Seafaris enable you to see marine life in its natural habitat. Just like its sister program, it enables you to see big game, which in the sea equates to dolphins and whales, not to mention having the opportunity to observe other marine life as well.
In the Algarve we are fortunate, in that a large number of dolphin and whale species have chosen our shores as their natural habitat. And, in Lagos, we are more than fortunate as we have some very nice species and big colonies.
But going on a tour and not knowing some fascinating facts about Dolphins, is like going to a prom dance in jeans. To assist you, we have found some tit bits of information that we are sure will make your dolphin watching trip much more interesting.
- Dolphins are mammals.
- Dolphins can dive down to 260m below the surface.
- Dolphins can stay up to 15 minutes under water.
- Dolphins use a technique called echolocation. This technique is very similar to sonar and it is used to locate food and to navigate.
- Dolphins are social beings. Dolphins live in groups and cooperate among each other for activities like getting food and calf raising.
- Dolphins are Cetacenas. There are 32 species of ocean dolphins and 5 species of river dolphins.
- The most popular dolphin is the “bottlenose dolphin". They can grow up to 2.5-2.8 meters.
- Dolphins are warm-blooded. As mammals, dolphins are warm blooded and their internal boy temperature is around 36 degrees.
- Dolphins communicate with each other. They make a whistling sound which is believed to enable them to recognize each other, collaborate and communicate.
- Dolphins can swim at speeds of 5 to 12 km/h on average. Although some dolphin species have the been recorded to achieve speeds of up to 32 km/h.
Now that we have given you some facts about Dolphins in general, here are some guidelines in identifying the most common species to be found in the Algarve coastline – the Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis).
Their coat has black, white, and yellow patterned sides that are easily distinguished, and makes identifying their species easy and a lot of fun. But they are not the only species that abounds in our waters. Your tour guide will identify all the species that you may see during this trip.
Although you have a 90% chance of spotting Dolphins during your cruise, there is no guarantee that you will, but rest assured, there are enough other species of sea life to be found.
Now, going on a Seafari implies that you will be away for a couple of hours trailing the countryside, having a picnic while enjoying searching for the big game.
With a seafari adventure, searching for dolphins and other marine life in Lagos, or anywhere else in the waters surrounding our Algarve coastline, means that you can join a boat cruise where you are sure to enjoy not only on-board picnics, but could also enjoy more sophisticated foods and drinks. Whichever option you choose to view dolphins in their natural habitat, the sea, there are many service providers catering for all budgets and experiences located in strategic points in Lagos.
With the more professional outfits you will leave the cruise not only with many photos, many memories, but often with small information booklets as well, knowing that you have enjoyed an experience of a lifetime.