Mekong Irrawaddy Dolphins

A Cambodia tour is made unique with a visit to Kratie, some five hours north of the national capital Phnom Penh, to see the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.

Only 92 of the timid maritime mammals remain, mostly living in their habit a 190-kilometre stretch of the Mekong running between Kampi, an attractive village just north of Kratie, all the way up to Laos.

Some 25 of these magnificent mammals can be found in the waters off Kampi accessible by boat. A visit with an English-speaking guide can be included in a tailored package from Cambodia’s leading inbound tour operator, Christinair Tours, which has released its unique 4-day, 3-night ‘Timeless Angkor’ holiday tours for 2019/20.

Due to their special place in the hearts of Cambodians, news about the mammals also known as the Mekong River Dolphin or Kratie Dolphin, make headlines throughout the country. They are considered family.

The recent death of a 92 kg dolphin entangled in an illegal fishing net created great concern among Cambodians. While the waters are protected and regularly policed it is not an uncommon danger for dolphins whose habitat is prized by local fishermen.

In spite of major efforts to improve their numbers, the endangered marine mammals are facing an uncertain future. There were 80 recorded Irrawaddy dolphins in 2015. Four were born in the first few months of this year, gestation taking two to three years, but two died. Additional numbers were recorded by sight.

The dolphins are grey blue in colour, feature a large forehead, rounded skull, a mouth set in a smile and a dorsal fin located on their back. They also have long-broad flippers, weigh up to 136 kgs and grow to 2.5 metres in length.

Irrawaddy dolphins communicate using clicks and buzzing sounds and travel in small pods of three to six and occasionally up to 15 or more. They remain social with one another in their pods and will intermingle with other pods.

Seeing the Irrawaddy dolphin in the wild can be a truly memorable experience but don’t expect them to leap out of the water and play like Flipper. The Irrawaddy dolphin is timid preferring to rise from the water to show you a smile or two, their backs and fins, and then retreat to the deep waters of the Mekong. A day trip with Christinair Tours takes 3-5 hours and can be started at any time of the day from Kratie town. Viewing is guaranteed.

See the Irrawaddy dolphins while you can.

*Written by Grahame Cox