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Spinner dolphins in Fernando de Noronha: a natural spectacle

In the bay of Baía dos Golfinhos, in Fernando de Noronha, there is a high concentration of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), an oceanic and tropical species known for its acrobatic behaviour, jumping out of the water with up to seven turns on its axis.

Dolphin watching is one of the archipelago’s main tourist attractions. According to the Spinner Dolphin Project, Dolphin Bay is visited by these cetaceans on 95 per cent of the days of the year, with groups of up to 2,046 individuals recorded entering the bay to rest, reproduce, care for their young and protect themselves from predators such as sharks.

Spinner dolphin videos

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Golfinhos Rotadores em Fernando de Noronha09:32

Golfinhos em Fernando de Noronha03:57

The daily routine of spinner dolphins

These animals have a daily routine:

• Night feeding on the high seas.
• Morning journey towards Dolphin Bay, arriving at sunrise.
• Stay in the bay for much of the day for rest and social interaction.
• They return to the open sea in the middle of the afternoon for new feeding activities.

Ecological significance and environmental challenges

In addition to their scenic beauty, spinner dolphins perform vital ecological functions in Noronha’s marine ecosystem, acting as predators of small fish, squid and shrimp, and as food for sharks, contributing to the balance of the food chain.

However, the growth of nautical tourism has had a negative impact on the behaviour of these cetaceans. Studies show that the average time that dolphins spend in Baía dos Golfinhos has decreased from 8h31min in 1998 to 2h37min in 2015, correlating with the increase in boat traffic.

History and conservation

The first report of the presence of dolphins in Fernando de Noronha dates back to 1556, when friar André Thevet described the animals circling boats in the archipelago.

Since 1990, the Spinner Dolphin Project, run by the NGO Spinner Dolphin Centre in partnership with ICMBio, has been carrying out research, environmental education and community involvement to conserve spinner dolphins and the marine biodiversity of Noronha.

Responsible observation

Baía dos Golfinhos is a protected area with restricted access, where boats and bathers are not allowed. Dolphin watching is permitted from Mirante dos Golfinhos, where researchers provide guidance and binoculars for visitors.

It is essential that tourism in the region is responsible and respects conservation rules to ensure the protection of these animals and the sustainability of Fernando de Noronha’s marine ecosystem.

Fernando de Noronha Tourist Guide

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →

Published on 22/10/2015 · Updated on 09/05/2025

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