Incredible Orca Sighting off the Algarve Coast
Incredible Orca Sighting off the Algarve Coast
There have been some particularly special visitors to the Algarve recently, and they put on a pretty spectacular show for those out on the water at the time.
We caught up with Sealife Dolphin Watching Lagos, and spoke to them about their recent rich sightings, and also found out a bit more about what they do, and why they do it.
Curious Orcas
A pod of Orcas, also known as killer whales (or Orcinus orca), proved that they are anything but killers, by displaying their curiosity for tourists and crew last week, just off the coast of Lagos.
Sealife Dolphin Watching Lagos were able to capture incredible footage of the mammals by filming underwater from one of their boat tours. The fact that the orcas swam so close to the boat, also allowed for some fantastic photos.
Despite their name, these mammals are actually not considered to be whales. They are in fact the largest member of the dolphin family, reaching sizes of up to 30 feet long. These very social creatures live in groups known as ‘pods’, which travel, sleep, and hunt together.
With a marine biologist on board with every trip, clients along for the ride were able to learn about the mammals and their behaviour. This is not the first time they have been spotted here either, Sealife explained “Through documenting, we now know that they come past maybe only twice a year, which makes these sightings so special”.
Curious Orcas
A pod of Orcas, also known as killer whales (or Orcinus orca), proved that they are anything but killers, by displaying their curiosity for tourists and crew last week, just off the coast of Lagos.
Sealife Dolphin Watching Lagos were able to capture incredible footage of the mammals by filming underwater from one of their boat tours. The fact that the orcas swam so close to the boat, also allowed for some fantastic photos.
Despite their name, these mammals are actually not considered to be whales. They are in fact the largest member of the dolphin family, reaching sizes of up to 30 feet long. These very social creatures live in groups known as ‘pods’, which travel, sleep, and hunt together.
With a marine biologist on board with every trip, clients along for the ride were able to learn about the mammals and their behaviour. This is not the first time they have been spotted here either, Sealife explained “Through documenting, we now know that they come past maybe only twice a year, which makes these sightings so special”.
More than just boat trips
The team at Sealife Dolphin Watching Lagos told us about what they do, and we soon discovered that their trips are about much more than watching dolphins.
They are currently in the process of finishing their educational centre, to promote conservation, with plans to open next month. “It will consist of displaying species information including individual facts per species that we see locally. We will have some interactive education toys or puzzles for children and just make the area as interesting and educational for people as possible.”
“The second phase of the education centre will be where we are able to share information with groups after going on a trip”. They hope to open the second part this winter, and will also be engaging with local education authorities and schools. There are also plans to run specific trips to gain data about sea life in Algarvean waters.
More than just boat trips
The team at Sealife Dolphin Watching Lagos told us about what they do, and we soon discovered that their trips are about much more than watching dolphins.
They are currently in the process of finishing their educational centre, to promote conservation, with plans to open next month. “It will consist of displaying species information including individual facts per species that we see locally. We will have some interactive education toys or puzzles for children and just make the area as interesting and educational for people as possible.”
“The second phase of the education centre will be where we are able to share information with groups after going on a trip”. They hope to open the second part this winter, and will also be engaging with local education authorities and schools. There are also plans to run specific trips to gain data about sea life in Algarvean waters.
Something for everyone
Whether you’re here on holiday and looking for something fun to do, or if you live here all year round and would like to spend more time out on the ocean, Sealife offer flexible options to suit various needs.
Trips vary in size, with the ribs taking between 4 – 12 people, and a motor catamaran with the possibility of 6 – 22 people. There are no age restrictions however in the event of bad sea conditions, they may recommend younger children, those who are pregnant, or people with back problems do not participate.
There is also a residents option, of a package discount for those who would like to join on several trips.
What are you waiting for? There’s a whole ocean of discoveries out there, and the Sealife team know the perfect place to start!
Something for everyone
Whether you’re here on holiday and looking for something fun to do, or if you live here all year round and would like to spend more time out on the ocean, Sealife offer flexible options to suit various needs.
Trips vary in size, with the ribs taking between 4 – 12 people, and a motor catamaran with the possibility of 6 – 22 people. There are no age restrictions however in the event of bad sea conditions, they may recommend younger children, those who are pregnant, or people with back problems do not participate.
There is also a residents option, of a package discount for those who would like to join on several trips.
What are you waiting for? There’s a whole ocean of discoveries out there, and the Sealife team know the perfect place to start!
