01.06.2019 – Sparkeling water

Today we drove through sparkling water and I do not mean moving sea but very, very, very active dolphins. During our first sighting, the Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) became interactive while we were allowed to accompany them to the north-west. Later we turned off, because we had the information that a larger group dolphins was a little further away from the coast. Of course, we were curious who we would meet. And it was the lively Atlantic Spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). They too were in jumping mood. So today felt like sparkling water.

And not to forget it, in the midst of the lively dolphins was a Sunfish (Mola mola). Such a quaint, strange, beautiful fish. Quite different than you imagine fish, just unique! By the way, Mola means millstone! This is the heaviest bone fish in the animal kingdom. It very rarely seen but this is a repeat offense of the gentle giant, because on 30.04.2019 we saw him already (please read our blog: “The beauty and the beast” from 30.04.2019 ). Sun fishes dive to a depth of up to 500m. While on the surface, you can observe them either in a vertical position and then you mostly see the dorsal fin, but sometimes he lies on its side, enjoying a “sun bath”.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

15:00 Common dolphins

Stenella

12:00 Common dolphins, Atlantic Spotted dolphins, Sunfish