Warmer surface sea water (approx 19-20ºC)  here in the Porto area is always welcomed and enjoyed by the local sea sport fanatics. It began a few days ago that the surface water temperatures began to rise and now are very near the temperatures in of the surface sea waters in the Algarve – which is famous for it’s warmer sea waters. That isn’t always the case though for Northern Portugal where the average surface sea water temperatures are below 13ºC.

Cooler waters though have the advantage of harnesses better thermal winds along the coastal areas for water wind-sport aficionados.

I was fortunate to get out for a kite session at Praia de Leça da Palmeira in the Porto area on Saturday afternoon. The water temperature was already much warmer than we normally experience and of course that comfort made the session a little more enjoyable. While taking a break from the water, there were a few of us kiters chatting on the beach and we were discussing the nice water temperatures and good winds that we were enjoying, and one of the other kiters began to inform us that while he was kiting further out into the sea he was greeted by a group of dolphins. He mentioned his initial surprise and worry of the greeting crew of sea mammals, but he thereafter disclosed that his fear and worry were dispelled quickly as he watched them play jpoyfuly and make noises cheerfully as he kited alongside them. I can imagine that a very blessed feeling overwhelmed him. His telling of this account was great to hear but it also didn’t surprise me, as I  had a similar experience some years back when the surface sea water temperatures were alike those of this week. Dolphins are known to follow those warmer surface temperature currents. I believe it was the same day that the dolphins were spotted very close by, in the Lexões Port canal, and the following video was filmed and shared along social media.