03.09.22 – Mirror Mirror on the sea

Another blast!!! Conditions were more than perfect today, crystal clear seas and sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for ocean exploration and absolutely amazing sightings that got better and better as the day went on. In the morning, guests enjoyed a beautiful sighting of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) on board the fishing boat Ribeira Brava.

In the afternoon, the school of spotties was so big that we didn’t even know where to look. The sea was literally covered with spotted dolphins. And this mixed with the glassy shallow sea made for an encounter that left us so excited!

This was followed by a group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to show the contrast in behaviour between these two species, and a small Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Another highlight was the Rissos´s dolphins (Grampus griseus) a few miles away, which were very social and socialising. The evening tour was just another highlight of whale watching. At just one spot we encountered a school of Spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni).

We don’t often see two species of dolphins at the same time, but it seems that these two groups interacted quite well. The Bryde’s whale mother and calf stayed close to the boat and the calf was as curious as we have ever seen it. For a while it swam under the boat, from left to right and turned to explore our boat. Simply magical!

Thanks to all the guests who shared the good vibes!

We can’t wait to have more of such sightings! 

by Paulina Kalita

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Bryde’s whale

Stenella

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Rissos´s dolphins, Loggerhead sea turtle

17:00 Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Bryde’s Whale