Dauphin de Peale

Ces chasseurs sont régulièrement repérés au large des îles Malouines.

Informations sur : Peale's Dolphin

Our Expert Says… "Often a highlight of visits to the Falklands, we also often find Peale's dolphin bow riding the ships as they sail through the Beagle Channel on the way out from or into Ushuaia - a fantastic start or end to an Antarctic exploration!"

Peale’s dolphin (sometimes known as the black-chinned dolphin) is a small species that is endemic to the coastal waters off the southern tip of South America. They can be seen on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and they are frequently spotted around the Falkland Islands.

Growing to just under 2.1m (7ft) long and 113kg (250lb) in weight, Peale’s dolphins have a largely black back with an obvious off-white stripe running down each side. The belly is white, and the face and chin are dark gray. They have a distinctive white patch just behind each flipper.

Peale’s dolphins seem to prefer fast-flowing water like channel entrances and narrows, as well as sheltered bays close to shore. They hunt communally and feed in and around kelp beds as well as in open water. They have been observed using group hunting techniques like encircling. Their diet seems to consist mainly of fish, as well as octopus, squid, and shrimps. They gather in small groups of between 5 and 20 individuals, but sometimes they can be seen in groups of 100 or more.

It’s unknown how many Peale’s dolphins there are, but recent estimates state there could be as few as 21,000 individuals in the south Atlantic area of their range. In the 1970s and 1980s, they were hunted by Chilean fishermen and used as crab bait, with thousands being killed each year. Although this practice has decreased, it’s still not illegal. Some concern has been expressed as to the stability of the population of Peale’s dolphin and more research is needed into the status of this unique species.

Photos : Peale's Dolphin

Points forts où l'on peut voir : Peale's Dolphin

Cap Horn

Cape Horn (known as Cabo de Hornos in Spanish) is the southernmost point of South America. It’s not technically part of the mainland, as it is the Tierra del Fuego archipelago’s most southerly headland.

Before the Panama Canal opened, it was the route used by shipping to go from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and its waters have a reputation for being treacherous. Thanks to the fierce currents, huge waves, strong winds, and frequent icebergs, Cape Horn is still a challenge to navigate and is seen as a “bucket list” passage for many yachtsmen.

It is also amazing for a wide range of seabirds, and marine mammals. Do look out for the Dusky Dolphin as well as the more regularly encountered Peale's Dolphin.

If your cruise vessel “rounds the Horn” then you can join the privileged ranks of those who have sailed between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans off the southernmost tip of South America!