Dolphins eat at least 9kgs of fish every day and thus need to live near a good supply of food and spend 75% of the time looking for food. Some of the dolphins we find have made their home around the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park which consists three islands all encircled by coral reefs. Here there is an abundance of fish and seafood. Dolphins are seen on most days but as they are wild animals sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Species of dolphin most often sighted:

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis):

A distinctive dolphin with a characteristic, thickened ridge on middle of back with a small, pointed dorsal fin. They are shy, and stay close to the shoreline and around mangroves. They are seen less often.

Spotted Dolphin (S.attentuata):

Curved, robust dorsal fin and long, dark beak with white lips. Body dark grey with numerous white spots, particularly on sides and lower parts; juveniles without spots. Common, having made the Kisite/ Mpunguti area their home.

Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis):

Slender with a robust body with sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Body black on the back from beak to midway between dorsal fin and flukes, with distinctive hour-glass pattern of yellow brown and grey on flanks.Sides of tail stocks greyish white. Known for riding waves of boats for pleasure and may do so for hours. Also frequently leap into the air.

Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris):

Long dark beaks and slim tapered body. Grey upper body, pale grey to white underneath, and a dark patch encircling the eye which extends to the to the tip of beak. Often in very large numbers of up to 1000 and are happy to swim at the bow of the dhows. Spinner dolphins are so named as they leap and spin out of the water. They are always fast movers.

Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus):

The largest of the dolphins. Beak short and stout with crease where it meets the forehead. Body grey above, with white belly, paler but spotted underside. thick head and body that tapers to the flukes beginning behind thier dorsal fins. Average in the pod is 25. Most playful of dolphin families and often approach diver underwater.

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. A usual pod has 10-25 members. Mothers with calves swim near the center of the pod. 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. The only function of their teeth is to catch slippery lively prey before it is swallowed. They find their prey using ecolocation (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

WHALES:

Short Finned Pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhyncus): Narrow body with bulbous head. Body uniformly dark with lighter saddle on back behind dorsal fin, and a light patch on belly. Can be confused with false killer whale.

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae):

A really special treat!!!
Always seen on a seasonal basis between July to October. They are the most acrobatic of all whale species and are often seen breaching (lunging out of the water). These magnificent gentle giants are on their migratory path heading south. A mother calling her calf can be heard for miles in underwater!
Rounded body, massive head with protruberances. Dark grey to black. Characteristic humped back and tail flukes visible when diving.

WHALE SHARKS (Rhincodon typus):

We have had incredibly frequent sightings over the last two years on a regular basis. Though
these creatures are normally seasonal we have been seeing them every month between July to April! Peak sightings are December to February.

Interaction

Like all wild animals, dolphins, whales and whale sharks are unpredictable. They may spend many minutes in surface waters or may be seen for a few seconds then suddenly disappear.

We are careful not to disturb them as, after all, we are in their territory and must treat them with RESPECT. We approach them slowly keeping our distance, gaining their TRUST and appreciating the chance to view these wonderful creatures. The captain's considerate boat driving is also important.

As members of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and International Dolphin Watch we ensure that we follow their CODE OF CONDUCT when encountering these wonderful creatures of the wild:

Do not chase or harass. Allow them to take the initiative. If they swim away do not continue to pursue them.

Do not crowd around them. If more than two boats we move away.

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. We maintain our boat in neutral.

Take special care when young are present.

When feeding or mating we keep our distance and observe quietly.

We move away if we notice any signs of distress.