🐬The Gouf of Capbreton and its Cetaceans: A Magical Encounter with the Giants of the Ocean🐬

Did you know that the Gouf of Capbreton, this underwater canyon in the south of the Landes, is as impressive as the Grand Canyon in Colorado? This true marine sanctuary is home to an exceptional fauna, especially a great diversity of cetaceans.

The Stars of the Gouf: The Cetaceans You Can Observe

Each season brings its own surprises. Here are the species you might encounter during your sea trip:

• Pilot whale (Globicephala dolphin) (March and April are particularly good months for spotting them.)

• Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (Present all year round but more visible in spring.)

• Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) (Mainly in summer.)

• Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) (Also visible in summer.)

With a bit of luck, you might also spot rarer species such as:

• Risso’s dolphin

• Common porpoise

• Pygmy sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

• The majestic humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

• Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris)

• Gervais’ beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus)

These marine predators sit at the top of the food chain and play a crucial role in maintaining the ocean’s ecosystem balance.

An Exceptional Marine Fauna

Beyond cetaceans, the Gouf of Capbreton is a true biodiversity hotspot. You might come across:

• The sunfish, a gentle ocean giant

• The leatherback turtle, a great sea traveler

• The basking shark and hammerhead shark, impressive but harmless

• The flying fish (Exocoetus volitans), capable of leaping out of the water

• And even... penguins at sea!

Dolphins: Fascinating Creatures

Dolphins are much more than just ocean dwellers; they are true marvels of nature!

• Expert divers: Capable of holding their breath for up to 15 minutes, far surpassing human apnea records.

• Unique respiration: Unlike us, they don’t breathe through their mouth or nose, but through a blowhole on top of their head, renewing up to 90% of their lung air with each breath!

• Built-in sonar: Thanks to echolocation, they perceive their surroundings by emitting sounds that bounce off objects around them, acting as an underwater sixth sense!

• Surprising sleep habits: To keep breathing, they sleep with only one half of their brain at a time, allowing them to stay in motion and remain aware of their surroundings.

🐬 Protecting These Ocean Wonders

Despite their incredible adaptability, cetaceans face numerous threats: marine pollution, accidental fishing bycatch, hunting, and climate change. We can all help protect them by adopting respectful navigation and promoting eco-friendly whale-watching experiences.

🌊 Experience a Unique Adventure at Sea!

Observing these ocean giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, whether with family or friends. Book your boat trip now with Ab’s Boats Plaisance and set sail to meet the dolphins and whales of the Gouf of Capbreton!

📍 Book your adventure here:👉 Whale and Dolphin Watching