05.08.2026 – Let me see those teeth !

On this day’s schedule, three species of toothed whales : Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus)! Toothed whales are also called odontocetes, the other group being the mysticete’s (the baleen whales).

All odontocetes are thought to use echolocation, to gain an “image” of their environment. They use a fat organ located in their head called the melon. Toothed whales are particularly well known for their brain size and rich social lives. Their diet vary greatly from small crustaceans for river dolphins, to squid and cuttlefish for larger dolphins and sperm whales, to other marine mammals for killer whales.

Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are seen all-year round whereas spotted dolphins are seen in number during summer. The latter can be seen chasing flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus) in cooperation with Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis) which is always a great sight for us ! 

By Juliette Colançon

Sightings of the day 

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

13:00 Bottlenose dolphins

16:30 Bottlenose dolphins

Steno

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins

16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins