Blue Heaven River Tours

Dolphins

• Learn

  About Dolphins
  
  Dolphins are part of the cetacean family along with whales and porpoises. They are social animals and live in groups. They have complex communication skills. Their squeaks, whistles, and clicks can be heard miles away! Dolphins also communicate by slapping the water’s surface with their tails or bodies.
  
  Dolphins are beloved because of their smiling faces and intelligence. Famous dolphins include Flipper, a 1963 movie star, and Winter, known for having a prosthetic tail.
  
  Bottlenose dolphins are usually fairly slow swimmers, traveling at about 2 mph. However they can reach speeds of over 30 mph for brief periods!
  
  What do dolphins eat?
  
  Dolphins are predators. They eat a wide variety of fish, squid, and shrimp. On average, a dolphin with a weight of 400 to 500 pounds will eat between 25 to 50 pounds of fish every day.
  
  Do dolphins have radar?
  
  Dolphins can make up to 1,000 clicking noises per second. These sounds travel underwater until they encounter objects, then bounce back to their dolphin senders, revealing details like the location, shape, and size of their target.
  
  Are dolphins smiling?
  
  Dolphins look like they are smiling because they have small teeth and upturned mouths.
  
  Are dolphins talking?
  
  Dolphins have some of the most complex communication skills in the animal kingdom. They make a variety of sounds including whistles, clicks, squawks, squeaks, moans, barks, groans and yelps.
  
  How do dolphins sleep?
  
  Bottlenose dolphins sleep with one half of their brain at a time, and keep one eye open. It's believed they do this to keep an eye out for their group - to make sure they stick together - and to look out for predators like sharks.
  
  Can I see a dolphin in the wild?
  
  Yes! Seek out dolphin on our Nature-Dolphim and Manatees tours. Frequently, we see dolphins on our tours. They seem to enjoy swimming alongside the boats. Of course, there is no guarantee. We are in charge of the fun but Mother Nature is in charge of the dolphins. Sometimes, we see them in the Homosassa River but usually we see them on a trip toward the Gulf.
  
  What will I see on a Nature Dolphin Watch tour?
  
  For the ultimate Nature Tour and Dolphin Watch it definitely pays off to have a captain and guide that knows the river and can not only take our guests on a beautiful tour but share the history along the way! Why rent a boat when you can charter a deluxe shaded 30-foot Pontoon Boat with an on-board restroom for less! No gas or insurance to buy! No worries no hassle! Just step aboard with a cooler full of food and drink and let us be your designated Captain! Our Nature / Dolphin Tours are a perfect way to enjoy the Homosassa River! Step aboard and let us as we venture out around Monkey island into the estuary to the Gulf! Enjoy seeing all the beautiful homes as well as all nature has to offer along the way. With so many beautiful birds and interesting history, the Homosassa River is certainly unique. Although there is never a guarantee that we will see dolphins we do see them on most of our trips and definitely guarantee a great time for everyone! After all, we never know what we may see whether it may be dolphins, turtles, manatees, fish or birds along with all the natural beauty the Homosassa River has to offer! Pack a lunch and a cooler full of drinks and step aboard and let us be your designated captain!