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One of the big attractions now for tourists from Majorca hotelsis going on a dolphin and whale watching cruise from the port of Majorca. The warm waters around this Balearic Island attract a host of different fish species which are the food for dolphins and whales. Three companies operate out of Majorca offering these dolphin and whale watching cruises which are informative, educational and provide fantastic photo opportunities. These cruises have become very popular in recent years as more tourists have become concerned over the plight of these mammals, some of which are now classed as ‘endangered’. So what mammals can you expect to see on these cruises? Well, sightings of whales and dolphins are by no means guaranteed but thankfully this is a rare occurrence. In fact it is quite common now for dolphins to accompany boats in the sea around the Balearic Islands and there have even been sightings of them in Cala Llamp, one of the most beautiful bays in Majorca. The most common whale species you will see here are Pilot Whales, sperm whales and finback whales. They seem to prefer the waters around Majorca and the Straits of Gibraltar and its good news to learn that the finback Whale seems to be making a comeback in this area as increasing numbers have been spotted. Pilot Whales frequent the waters past the continental shelf in Majorca, hunting for squid which live at depths of 3000 metres. In July, orcas arrive from the Atlantic and hunt in these waters for their favourite food, tuna. There are a host of different dolphin species too. Unfortunately two species, the striped dolphin and the harbour porpoise are now officially classed as ‘endangered’ and have all but disappeared from the Mediterranean Sea and now are only glimpsed off the Bay of Cadiz. If wanting to go on a dolphin and whale watching cruise from Majorca hotels, choose a professional operator such as Turmares, Whale Watch or Firmm. All boat pilots from these cruise companies subscribe to the Firmm regulations for ‘respectful whale watching’ and have been trained to drive the boats so as to cause as little disturbance to the mammals as possible. If going on a cruise, be sure to pack sun cream, wear a hat and take anti-sea sickness medication before departing on the cruise. When on board, the person in charge, usually a trained marine biologist who will be able to speak English, asks everyone to comply with a code of practise, designed to safeguard these mammals. You will be asked not to shout, not to throw food in the water and not to take flash photographs. The cruises operate from April to October when whales are in the Spanish waters. Turmares have a fleet of three ships of different sizes, a 10-seater, 60- seater and 150- seater. Cruises cost on average about 25 euros and each cruise lasts about 2 hours. There are several cruises a day and serious whale- watchers book 2 week stays at hotels in Majorca to come on a Whale Watching Course under the tutelage of a dolphin and whale expert, who gives lectures and answers questions about these leviathans of the sea. The cruise also takes in some out of the way places known to be frequented by both whales and dolphins but far away from the tourist attractions.
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Majorca hotels, hotels in Majorca, whales, dolphins,
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