Stumbling through the waves, peeking above the water, playing with the foam, enjoying their freedom, this is how you will see the dolphins and whales of La Gomera.
The transparent waters, warm temperature, and abundance of food have made La Gomera the chosen place as the regular residence of these marine mammals, hence they can be seen almost every day of the year.
More than 20 species of cetaceans can be seen in its waters, almost one third of the species existing worldwide!
The joy of dolphins around the boat infects those who observe them, their closeness and lack of fear are maintained because the sightings are very respectful. The companies that carry out these excursions in La Gomera have the “blue flag,” an authorization that distinguishes them for complying with the current regulations for respectful observation of cetaceans. And almost 100% of the departures can observe specimens of different species.
But… What are cetaceans exactly?
They are marine mammals, so they are not considered fish, they have to breathe outside the water, although some species can stay up to 1 hour in apnea searching for their food at great depths. They are divided into those with teeth (odontocetes) and those with a beard (mysticetes), but the most known division is between dolphins and whales.
They have a sophisticated system to interpret their environment through sound, echolocation. It is very similar to that of bats, they project a sound wave (vibrations or clicks) that impacts with other objects (rocks, fish, boats) and in their rebound (echo) are interpreted by the animal to know the size, distance, etc.
Those with teeth have a varied diet, including fish, shrimp, octopuses, squids, and those with a beard feed through the filtering of large amounts of water through their mouth, retaining small animals, especially small crustaceans (krill).
How can we see them?
There is a varied offer of companies that offer this activity. Most excursions depart from the port of Vueltas (Valle Gran Rey), there are also departures from Playa Santiago and San Sebastián de La Gomera.
In the “Activities” section of the website www.lagomera.travel, you will find all the information and contact details to book your excursion.
La Gomera, being home to several species of cetaceans with a fixed residence, allows their observation almost all year round. Normally, boats do not need to travel long distances from the coast to ensure a sighting. It is common to see species such as the spotted dolphin, common dolphin, striped dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, rorquals, sperm whales, or pilot whales.
Any advice?
To live this experience, we must equip ourselves properly: wear comfortable clothes and a bathing suit if we want to enjoy the sea, binoculars if we are not prone to seasickness, a cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is also advisable to take some seasickness pills to enjoy the activity without any inconvenience. Some companies offer onboard meals, included in the price.
To capture some good images, it is ideal to wait for the boat to stop or reduce its speed, align the horizon line, observe the position of the sun, and if your camera has the option, choose “sports scenes,” it will allow you to take clear photos in motion.
Is there any regulation?
It is prohibited:
– Swimming with the animals.
– Feeding them.
– Touching them.
– Throwing waste into the water.
– Disturbing them with noise.
Nature, the sea, the sun, free dolphins and whales, combine in an unforgettable experience that will become one of the best memories of your trip to La Gomera.
