04.07.2017 – Water ballet

Published by lobosonda on July 18, 2017

Interesting hunting and jumping formation could be observed on both of our tours today. Far off the coastline of Paul do Mar, we saw how at least 100 Atlantic spotted dolphins were driving their prey in a high speed in front of them. Like parts of a pearl necklace, the hunting dolphins were synchronised high jumps and dove back together in the water. From far away it looked like a water-ballet. But as a matter of fact, this behaviour is part of a method, in which the marine mammals coordinate each other in order to be more successfull with catching their prey. A short time afterwards, some of the atlantic spotted dolphins came close, adapted their speed to ours (slow one) and followed us for a while. It is always amazing to see, how energetic and powerful they can get. During chasing they can speed up to 60/70 km/h.

by Astrid Haas

Sightings of the day:

Stenella

09.00: Common dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

Ribeira Brava

09.00: Common dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins