment does not necessarily result in getting some physical reward,
but is rather achieved through some mental satisfaction and in many cases,
also carry a humorous aspect.
Still, the best measure of intelligence among dolphins is their ability to
adjust to an ever-changing environment. They appear to be always ready to
help others who are in obvious danger, an indication that there is social
obligation among them. There have been various accounts of injured
dolphins being helped out by others of its kind, bringing them to the
surface so they can breathe.
This obligation though is not limited among dolphins only. It extends to
other animals as well, especially humans, and there have been many real
cases of dolphins coming to the aid of man who may have unfortunately met
danger while in the water. Stories abound as well about dolphins helping
out man in his fishing ventures. So the many accounts in the movies where
dolphins come out as heroes are not entirely based on fiction alone.
Dolphin Facts
Admittedly, dolphin and man share several non-physical features that have
made them at ease whenever they are brought together. Yet, dolphins also
possess certain qualities that are uniquely their own that have made them
such fascinating mammals. For instance, they are known to be quite capable
of diving to as deep as 280 meters, and even stay in that same depth for
as long as eight minutes without ever breathing. They are also known to
swim at speeds of between 30-40 miles an hour, although this usually
depends on the dolphin species.
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Dolphins also have a unique way of finding food. They make use of sonar
very much similar to those used by bats. A series of squeaks is emitted,
after which, the dolphin waits for an echo. The length of time that the
echo returned and the direction from where it came from then becomes the
basis of the dolphin as to where and how far possible food is located.
Additionally, dolphins have the ability to vary intensity and the
frequency of the sounds that they produce so they could determine the
size, the shape, and the density of the food that they are scanning.
The sounds produced by dolphins, however, are not only intended for
purposes of searching for food. It is also used quite extensively as a
means of communication between individual members of the group, which is
essential, especially during times when one member accidentally strays
away from the pack. |
Dolphin-Watching in Gibraltar
The set of rare qualities that dolphins possess have quite naturally
endeared themselves to man. Still, dolphins are mammals that are not quite
easy to find, and if one wishes to see dolphins at their greatest possible
number and at the same time, showcasing the best of what they can offer,
then the best place to go is Gibraltar Strait. While the place is a
crucial connecting area between the Mediterranean and the other key areas
of the globe, what many fail to realize is the fact that Gibraltar Strait,
despite having only a width of about 13 miles, is actually an area where
dolphins continuously pass by, with the greatest concentration usually
observed between the months of November and January.
The same period also happens to be the time in Gibraltar when owners of
several guided boat trips see their businesses rising tremendously.
Tourists, both local and foreign, often include a short dolphin-watching
tour in their itinerary and will most likely take one of the many guided
tours available in the city.
Nevertheless, if one wishes to go dolphin-watching in Gibraltar during the
non-peak months, it would still be a wise decision as one can still have
good views of the dolphins who never really leave the area for long
periods of time. Additionally, the guided tours operate daily, leaving the
various Gibraltar marinas always on schedule.
Quite obviously, guided tours are the most effective and enjoyable way to
see the dolphins up close. They also happen to be one way of getting to
observe these mammals move around naturally in their habitat without
causing them any disturbance. Ideally, the use of binoculars, dashed with
a bit of patience, will reward an eager visitor with a spectacular view of
several small dolphins playfully jumping out of Gibraltar waters.
Incidentally, Gibraltar dolphins happen to come in three distinct types
namely, the Common Dolphins, the Bottle-Nosed Dolphins, and the Striped
Dolphins.
The Common Dolphin
Gibraltar plays host to about 200 Common Dolphin species. These particular
dolphin type is sometimes called Saddle Back Dolphin because it appears as
if its back is carrying a saddle that has been hung over it. Actually, the
’saddle’ is the color of its back, which ranges from dark gray to a shade
of brown.
Common Dolphins measure anywhere between seven and eight feet long, with a
weight of about 180 pounds. Their life span is about 25 years, feeding
largely on a diet of sardines, herrings, and sprats, of which they are
capable of consuming about ten pounds daily.
Common Dolphins are known to swim quite fast, averaging over 40 miles an
hour, despite the medium-sized lateral fins that they have and a dorsal
fin mainly re-curved halfway to the back. Their nose, meanwhile, is quite
prominent, coupled with an underside known to be colored pale gray.
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Common Dolphins are popular fixtures in
Gibraltar Bay, which they seem to find as good areas as
nursery schools. This is because sights of Common Dolphin
mothers accompanying their babies are quite common. Usually,
when the baby dolphin rises to the surface in order to
breathe, the mother dolphin will be following by quite
closely.
The Bottle-Nosed Dolphin
The bottle-nosed dolphin is perhaps the most popular dolphin
of all with its large exposure on TV and on film. It
measures from nine to twelve feet long and weighs
approximately 400 pounds. |
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The bottle-nosed dolphin has an average 25-year life span, and at its
prime, it can swim to as fast as 30 miles an hour. Its most prominent
feature is its beak, shaped like a bottle, hence its name, and its
re-curved dorsal fin.
The appetite of the bottle-nosed dolphin is not very picky and is known to
eat practically any variety of small fish available. However, it does have
the capability of consuming as much as 25 pounds of fishes a day.
The Striped Dolphin
Quite similar to Common Dolphins, the Striped Dolphin, however, tends to
be a little more slender with its weight of only about 150 pounds and a
length measuring six to eight feet long.
Like the other types, the Striped Dolphin likewise has a 25-year life span
and a swimming speed of over 30 miles an hour. Its color is almost
completely dark, especially its back. The underside, however, does carry a
lighter color and usually separated from the top by a dark line that runs
from the eye of the dolphin all the way to the vent. It is based on this
long prominent line that the Striped Dolphin has earned its name.
The Striped Dolphin is quite common in Gibraltar Bay, rivaling the
presence of the Common Dolphin. Here, they find rich sources of their main
foods which are shrimps and sardines.
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