Discover the magic of Fuerteventura and its rich marine life, where dolphins dance in the waves and offer an unforgettable show. This island is not only a paradise for sun and sea lovers, but also a privileged meeting point for those who wish to connect with marine nature, always with the utmost respect for it.
Types of dolphins in Fuerteventura
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Known for its proximity to the coast and its interaction with humans, the bottlenose dolphin is characterised by its large size, intelligence and playful behaviour. It is easily recognisable by its robust body and curved dorsal.
Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis): This dolphin stands out for its speed and agility in the water, being able to perform spectacular jumps. Its body is slender and has a characteristic colour pattern that makes it easy to identify.
Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus): The Risso’s dolphin is notable for its distinctive appearance, with a more robust body and bulbous head. Their skin, often scarred, tells the story of their interactions and the passage of time.
Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba): This dolphin is named for the striking dark lines that run from the eye to the anus. It is social and can be observed in groups, often interacting with other dolphin species.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis): With a unique spotting pattern that varies from individual to individual, this dolphin is distinguished not only by its beauty but also by its gregarious and acrobatic behaviour.
Spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris): Famous for its spinning jumps out of the water, the spinner dolphin uses these acrobatics not only as a game, but also to communicate and cleanse itself of parasites. Its slender body and long beak are distinctive.
Long-snouted dolphin (Delphinus capensis): Although we have already mentioned a dolphin with spinner-jumping characteristics, it is important to note that the term “long-snouted dolphin” is often confused. To clarify, long-snouted dolphin refers specifically to Stenella frontalis, also known as the Atlantic spotted dolphin, mentioned above, characterised by its spotting pattern and social behaviour.
And as an extra type of species, although it is not characterised as a dolphin, but it is mixed and shares many characteristics with dolphins, including its social nature. The Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) although commonly called pilot whale on our coasts of Fuerteventura, the pilot whale is distinguished by its large size, round head and dark body.
To learn more about these fascinating creatures and experience them up close, discover our specialised Magic and Sailing excursions.
Habitats and behaviour
Fuerteventura’s dolphins enjoy a diverse habitat, from the shallow waters to the impressive underwater canyons that surround the island. They are extremely social beings, often seen working together to hunt or simply enjoying each other’s company. A fascinating behaviour is their use of echolocation to communicate and navigate, a true demonstration of their intelligence.
Best times to see dolphins
Todo el año y en cualquier época se pueden ver a nuestros amigos los delfines por nuestras costas del sur de Fuerteventura, siendo todo el año las condiciones del mar ideales tanto para ellos como para los visitantes. Aunque en meses de invierno donde el agua está un poco más fresquita, la probabilidad de encontrar grupos grandes y juguetones aumenta significativamente.
How to see dolphins in Fuerteventura
Elegir un tour responsable es fundamental. En Magic and Sailing, nos comprometemos con la conservación marina, asegurando que nuestras excursiones no solo sean inolvidables sino también respetuosas con el medio ambiente. Recomendamos siempre mantener una distancia prudente y no intentar tocar a los delfines, respetando su espacio y libertad.
QUIERO UNA EXCURSIÓN PARA VER DELFINES Y BALLENAS EN FUERTEVENTURA
Dolphin conservation
Conservation is a fundamental pillar of dolphin watching. Through responsible practices and education, we can ensure that future generations will also enjoy these encounters. Participating in excursions that support marine life conservation and education is a practical way to contribute.
Fuerteventura offers a unique window into the world of dolphins, where each encounter teaches us more about these extraordinary creatures. By choosing responsible and educational experiences, we contribute to the preservation of their habitat, ensuring that they remain a symbol of the island.
Frequently asked questions
- ¿Es seguro nadar con delfines en Fuerteventura?
- For safety and conservation reasons, we recommend watching the dolphins from a boat. This ensures both your safety and that of the dolphins.
- ¿Cuál es la mejor hora del día para ver delfines?
- All year round and at any time of the year you can see our friends the dolphins on our coasts in the south of Fuerteventura, the sea conditions are ideal for them and for visitors.
- ¿Necesito equipo especial para avistar delfines?
- A good pair of binoculars can enhance your experience, but the most important thing is to choose a good tour, such as those offered by Magic and Sailing.
- ¿Cómo puedo diferenciar entre los tipos de delfines?
- Our expert guides will help you identify the different species during the excursions.
- ¿Qué medidas de conservación puedo apoyar durante mi visita?
- Participating in responsible and educational excursions is an excellent way to contribute to dolphin conservation.
Una de las cualidades que más destacaría sobre mí es el amor por el trabajo en equipo. Reconozco y trabajo incansablemente para que la colaboración y la cooperación sigan siendo fundamentales para el éxito de nuestra empresa, especialmente en el ámbito de la navegación.
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