Short-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala Macrorhynchus) Best time for spotting this whale in Gran Canaria

Some distance away from the coast of Gran Canaria you may spot the short-finned pilot whale.

Its label is somewhat of a misnomer as the short-finned pilot whale is actually a relatively large member of the dolphin family (Delphinidae).

It is not a particularly pretty creature as it sports a large, globular head which is more highly developed in males (the females are a bit more attractive!).

In old males, the head can droop and hang over the mouth.
The species has shorter flippers than its relative the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala Melas) but it is fairly difficult to distinguish between the two species at sea.