Today patience was our word. As we sailed through the Atlantic learning about Madeira and different facts about our ocean we were surprised by a large group of Spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) that swam our way. They stole the show by showing off their calves as they swimmed along their moms, we were able to appreciate them at their most nurturing and maternal aspect. Did you know that when spotted dolphins are born they are only 80 cm long? Amazing.
As the day continued, we were greeted by a curious Manta ray (Mobula birostris) just swimming calmly at the bow of our boat. Manta rays are a super weird species to spot here but patience is always rewarding. We finished the day with a beautiful encounter of Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) feeding close to a flock of Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis). It’s amazing to see how species work together in order to achieve the same goals! What do you think we will see next?
by Camila Dávila
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:30 Spotted dolphins, Common dolphins
Stenella
13:30 Spotted dolphins
16:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Common Dolphins