At 5:55 AM, in Port de Pollensa's quiet harbour, the 'Cap de Pinar' vessel stands ready for its morning dolphin-watching expedition. The crew, led by Captain Andreu Campomar, efficiently prepares the 24-metre wooden and fibreglass vessel for its fifty passengers, while Katia Taillefer, who manages Lanchas La Gaviota during summer months, welcomes visitors aboard.
The journey begins precisely at 6 AM, with the vessel's engine breaking the dawn silence as it navigates through the calm Mediterranean waters. Captain Campomar, with decades of maritime experience, explains: "The journey takes an hour to reach the trawling boat, whose nets attract the dolphins. These intelligent creatures know exactly when and where to find their breakfast."
As the first light breaks across the horizon, multiple fins pierce the water's surface. The wild dolphins demonstrate their natural feeding behaviour, diving repeatedly near the trawler before engaging in their characteristic playful displays. "After feeding, they're quite content and begin their acrobatic performances," notes Captain Campomar.
Despite the magical nature of these encounters, serious challenges threaten these marine mammals. Captain Campomar highlights two primary concerns: "The greatest threat to dolphins is noise pollution, especially during summer when boat traffic increases tenfold. Overfishing also poses a significant risk to their habitat."
The 'Cap de Pinar' returns to port as sunlight bathes the coastline, with the Far de Punt de l'Avançada lighthouse standing sentinel. This eco-tourism initiative provides visitors with an opportunity to observe Mediterranean dolphins in their natural habitat while raising awareness about marine conservation challenges.