Dolphins spotting

Given the high level of wildlife marine protection of the general Kisite marine park area and Wasini island, its not so surprising that there is such a healthy dolphin protection. Dolphins need food, and they find an abundant source near Shimoni and around the islands. The shallow depths along the shorelines and around the islands are also ideal for certain species that feed ideally in these locations.

Some species of Dolphins are seem more often or in more numbers than others and some are located more in certain areas than others. Most days they are seen either encircling the islands of Penguti or in the inner marine park around the edge of Kisite island. Early mornings and afternoons they are also spotted in the Wasini channel, and it’s quite common to spot them whilst sitting on the verandah at the Shimoni Reef Lodge.

There are principally 5 species of dolphins seen.

Indo pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa Chinensis)
Spotted Dolphin (S.Attentuata)
Common Dolphin (Delphinus Delphis)
Spinner Dolphin (Stenella Longirostris)
Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Aduncus)

Habits:
Dolphins swim in small social groups known as pods. Size of pods range from as little as 3-5 to huge pods of 100 or more. IN the Pemba channel there are pods of up to 400 spinner dolphins. Sometimes different species of dolphins join up and make a “super pod”. A usual pod (except spinner) has 10-25 members. Mothers with calves swim near the center of the pod. Indo pacific groups are even smaller, with 4/5 as an average size. Young males may form their own pod and may be joined by juvenile females. Sometimes adult males may wander off temporarily. Dolphins within the same pod communicate using a series of groans, clicks and whistles.
Feeding:
Dolphins primarily eat fish but will also feed on squid, octopus, crustaceans and shrimp. Some dolphins feed at night and rest in the day and others feed at day time. The only function of their teeth is to catch slippery lively prey before it is swallowed. They find their prey using echolocation (clicking sounds that echo back) and use high pitched pulses of sound to confuse them.

Mating:
This occurs seasonally and is promiscuous in that many males attempt to mate with one female. The gestation period is between 10-12 months during which time the female chooses another suitable 'midwife'. The young are born live, suckle for 14 months, and are ready to eat fish after 3 months
Jumping and splashing (here we add some photos)
There are many reasons and theories behind the playfully antics of a dolphins behavior, and why they jump. Here are some, and we are always welcoming intelligent answers to this question. The type of jumps and potential of each species is very different, but here are some general answers.

  1. The most obvious is because they can, and with their strength it’s a dominant action within a pod to show their power.
  2. To hunt as a pack and surround a school of fish or squid and confuse them with their erratic movements, disappearing from the prey’s radar for a few moments.
  3. To splash back down and remove parasites like remora that has made permanent contact to their skin whilst resting.
  4. To attract the attention of females, especially in conjunction with the action of smacking their tails on the water.
    5. Our behavior around dolphins s
    It really depends on what species and what’s their initial reaction. In general we try not to disturb them, bearing in mind they may be eating or feeding young, and we do not want to create a situation where we are denying them food .a few seconds then suddenly disappear.
    We approach them slowly keeping our distance, gaining their TRUST and appreciating the chance to view these wonderful creatures. Some times they are playful and want to swim in the prow of the boat for a long time, so we will continue to drive on. Other times they will show less interest and dive down when the boats come close. Then we slow down, and wait for further reactions keeping our distance if they come up close to the boats again.
    It is possible to enter the water with dolphins safely, and when we find they are not moving far, we offer this chance to visitors. However in general we do not chase or harass them and allow them to take the initiative. If they swim away we do not continue to pursue them relentlessly.