We've just seen our first common dolphins! Last year we departed from London and it was a few days before any dolphins or porpoises appeared. That's probably because dolphins and porpoises aren't as numerous in the eastern end of the English Channel.

Nevertheless, seeing dolphins so soon after leaving port is a heartening sight. It means our press officer Niall has made good on his promise to the journalist who has set sail with us that she'd 'definitely see dolphins'.

And it was quite a show - we had dolphins with the ship for about two hours. Many of them could have been the same individuals, and they all came to 'visit' the Esperanza - taking time to play around the bow or ride alongside.

They were quite energetic, jumping clear out of the water and giving us marvellous views of their markings in the light. In dull weather, or if you've never seen them close up, it's easy to think that dolphins are all just varying shades of grey. In fact common dolphins have a colourful mix of black, white, grey and gold, and distinctive 'hourglass' markings across their sides. This was a bit of a surprise to some of the team with us who'd never had quite as good a view before.

However entertaining the dolphins are, the Greenpeace crew can usually beat them. Magali, one of our deckhands, was doing her level best to encourage our dolphin escort to put on the best possible show. She was shouting at them to 'give a big jump' and then loudly cheering and applauding them when they did. She's sure they understood her. If so, that's quite a talent to have!

Willie, Campaigner