Dolphins live in the waters around the Balearic Islands, and people sometimes see them in the Bay of Alcúdia. They are wild animals, though. Nobody can promise a sighting, and an honest guide will tell you so.
When are sightings most likely?
Early morning is usually the best time to look. The sea is often flat, there is less boat traffic and the light makes fins and splashes easy to spot. Sightings also depend on the season, the food available in the bay and the weather, so some mornings show nothing at all.
A calm sea helps you as well as the animals. On a windy day, waves hide the small signs that show something is nearby.
How to look for them
- Scan the horizon slowly, then the water closer to the boat.
- Watch for groups of birds working the surface, which can mean fish are nearby.
- Look for a curved back or a small splash rather than a large jump.
- Keep the boat quiet and let the skipper choose where to stop.
How to behave around wild dolphins
The goal is to watch without disturbing them. A responsible trip follows a few simple rules:
- Keep a safe distance and never chase the animals.
- Approach slowly, from the side, and never cut through a group.
- Reduce speed and avoid sudden changes of direction.
- Do not feed them, and do not enter the water to swim with them.
- Leave if the animals seem stressed or move away.
If the dolphins choose to come closer to the boat, that is their decision, and we simply enjoy it.
What if we do not see any?
It happens, and it is part of watching wildlife. A sunrise on the bay is still worth the early start: the colours change quickly, the water is calm and the coast looks its best. Many guests remember the light as much as the animals.
Bring a light jacket, because it can feel cool at sea early in the morning, and a bottle of water. Wear sun protection even at sunrise, since the sun climbs quickly.
One last tip: treat any sighting as a bonus. Go for the calm, the light and the early start, and anything more is a gift.