09.01.2025 – Moon and sea

The full moon has a fascinating connection with the sea and its waves. Gravity plays a role here. The moon’s gravitational pull influences the tides, the periodic raising and lowering of the sea level. At full moon and new moon, the sun, moon and earth are aligned, which leads to particularly strong tides. These cause higher tidal waves and lower tides than usual.

The energy of the moon not only affects the water, but also influences the currents and the dynamics of the waves. During a full moon, the waves can sometimes be more intense and powerful, as the stronger tidal currents amplify them. The influence of the full moon is particularly visible in coastal regions, where the play of the tides can be seen in striking changes in the water level. We saw this particularly well today in the small, pretty fishing village of Ponta do Sol. This more intense sea movement was also clearly noticeable for our guests at sea.

The Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that we encountered didn’t care. They are in their element.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Sperm whale