03.09.2023 – Wave rider

Wind conditions can change very quickly around an island. Shortly after we left the harbor in the morning, the wind picked up rapidly. So our approach to two baleen whales was a bit difficult. The Ribeira Brava had to work its way against the wind and the waves. We only saw the two whales from a distance. Baleen whale identification is not always easy. Considering the proximity to the shoreline and the time of year, they could have been Tropical whales (Balaenoptera edeni). However, the size of the animals and one of the dorsal fins was reminiscent of a Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). Had we been able to inspect the head area, an accurate identification would have been possible. Tropical whales have three head ridges instead of one, and Fin whales have an asymmetrical coloration on the lower jaw, gray on the right and white on the left. However, we suspect that it was two Fin whales. Inbetween the waves we found as well Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).

Even at lunchtime, our guests became wave riders. Iwe went out into the white foam caps where Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) awaited us and Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) harnessed the power of the wave.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Fin whales, Pilot whales

13:30 Rough-toothed dlphins, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Fin whales, Pilot whales

14:00 Rough-toothed dlphins, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins

17:00 Cacellation due to strong winds