Who wants to go diving with dolphins? Ok, stupid question we know… Everyone wants to dive with dolphins right!?
Well, keep reading, because we’re about to tell you of a tiny country in Southeast Asia where scientists have discovered an abundance of dolphins.
That country is Timor Leste. You might know it as East Timor, or perhaps you haven’t heard of it at all. If you haven’t heard of it, we won’t hold it against you, but we think it’s time that changed.
It’s not just dolphins that are found in huge numbers here, but whales too.
Research was undertaken by Conservation International in partnership with the University of Adelaide last year to help expand scientific knowledge about the range and abundance of these species.
On day two of the study, researchers spotted two pygmy blue whales following Timor’s northern coast as part of their migration in the early morning. Not long after, the team found themselves in the middle of a pod of roughly 400 pilot whales! Such a sight is incredibly rare in any part of the world.
Over the remaining days the team encountered rare species like the Cuvier’s beaked whale and other superpods of melon headed whales, spinner and spotted dolphins.
The research confirms that Timor-Leste is the place to be if you wish to encounter dolphins!
With the incredible biodiversity Timor-Leste has to offer, it might just be the perfect place to take the PADI Underwater Naturalist specialty. Speak with a PADI Dive Shop about this or any other PADI® courses in Timor Leste today.
