About bottlenose dolphins
Dolphins are medium sized marine mammals many species of which are on endangered lists. Scientists have established that the size of a dolphin brain relative to the size of its body is the second largest after human brains and many believe that they have the longest memory of all creatures in the animal kingdom.
Bottlenose dolphins are recognisable by their distinct black and white markings and their distinctive rounded head shape and a curved mouth line which often looks like a smile. They can grow to a maximum length of around 4 metres, with males being generally slightly larger than females and having a slightly larger beak.
Where do bottlenose dolphins live?
Bottlenose dolphins tend to live in warm waters, particularly in the tropics and are often found in shallow waters, near coastlines, in bays, and near the edge of the open ocean. They can travel many miles each day, and in some cases as far as 100 miles in one day.
They tend to be a highly migratory species and usually live in groups called pods, which can consist of around ten or more dolphins. Often, a particular pod will join with other pods to form a larger group. Being extremely social animals they have a very complex social structure which often varies, with dolphins changing the position within the hierarchy over time.
The Kvaerner region in Croatia is home to a number of dolphin pods with a high relative concentration of them to be found off the shores of Losinj. This particular colony has been under observation by scientists and researchers for almost thirty years. The 'Losinj' dolphins number around 200 bottlenose dolphins and because they have been under observation for all that time, it is known that the oldest of them are at least 30 years old. This may sound a long time but female bottlenose dolphins, which tend to live longer than their male counterparts, have been known to live for more than 60 years with dolphins up to 48 years old known to have given birth!
What is the best way to see dolphins
Unsurprisingly the best way to see these marvellous creatures is via a boat trip. There are several operators based in Losinj who provide cruises to see Losinj's dolphins. These boat trips can last up to around 3 hours, but it all depends on how quickly (or not) the boat's crew can find the dolphins!
If you’re on your own boat, follow the guidelines from the Croatian State Institute for Nature protection:
- Approach dolphins slowly and calmly
- Switch off engines and avoid sudden noises
- Keep a respectful distance – they are wild and protected animals
Can you swim with dolphins
No, you can’t swim with dolphins. They are a protected species and there are laws that forbid swimming with them. Dolphins are wild animals, and they can contract diseases from humans.
What is the best time of year and day to see the dolphins
As dolphins tend to be quite territorial, they can be seen at any time of the year. However the best time of year to see them in their natural habitat in Losinj is July to September. Not only is the weather during these months better for a sight-seeing boat trip, but these months coincide with the dolphin's breeding season. Having said that, boat trips are available from May.
During the mornings the dolphins can be seen feeding and travelling, whilst in the afternoons they tend to rest or socialise with each other.
What do dolphins do for pleasure
Dolphins have been known to blow bubbles as a form of pleasure. They also use bubbles when hunting, and it has been discovered that they hunt fish by blowing bubbles and scaring them out of the sand. Dolphins also use sound waves to communicate, and they have been known to sing and whistle just for the joy of it. And of course, they have been seen playing with a variety of objects.
Combine the experience of dolphin watching with a camping holiday
All our camps on Cres and Losinj are ideal setting off points for a day's cruise in search of the Losinj bottlenose dolphins. If you have your own boat then bring that with you and moor it at one of our campsites. Alternatively our camp reception staff will be more than happy to help you book a boat-trip to catch up with these delightful mammals. Enjoy!