Are there many Dolphins in Byron Bay?

Byron Bay is home to a residential group of bottlenose dolphins which is estimated to be over 100 dolphins in population. There are a great number of these dolphins that we have come to know well and have observed for many years now. We are lucky enough to Dolphins on most of our tours. If you do miss out on seeing Dolphins, we will give you a return trip for free, that's a promise.

What is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?

 Dolphins and porpoise look a lot alike.  For many years people believed dolphins where porpoises and porpoises where dolphins. They are actually part of the same scientific suborder; Odontoceti, which are all the toothed whales.

However, dolphins and porpoise are two different families. The porpoises are in the family Phocoenidae and the dolphins are in the family Delphinidae. This means dolphins and porpoise differ from each other on a physical level. Dolphins can grow much larger than porpoise, have a more slender body and have a pronounced rostrum (nose). While the family of porpoise contains some of the smallest cetaceans, have a more robust body and lack a rostrum or beak. Porpoise are also a lot shyer than dolphins and do not often come up to boats or people.

How long do dolphins live?

There are lots of different dolphins, and they live to different ages. But the bottlenose dolphin can get to around 50 years of age in the wild, and to about 40 in captivity. There is even a dolphin that is 48 years old in captivity!

How long can dolphins hold their breath?

Normally dolphins come up to breathe every few minutes. But they can hold their breath for much longer. Bottlenose dolphins can hold their breath for about 7 minutes if they have to. Orcas can hold their breath for about 15 to 20 minutes.

How deep do dolphins dive?

Bottlenose dolphins normally dive till depths of around 50 meters. However, bottlenose dolphins are capable of diving to depths of 300 meters. This record was set by Tilly, a dolphin that was trained by the US navy. Recent study into belugas revealed that this species can dive till depths up to 1250 meters. The deepest diver or all toothed whales is the sperm whale. This species can dive up to 3000 meters and keeps it’s breath for 2 hours!

What can I do to help protect dolphins?

Each of us can make a difference to help ensure the survival of marine mammals and other animals for future generations.

Things you can do:

• Pick up any rubbish on the beaches or near drains and dispose of properly,

• buy ‘dolphin safe’ tuna products, each sustainable seafood products,

• do not pour hazardous waste down the drain, reduce-reuse-recycle your garbage,

• be a responsible boater and abide by whale & dolphin-watching boating regulations,

• When fishing, take any discarded line, bait packaging etc. with you when you leave and abide by marine parks fishing rules,

• Support & join non-government organization campaigns by offering your financial support, signing petitions and volunteering.

$1 from every Go Sea Kayak customer is donated to Sea Shephard Conservation Society,locally based charity Dolphin Research Australia and Positive Change for Marine Life.

Click here for information on our sea kayaking tours where you can paddle up close with dolphins, whales and turtles.