The spring sea in Miyakojima is fascinating because spring is the time when expectations are highest.

You might see humpback whales, you can still see the occasional manta ray, it's spawning season for stingrays, and spring is the season where you have the possibility of encountering a big fish.Spinefish! !

This spring is looking like it's going to be a great year for the group of female spinner dolphins raising their young! We saw them again today. Yay!!

Recent news about Miyakojima dolphins

Spinner dolphins were in great shape in 2016 and 2017. I have written many articles about them, so if you have time, please take a look.Dolphin Articles

However, since the typhoon in late October last year, the dolphins have completely disappeared. It seems that once the raising of their young is over, the dolphins move away from their breeding grounds, and I was wondering if that time had finally come...

Miyakojima Dolphin Watching

Following on from the day before yesterday, we encountered them again today! Two surface encounters and one underwater encounter, so maybe we can expect more this year too!

There has been a slight change in the number of spinner dolphins in the group, and that is the number of dolphins. Until last year, the number of spinner dolphins that could be seen in one group was about 20 to 30 individuals.

In contrast, this year's group of spinner dolphins was about 10 individuals. It felt like about half the group. I wonder if only half of them had left, or if they were a completely different group. It's difficult to tell them apart because I can't always take good photos.

Judging from the rate at which baby dolphins grow, it seems like it's the same thing, but I wonder.

When the dolphins appear, move forward immediately!

When you encounter dolphins, the staff will announce, "Dolphins!", so be sure to head to the bow! If you go to the front, you can see dolphins from a distance you'd never dream of.

Dolphins jumping right in front of you!

They're so close you'll feel like you could touch them if you put your hand out! But you're not allowed to touch them. You can take as many photos as you want of them swimming and flying!

Dolphins swim around the bow of a moving boat, a technique known as "bow riding," and when this happens, it's a great opportunity to see them! They swim near the surface, so they're easy to see even through the water, and you can take great photos.

I'll be looking for dolphins again this year!

It would be great to get a surprise like this after diving!

Diving isn't just about being underwater. It also includes breaks, lunch, and when the boat is moving. Sometimes, when it looks like they're going to come out, they take a detour to head back. Of course, more often than not, they don't come out even if they search. It's a waste of time. But they still search. The reason is simple!

I love dolphins myself, and I love seeing guests having fun watching them.

This year too, have fun on the bow to your heart's content. We'll give you a special treat!

See you tomorrow.

 

Miyakojima dolphins