07.07.2019 – Emerging diversity

A summery Sunday is definitely well-spent on board our zodiac, the Stenella. On both tours our guests could enjoy encounters with Atlantic Spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). While the Bottlenose dolphins seemed more preoccupied with feeding today, the spotted and the pilot whales approached our boat several times during both tours, allowing guests and crew to make some breathtaking photos. This morning we even had the pleasure to observe a female pilot whale nursing a little calf! We watched in silence only hearing the gentle luffing of the waves against the hull of our zodiac and the whooshing breaths of the female at the surface, as she approached us with the young animal gliding at her side. The calm demeanour of the pilot whales saw its contrast in the high leaps of the spotted dolphins, that sped alongside the Stenella and surfed the waves of our bow. The notoriously surface-active Bottlenose dolphins were more preoccupied with hunting today and only made brief appearances at the surface.

Besides all the encountered dolphins, we also managed to spot a Flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus) this morning as well as basking Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) on both trips. While the turtles surface for the obvious need to breathe and additionally make use of the warm rays of the sun, flying fish lunge out of the water to escape potential predators. After shooting out of the water, the fish extend their wing-like pectoral fins which allow them to hover above the surface for an unbelievable amount of time.

While I like to describe what is known about the deep, dark abyss of the ocean surrounding the archipelago of Madeira and why it beckons so many whales and dolphins to the waters of the island, it is soothing to know that one can experience an incredible diversity of marine life at the surface.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

12:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

15:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales