10.01.2019 – Dynamic duo
January 17, 2019
Hope for the Australian Humpback Whales
January 21, 2019
It is simply the most rewarding feeling to finally find cetaceans after seaching far and wide. As we were covering the waters west of Calheta, our vigiaCarlos called and informed us of a large group of travelling dolphins. Needless to say, we sped straight to the area of the sighting which was located 5 natucial miles off Jardim do Mar.
I was expecting Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) or Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) but the Atlantic decided to surprise us today. The cobalt surface of the ocean was broken by a large school of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) that were swiftly swimming east. These dolphins visit the archipelago during the summer months but may occasionally drop by during winter. I hadn’t seen this species since September last year and, as usual, they did not disappoint. The spotted are delightfully interactive cetaceans so much so that we even offer snorkeling tours with them.
I bashfully have to admit that I have a very special place for the spotted dolphins in my heart since my encounters with them during snorkeling trips inspired me to learn more about them and all other cetaceans. They kickstarted my deep interest in dolphins and prompted me to find out more about all their remarkable capabilities like their unihemispheric sleep, their selective behaviour when it comes to social bonds, their self-awareness or the fact that they can stay active without sleep for 15 days straight. Or the fact that their skin has miraculous healing capabilities. Or that some dolphins go unconscious underwater before being saved by their buddies. Like I said; remarkable and there are so many things to mention and a million things we still don’t know.
I suppose some people have other people to inspire them, others have animals to inspire them. The will to interact on the side of these cheeky, wonderful dolphins truly humbles me and will always push me to respect them and learn more about cetaceans. So to conclude this declaration of love, I was thrilled to see the spotted dolphins again and I’m confident that they captured the hearts of our guests on board the Stenella just as they did mine two summers ago.
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Stenella
10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins
