01.10.2021 – Skewed spray

October arrived in the most wonderful way out on the Atlantic. My personal take is that it’s one of the best months to be out at Atlantic. Although the weather can be a little more unstable, the diversity of species during this transition month is always exciting and ranges from encounters with traditional summer visitors like the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) up to sightings of Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). In regards to the latter more gigantic toothed whales, I would even say that it’s one of the best months to encounter them.

My usual expectations for one of my favourite months of the year weren’t disappointed. After a sighting with a big group of Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) on this mornings glassy ocean, our spotter located the skewed spouts of a group of Sperm whales that surfaced 6 miles offshore after their foraging dives. The reason for the characteristic forward-angled spout spray is the animals s-shaped blowhole, that is slightly shifted to left. This along with the large block-shaped head and its large wrinkled body makes the sperm whale one of the easiest cetaceans to identify out at sea.

When it comes to distinguishing Striped dolphins from the Atlantic spotted dolphins, things aren’t that easy. From afar, the two Stenella-species display an extremely similar group dynamic but, once you get close, you’ll realise how different their reactions are to approaching boats. This was perfectly visible during todays afternoon tour, where we managed to see both species aboard our zodiac. What a wonderful start to autumn!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Striped dolphins, Sperm whales

Stenella

10:00 Striped dolphins, Sperm whales

15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins