06.04.2022 – “Blondi”

During our morning tour, contacts with the marine mammals became more intimate with each sighting. The Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that we first encountered were quite reserved. Our second sighting with the Short-finned Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) was a bit closer. The Blainville beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), otherwise known to be shy, became downright cuddly. Our guests were also able to admire a beautiful and yet so dangerous Portuguese man-o-war (Physalia physalis). The beautiful savage was not alone, she was accompanied by a Man-o-war fish (Nomeus gronovii).

And why is the title “Blondi”? Among the Pilot whales, there is one animal that we know well of, which is very light in body markings. Pilot whales are very dark, so “Blondi” (I call him that) stands out from the crowd.

In the afternoon, our guests waited very, very, very patiently for the Blainville Beaked whales. Unfortunately, these were not to be seen.

Here you will find the promised petitions: https://www.lobosonda.com/whale-watching/marine-protection/

by Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

14:30 no sighting

Stenella

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales, Blainville beaked whales

15:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales