04.08.2022 – Gone with the wind
August 14, 2022
06.08.2022 – Madeiras amazing biodiversity
August 16, 2022
The first sighting of the day were three fluke prints on the sea surface. These are caused by the movement of the tail, which moves water masses. This changes the surface structure and creates a mirror-smooth surface. Unfortunately, we did not discover the whale that went with it. Afterwards we had a small group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which went their way reserved. The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were very sociable and approached in large leaps.
On our noon trip with the Stenella we had two different groups of the Atlantic spotted dolphins. They were in a jumping mood, to the delight of the young and old guests.
A loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) also swam in the vast blue. An interesting fact about sea turtles in general. Sea turtles once came from land. In order to adapt to the conditions of their new habitat, some changes were needed. Their carapace is more streamlined and flatter than that of tortoises. While tortoises can tuck their heads and legs in, sea turtles cannot.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Monk seal
15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins
Stenella
10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins
14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Loggerhead turtle
17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins
