01.09.2026 – Personalities

Today’s tours were full of good sightings! Across the day, we were lucky enough to encounter Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). All four species are regularly found in the waters around Madeira, although their habits and feeding styles can be quite different.

The Short-finned pilot whales are deep-diving specialists, with squid making up a large part of their diet, along with some fish and octopus. They are highly social and often travel in close family groups, making their calm presence at the surface especially fascinating to watch.

Rough-toothed dolphins are also impressive hunters, feeding on squid and a variety of fish. They are social animals and can sometimes be seen travelling alongside other cetacean species — something that makes encounters with them particularly exciting.

Our Bottlenose dolphins are versatile hunters, eating a wide range of fish, squid and other marine prey. They are intelligent and adaptable, and often work together when hunting.

And finally, the beautiful Atlantic spotted dolphins are regular visitors to Madeira’s waters. Their diet consists mainly of fish and squid, and they are known for their energetic and social nature.

Four species, four very different personalities — and one unforgettable day on the ocean. Madeira’s waters never cease to surprise us!

By Gemma Stockmans