The BDRI is a small but serious research institute that studies the resident bottlenose dolphin population of the Ría de Arousa — one of the most-studied dolphin populations in Europe. The Institute runs daily citizen-science excursions from O Grove harbour during the summer: 3- to 4-hour boat trips on which participants help researchers photograph and identify individual dolphins using the markings on their dorsal fins.
The trips are educational rather than touristic and are not guaranteed sightings — though the success rate is high (around 70% of trips encounter dolphins). Bookings essential, usually a few days ahead. The Institute also runs occasional lectures and exhibitions in town.