07.07.2023 – Against all odds

Our team was anticipating some wind from the Northwest as of late morning and that wind direction is always a tricky one for operators in Calheta. The wind accelerates along the coastline and, combined with some swell, can make conditions very choppy out on the Atlantic. We nonetheless gave it our best shot and set off to find some Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) for our snorkelling guests. Our spotter managed to locate a large group and all our snorkelers enjoyed some great moments in the water with the dolphins before more admirers arrived on board our Ribeira Brava. We did our best to keep our impact minimal and managed to make it back to the marina in time before the wind really began to pick up. 

In the afternoon our team decided to only set out if our spotter found animals which, against all odds, he did. Another pod of spotted dolphins was dashing through the choppy Atlantic and our team even managed a sighting of Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) on our way back to the marina. Despite having to cancel our other afternoon tours, our team did consider this a successful day out at sea as it’s all about making the most of what nature gives you and appreciating just that!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales