Responsible Watching

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

 

As dolphin watching can be a stress factor for the cetaceans, responsible watching is a key prerequisite for respectful encounters for the years to come. This requires local operators to adhere to best practice guidance when they encounter cetaceans.

 

Please, remember that we are the visitors, the dolphins are our hosts.

 

Pula Dolphin is a responsible dolphin watching operator which strongly maintains rigid standards and adopts a highly responsible mode of operation in order to reduce negative impact to a minimum.

 

Our priorities are to offer respectful encounters with dolphins, to inform and raise awareness about cetaceans and other endangered species in Adriatic, to use our resources and those of our planet in a responsible way and to offer an obliging service to our guests at all times.

 

Impact on dolphins

 

There is no mechanism in place in the northern Adriatic waters to monitor the impact of dolphin watching operations on either migratory or resident animals. A wide range of reactions to tour boats has been demonstrated, including longer diving time, erratic behaviour, increased swimming speeds, decreased time spent foraging, resting and/or socialising, and changes in vocal behaviour. Longer-term effects, such as habitat displacement and declines in relative abundance, have also been detected.

 

Best practice guidance

 

Areas overcrowded with boats, or where boats create disturbance, can put dolphins under great stress and even cause fatal injury to them by engine propellers. Dolphin watching operations must ensure the safety of both people and the animals as well as maintain balanced ecosystems, which means vessels approaching with great care, keeping a safe distance and limiting the time spent near the animals, providing an educational experience etc.

 

Education and awareness

 

Pula Dolphin is committed to the educational value of dolphin watching to share marine conservation message with all our guests, especially with the youngest ones. We also provide all guests with comprehensive information material that points out, amongst other things, the different threats to the sensitive ecosystem of the northern Adriatic and its inhabitants. All of our boat trips are accompanied by a multilingual Pula Dolphin guide who can aid in a better understanding of dolphins in the Adriatic.

 

Conservation and sustainability

 

It is an ongoing process for us to make our everyday working-life more and more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Regular eco-actions of underwater cleaning are just as much a part of this policy as our cooperation with cetaceans and turtles conservation projects.

Adriatic Dolphins

FACTS ABOUT DOLPHINS

 

There are three species of dolphins that can be found in the Adriatic: the bottlenose dolphin , the striped dolphin, and the common dolphin. The bottlenose dolphin is the only cetacean species regulary present in the coastal areas of the northern Adriatic.

 

Bottlenose dolphin

 

Is a widespread, iconic species and one of the most commonly observed dolphins in coastal waters throughout the world.

 

Bottlenose dolphins are larger than striped and common dolphins; their average size in the Adriatic is around three meters and weight up to 300 kg. The dolphin’s skin is dark gray on its back and lighter on its flanks. Bottlenose dolphins get their name from their distinctive bottle shaped mouth, which is known as a rostrum. The real, functional nose is actually the blowhole on the top of its head.

 

The average life expectancy of a bottlenose dolphin is more than 40 years. Females typically live five to ten years longer than males, with some females exceeding 60 years.

 

In the waters around Pula, their habitats are mainly near coastal areas, particularly by the islands, and are therefore subjected to strong pressure from human activities. As they do not have a natural predator in the Adriatic, the main threats to common bottlenose dolphins are the overfishing of their prey, the presence of fishing nets and tourism. Increased number of tourist vessels and underwater noise makes that the dolphins preferred different areas during peak tourist season.

 

They are toothed whales (Odontoceti) and feed on fish, shrimp, cuttlefish and squid, often catching prey along the seabed. Dolphins are opportunistic and show a strong ability to adapt; they may follow fishermen for food or work cooperatively with other species to catch prey.

 

Bottlenose dolphins typically swim at five to 12 km/h, but are capable of bursts of over 30 km/h. The higher speeds can only be sustained for a short period of time. The northern Adriatic maximum depth is around 50 meters so the dolphins can easily reach the bottom as they can swim up to 260 meters below the surface. Bottlenose dolphins can stay up to 15 minutes underwater, however they usually dive for only a few minutes close to the surface as they need quick access to air.

 

They are often seen in pods, usually of less than a dozen individuals, but occasionally made up of as many as 50 individuals. The age of individuals present in a pod is determined according to four basic categories; adult, juvenile, calf and newborn. Bottlenose dolphins are seen regularly in the waters of Pula throughout the year.

 

Their attitude towards boats can range from a complete indifference to enthusiastic interaction – you may witness their incredibile acrobatic skills such as leaping (as high as six meters); spyhopping (raising the head vertically out of the water); breaching (leaping clear of the water and landing with a loud splash); bow riding (swimming in the wave in front of the bow); tail-slapping (slapping the tail on the surface).

 

These playful mammals have the largest brain mass per body size of any animal besides humans. They display high intelligence and send messages to one another in many different ways. Dolphins lack vocal cords, but communicate via body language and whistles.

 

We will use specialized hydrophone equipment to hear the special whistles and high frequency clicks as we search for pods of dolphins, likely giving you an up close encounter with these gentle animals, always observing the codes of conduct of responsible dolphin watching.

 

Each dolphin has a special whistle that it creates soon after it is born. This whistle is used for identification, just like a human’s name. Dolphins also produce high frequency clicks, which act as a sonar system called echolocation. When the clicking sounds hit an object in the water, like a fish or rock, they bounce off and come back to the dolphin as echoes. Echolocation tells the dolphins the shape, size, speed, distance, and location of the object. Sounds and gestures help keep track of other dolphins in the group, and alert other dolphins to danger and food nearby.

 

Bottlenose dolphins are very social and playful mammals; they form friendships that last decades, hunting, mating and protecting each other. They live in fission-fussion societies of varying group size, within which individuals change associations, often on a daily or hourly basis. Group compositions are usually determined by sex, age, reproductive condition, familiar relations and affiliation histories.

 

Conservation status

 

Bottlenose dolphins are protected by Croatian law and listed under the IUCN Red books for the countries in the Adriatic region. Their research and conservation has been listed as a priority in Croatian and European nature protection. A dolphin reserve has been established off the coast of the Croatian island of Lošinj.

 

The Cres-Lošinj Dolphin Reserve, which at 526 sq.km., is the biggest marine protected area in the Adriatic. It is protected under the Croatian Law on Nature Protection as a Special Zoological Reserve for bottlenose dolphins.

Daytime Trip

SEA CAVE & DOLPHINS

 

On this Daytime dolphin watching our friendly crew will take you on a FUN filled boat trip to the Pigeons cave where you’ll have the opportunity to explore amazing sea cave and to search for a playful dolphins just off the coast.

 

Prior to departure a welcome drink (homemade brandy) will be offered.

 

Our crew will give you an introductory briefing so you’ll know what to expect and what is the best practice for responsible dolphin watching. It’s very important to us not to disturb the animals with our boat but to watch them in their natural habitat.

 

Please, remember that we are the visitors, the dolphins are our hosts.

 

Shortly after departure from Stoja we’ll anchor the boat in front of Pigeons cave. Once in the water the real FUN starts. Your guide will take you on a short swim into the cave where there is no natural light and show you the hidden interior and cave inhabitants with a flashlight.

 

Your guide will take amazing underwater GoPro photos and videos of you while cave exploring and cliff jumping.

 

The Pigeons cave is a perfect place for a FUN and exciting adventure for everyone, even for the youngest. Also, the brave ones will have the opportunity to try the exciting cliff jumping from the top of the cave, a popular summer FUN activity.

 

As you make your way out from Pigeons cave to the open sea, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Pula’s highest sea cliffs.

 

Once we’re away from the coast, our crew will search for dolphins on a calm sea around the islands, the area we most regularly see our resident bottlenose dolphins or we follow them along behind fisherman boats while they pull in their catch for the night. Our average sighting rate for bottlenose dolphins on this trip is over 60%.

 

During the cruise we’ll serve ice-cold soft drinks, wine and refreshing seasonal fruits.

 

With their playful and acrobatic natures, bottlenose dolphins bring a smile to the faces of all who watch them, sometimes we just can’t tear ourselves away from the dolphins. These curious sea creatures may even approach our boat and bow-ride, if we’re lucky.
So adorable!

 

Bottlenose dolphins usually live in the same habitat so no matter how many times you come back, you’re likely to reunite with the same group of dolphins! If you’re really lucky, these dolphins might show you their cool tricks! Get your camera ready!

 

Our Dolphin Watching trip is simply great FUN for all ages!

 

This trip also gives you the opportunity to learn about the bottlenose dolphins and other cetacean species that can be found in Northern Adriatic. As we cruise we’re always pleased to add some FUN and interesting facts about the dolphins behavior and their ecosystem.

 

You can even encounter bluefin tunas jumping out of the water or spot loggerhead sea turtles on the surface, enjoying the warmth from the sun.

 

Remember that your skipper cannot control the nature, he can only do his best to find bottlenose dolphins and to fill your trip with FUN.!

 

Our experienced skipper will take you to the best spot at sea, so you can almost certainly meet the dolphins. However, if there are unexpected cases and you’re unable to see the dolphins, you can sit and relax while enjoying the panoramic cruise and peacefulness of being at sea as the sparkling light of the sun dancing on the surface.

 

We hope you’ll return to Stoja seafront with memories of these jubilant animals swimming through your head.

 

We take FUN seriously!
Face it … your vacation offers only so many tomorrows so be sure to schedule your FUN and unforgettable Dolphin Watching with us today! We make your boat trip one of the most FUN things to do in Pula!

 

Don’t take our word for it, read our customers’ reviews.

 

Since Dolphin Watching boat trips sell out quickly, we strongly recommend that you make your reservation early! Book now!

Sunset Trip

WATCH DOLPHINS AT SUNSET

 

On this Sunset Dolphin Watching our friendly crew will take you on a cruise just off the coast to enjoy watching dolphins in their natural habitat with sunset view at Brijuni Islands. Grab your camera and hop aboard.

 

Prior to departure a welcome drink (homemade brandy) will be offered.

 

Our crew will give you an introductory briefing so you’ll know what to expect and what is the best practice for responsible dolphin watching. It’s very important to us not to disturb the animals with our boat but to watch them in their natural habitat.

 

Please, remember that we’re the visitors, the dolphins are our hosts.

 

As you make your way out from Stoja to the open sea, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Pula’s highest sea cliffs.

 

Once we’re away from the coast, our crew will start search for dolphins on a calm sea around the islands, the area where dolphins are usually spotted on the surface or located with the use of specialized acoustic technology. When conditions are right we can deploy the hydrophone to capture dolphins’ special whistles and high frequency clicks. Our average sighting rate for bottlenose dolphins on this trips is over 80%.

 

This is just a sample of what you can experience aboard „Boreas“, and hear thanks to our marine hydrophone:

 

 

With their playful and acrobatic natures, bottlenose dolphins bring a smile to the faces of all who watch them, sometimes we just can’t tear ourselves away from the dolphins. These curious sea creatures may even approach our boat and bow-ride, our show us their cool tricks, if we’re lucky. Get your camera ready!

 

During the cruise we’ll serve ice-cold soft drinks, wine and refreshing seasonal fruits.

 

During an encounter with dolphins, we photograph cuts and scars on their dorsal fins, which are unique to each dolphin, like a fingerprint. Bottlenose dolphins usually live in the same habitat so no matter how many times you come back, you’re likely to reunite with the same group of dolphins!

 

Our Dolphin Sunset trip is simply great FUN for all ages!

 

This trip also gives you the opportunity to learn about the bottlenose dolphins and other cetacean species that can be found in the Northern Adriatic. As we cruise we’re always pleased to add some FUN and interesting facts about the dolphins behavior and their ecosystem.

 

Remember that your skipper cannot control the nature, he can only do his best to find bottlenose dolphins and to fill your trip with FUN.

 

Our experienced skipper will take you to the best spots at sea, so you can almost certainly meet the dolphins. However, if there are unexpected cases and you are unable to see the dolphins, you can sit and relax while enjoying the panoramic cruise around the pearls of National Park Brijuni and peacefulness of being at sea as the flaming sun melting into the never-ending horizon. We hope you’ll return to Stoja seafront with memories of these jubilant animals swimming through your head.

 

A perfect and FUN way to end the day for families, couples, honeymooners, and kids alike!

 

We take FUN seriously!
Face it… your vacation offers only so many tomorrows so be sure to schedule your FUN and unforgettable Dolphin Watching with us today! We make your boat trip one of the most FUN things to do in Pula!

 

Don’t take our word for it, read our customers’ reviews.

 

Since Dolphin Sunset boat trips sell out quickly, we strongly recommend that you make your reservation in advance! Book now!