Dolphins at Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park shelters two kinds of dolphins, the common dolphin known in Spanish as bufeo, and the Pacific spotted dolphin, known in Spanish as delfín manchado del Pacífico. Costa Rica car rental
The common dolphin is usually found in the open ocean, however it can also be seen swimming in shallow waters. It lives in both tropical and temperate waters of all oceans. In Costa Rica it can be found on the Pacific side, particularly in the Osa Península, Golfo Dulce, Gulf of Papagayo, and Corcovado. Car rental Costa Rica
This dolphin has a long body with black or blackish brown V-shaped patch on the back and white underside. Its snout is black with white spots and it also has many dark lines on the face that extend from the lower jaw to the flippers. The common dolphin also has long white areas along the sides of its body. The dorsal fin is dark and triangular, its flippers are sharp and pointed and the flukes gray or black with a center notch.
The common dolphin is very social. It is usually seen in herds of hundreds or individuals and it can also mix herds with other species. They communicate with each other using echolocation and other vocalizations. They are also considered affectionate as they have been seen helping other sick common dolphins, particularly staying afloat to breath. Females have from one to three calves at a time and they are weaned at 6 months.
These beautiful dolphins are able to dive about 280 m. deep and stay there for about eight minutes. They are known for being fast swimmers as they can reach speeds of up to 46 km/h. A beautiful sight is when they swim gracefully alongside small boats or before the bow.
The common dolphin feeds on a wide variety of fish for example sardines, anchovies, and herrings. It can also eat squid and octopus. On an average day these dolphins can eat about 40 kg of food. Females can measure 2.5 m in land weigh 100-130 kg, the males are a little bit larger.
Another dolphin that is sheltered in Corcovado is the Pacific spotted dolphin. This one has a different coloration; its back is covered in a dark gray patch of skin that spreads from its front to past the dorsal fin. The dark area is covered with small white spots, and dark spots speckle its white belly. In addition, it has a dark patch over the eyes and many other dark lines on the face and body. Its dorsal fin is curved and the flukes and flippers are small and pointed.
These dolphins are also very social and they have been seen in herds or more than 1,000 individuals however, they are usually seen in groups of hundreds. Spotted dolphin schools include all ages, both sexes and sometimes they mix with other dolphin species.
They are also fast and can swim up to 28 km/h. Visitors can occasionally see them speeding next to boats, performing acrobatics.
Spotted dolphins feed on squid and about 18 species of fish. Adults measure 2.2-2.5 m, and weigh 90-165 kg. Males are larger than females, however females have a larger snout.
Visit Corcovado and admire these delightful dolphins.