07.11.2025 – Life behind glass
November 15, 2025
We started the day off strong with Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). We got to observe the animals showing off their tail flukes before initiating deep foraging dives and we were in awe of how close we got to the biggest toothed whales.
In the afternoon, species switched round. Instead of Sperm whales, we encountered Short-finned pilot whales (Globichephala macrorhyncus). These animals engage in cooperative behaviour such as babysitting which we got to witness on the Ribeira Brava. One very curious calf approached the boat and swam alongside us. It was shortly joined by two adults. Another adult surfaced from the deep and the calf left the company of the other two to join this new animal. Overall, a very nice day out at sea with big and small animals.
By Hannah Carstens
Sightings of the Day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Sperm whales
13:00 Short-finned pilot whales
Stenella
09:30 Sperm whales
13:30 Short-finned pilot whales
16:00 Short-finned pilot whales
