30.06.2026 – Migration of the Atlantic spotted dolphins
July 5, 2026
Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins together ? Yes it is possible ! That is what happened this morning. These two highly social species are often seen swimming together. Bottlenose dolphins are naturally curious and that leads them to interact with other cetaceans. Both species are extremely vocal individuals and we can imagine the underwater symphony when they interact.
Despite their name, pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are actually the second-largest members of the oceanic dolphin family (surpassed in size only by orcas). These large and robust animals are incredible to encounter and we can see that they have a distinctive bulbous head without a beak like the bottlenose dolphins. Pilot whales form strong family units lead by an older and more experience female.
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are highly intelligent and are found in every temperate and tropical waters. They can be very active at the surface and display a complex range of behaviours. Like the pilot whales, they form strong social structures and they can establish long-term friendships throughout their life.
We also had the opportunity to see a third member of the dolphin family : spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). They are smaller than the first two species : around 1.5-2 m long. They are quite playful animal and are often coming at the boat bow of the boat.
What a delight it was to witness all of these wonderful interactions !
By Juliette Colançon
Sightings of the day
Ribeira brava
09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales
13:00 Bottlenose dolphins
16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins
Steno
09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales
