Dolphins on 1st Whalewatch Explorer

2008's first Whalewatch was off to a cold start with northerly
winds and lumpy seas, but a group of 4 bottlenose dolphins saved the day!

We started the morning heading for reliable feeding grounds off Ardnamurchan
Peninsula, but the remains of the previous days gales got the better of us
and we took refuge in the Sound of Mull. No porpoise was to be seen despite
the conditions improving, but then the dolphins appeared and lifted
our spirts!

The small pod were immediately curious of Sula Beag and her
passengers, and we were able to put the hydrophone in the water and listen
to their numerous echolocation clicks and whistles while they surfaced lazily
beside us.

After lunch in Loch Drum Na Buie we found them again playing with a local
dive boat. Conditions were great by this time and the sun had even come out!
We were able to observe them flipping fish from the water, leaping into the
air and swimming upside down in front of the boat. The dolphins moved away
of their own accord and we said goodbye, but 30 mins later as we entered
Tobermory bay they appeared again!! And escorted us right into the pontoon,
and promptly leaving once we had tied up!

An incredible day for all concerned and a great start to the 2008 season.

Lewis Drysdale

Skipper