Rare Risso's Dolphins Spotted by Whale Watchers Off Kona, Hawaii

A group of whale watchers off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, were treated to a rare and exciting sight when they spotted a pod of six Risso's dolphins swimming alongside their boat. The crew and passengers of the Hawaiian Adventures Kona boat were about ten miles offshore when they encountered the dolphins, which are known for their distinct tall, sharp dorsal fins and battle scars.

Risso's dolphins, also called gray dolphins, are not commonly observed in Hawaiian waters, making this sighting a unique and unexpected experience for the whale watchers. "Risso's dolphins are typically found in deeper offshore waters and are considered a rare sight in the Hawaii area," said a representative from Hawaiian Adventures Kona.

The crew quickly alerted the passengers to the presence of the rare dolphins, and everyone on board was able to get a good look as the pod cruised alongside the boat. Many passengers took the opportunity to photograph the dolphins, capturing the excitement of the moment.

Risso's dolphins are large cetaceans, weighing over 1,000 pounds when fully grown. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with tall, sharply pointed dorsal fins and bodies covered in scars from battles with other dolphins. Despite their imposing size and battle-worn appearance, Risso's dolphins are generally not aggressive towards humans and are a thrilling sight for whale watchers lucky enough to observe them.

Why this matters: The sighting of rare Risso's dolphins off the coast of Hawaii highlights the incredible biodiversity found in the world's oceans. Encounters like this provide valuable opportunities for scientists and the public to learn more about these fascinating marine mammals and the importance of protecting their habitats.

The whale watching company described the encounter with the pod of Risso's dolphins as a "spectacular" and "once-in-a-lifetime" experience for their crew and passengers. "We were all thrilled to witness this unique encounter," said the Hawaiian Adventures Kona representative. "It's not every day that you get to observe these rare and impressive dolphins up close in their natural habitat."

Key Takeaways

• Rare sighting of 6 Risso's dolphins off Kona, Hawaii on April 17, 2023.
• Risso's dolphins are uncommon in Hawaiian waters, making this an unexpected encounter.
• Risso's dolphins have distinctive tall, sharp dorsal fins and battle-scarred bodies.
• The sighting provided a unique opportunity for scientists and the public to learn about these marine mammals.
• The whale watching company described the encounter as a "spectacular" and "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.