[1.2.230] Black Magician rears his head

I am pretty sure dolphins are faster than cranes irl. Plus the crane would have to fly over the el nath mountain, high up into the atmosphere in the cold WHILE carrying you. The dolphin just has to swim really fast on a path that it is very used to with you sitting on it's back (presumably)

*goes to look up flight of crane vs swimming of dolphin speeds, taking into account air resistance vs. water resistance and other such barriers.*

Obviously it's impossible to say why the crane takes longer but it is realistic to assume that taking things like weight and weather into consideration (something dolphins don't have to deal with) that no matter what the dolphin going to have an easier time, therefore making his trip faster. All he has to deal with is a little drag from the character.

EDIT: OH I KNOW WHY!

THE CRANE HAS TO AVOID CRIMSON BALROG!

Would this be an African Crane or a European one?