Plizio Visual Lab

Dolphins of the Bijagós Archipelago

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The waters of the Bijagós Archipelago host an impressive variety of dolphins, with the Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) being the most common. The Atlantic humpback dolphin is of particular scientific importance, as it is extremely shy and globally endangered. The shallow channels and sandy lagoons between the 88 islands of the archipelago provide these intelligent marine mammals with plenty of food and protection from larger predatory fish. Dolphins play a significant role in the cosmology of the Bijagó people; they are often viewed as spiritual companions to seafarers. In some areas of the archipelago, there are reports of cooperative fishing between local fishers and dolphins, a fascinating example of human-animal interaction. Protecting the archipelago as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is crucial for preserving these populations, as increasing boat traffic and the use of gillnets pose major threats. For travelers, a boat trip through the archipelago often has the chance to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat, highlighting the significance of marine ecology for the entire region.

Location: Guinea-Bissau
Nearby: Eticoga (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	26	26	27	27	27	27	27	28	28	26
Rain mm	1	0	3	1	10	122	410	521	359	189	13	0

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to spot dolphins in the Bijagós Archipelago is the dry season from November to May, when water visibility is best. During the rainy season, dolphins are still present but conditions are often more stormy.

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Best time of day

Dolphins are most active early morning and late afternoon when they hunt. The calm morning hours also provide the best light conditions for photography.

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Etiquette

Keep a minimum distance of 100 meters from dolphins to avoid disturbing them. Boat trips should be slow and careful, without pursuing the animals.

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What to bring

Good binoculars and a waterproof camera are well-suited for dolphin watching from a boat. Sun protection and a hat are important due to strong sun reflection on the water.

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Getting there

The Bijagós Archipelago is reachable by domestic flight or boat from Bissau. Most visitors book a multi-day tour that includes boat trips to dolphin habitats.

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What to expect

Dolphins are wild and do not always appear immediately. Quiet, patient observation from an anchor spot increases your chances of seeing them longer.