Dolphin Spotting

[Jane H]

Is there anywhere around Tobago where dolphins are seen regularly?

Hugo and I have this habit of going on dolphin safaris in different places round the world - and inevitably the dolphins are somewhere else!! (Having said that - we did strike lucky in St Lucia earlier this year and our boat ended up in the middle of a pod of about 50-80 dolphins - including baby ones. Altogether now - Aaaah!!!)

Anyway - we enjoyed seeing them so much we would really like to have the experience again.

So - any suggestions?

Jane

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Jane

I confess it is not something I have enjoyed, but I do understand that they will regularly join boats on their journeys up the Caribbean coast in particular. However, it is very much a matter of luck, I believe.

[Jane H]

Hi Steve,

Until we experienced it, I wouldn't haven't believed what an amazing experience it is being in the middle of a group of wild dolphins. They really do like to play in the wake made by the boat and race it as it moves through the water. Seeing 2 adult dolphins either side of a baby guiding it and protecting it is surprisingly emotional too!

Anyway - I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you get the chance to see dolphins in the wild, do take it. It's brilliant!

Jane

[Kevin Hampson]

Hi Jane,
On our last dive with Undersea Tobago we went up to the Sisters on the way up we passed an pod of about 20 a few miles south of the Sisters, so we stopped, they hung around for ages, so we came back during the surface interval, they were still there.

Derek Chung did say the they are quite often in the area but not always so play full.


Regards
Kevin

[Rachel Crew]

As Steve said, dolphins are quite often spotted by boats along the caribbean coast of the island: pods of spotted and bottle-nosed dolphins are quite often seen together, in groups of anywhere between six and thirty individuals. Whilst they seem to stick around the caribbean side, they do range anywhere between The Shallows (between Tobago and Trinidad) and Charlotteville, so seeing them in any one place is really the 'luck of the draw', but as you know, it is a real treat when you do.

Also, during the Flying Fish spawning season they will tend to move further offshore, so are spotted less frequently... this is usually during the 'winter' months (December - Feb). At other times they can occasionally be close enough into shore at places like Store Bay and Mount Irvine to be seen from the beach (or your hotel room). Bring your binoculars!