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The Commerson's Dolphins Discovery
Embark on this grand adventure to discover one of the unique sites in the
world where you can see one of the smallest and most beautiful dolphins
ever: the Commerson’s dolphins or toninas overas (named after botanist Philibert
Commerson who first observed the species in 1787). This uniquely charismatic
marine specie can only be found around Kerguelen Island in the Indian Ocean,
and around the tip of southern South America, specifically near the
middle coastal area of Argentina (45º30’S) and southwards to Tierra del
Fuego, including the Straight of Magellan, the Falkland Islands and
Drake's Passage. Although the biggest Commerson's dolphins population is
in the Argentine shores, this magnificent species can be found in
smaller quantities at Punta Arenas in Chile.
The Commerson's dolphin is
a small, stocky dolphin with no obvious beak. There is a smooth slope
leading from the mouth to blowhole, which is set slightly left of centre.
The dorsal fin is also rounded, and is located just behind the middle of
the back. Body color is startling, and develops with age. In the young,
the pattern is muted grey on black, often appearing uniform. Later, this
grey pales into white. The head is black, with a white throat. The dorsal
area from the fin backward is also black, and a black patch is located on
the undersides, linking the flippers, which are also dark. The rest of the
body is white apart from a black genital patch. Size ranges from 4 to 6
feet (1.25 to 1.7
meters), and their
average weight is 110 pounds (50 kilograms). Commerson's Dolphins
are remarkably easy to identify because of their stunning combination of
white and black. They are coastal, preferring waters of less than 330 feet
(100 meters) deep. They take food from the sea bottom, such as Krill or other crustaceans, fish, squid or
octopus, and other invertebrates.
We will depart in our zodiac boat from Playa Union, which
is located 54 miles (87 kilometers) from Puerto Madryn and
62 miles (100 kilometers) from Trelew, this protected area
represents one of the few colonies of Commerson's Dolphins
in the world. We will head to Engaño Bay to enjoy tons of
opportunities to see the Commerson's dolphins playing and
showing off near our boat. Commerson's Dolphins are usually
seen in groups of less than 10 animals. Occasional aggregations
of 100 or more are also seen. They are swift swimmers and
aerial acrobats. They are known to ride bow waves and to engage
in various types of leaps. Commerson's dolphins prefer relatively
shallow coastal waters. They often swim upside down. The live
up to approximate 18 years old.
This nautical trip lasts 1 hour and a half.
Difficulty: low
Duration: 1 hour and fifteen minutes
Guide: Boat captain
Transfer: shared vehicle. This tour is done during the same day of the
Punta Tombo rookery tour. Approximate traveled distance: 229 miles (366
kilometers). Approximately half of the road in our journey is unpaved.
Includes: transfers + entrance
ticket to Punta Tombo Reserve +
Commerson's dolphins
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