10.07.2026 – Grey on grey plus grey = magical
July 16, 2026
Today, the conditions were a little bit difficult, and we went all the way to Funchal. Fortunately, we found a large group of spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) hunting in the choppy waters.
With them, Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) were also foraging on the fish. It is often that we see interactions with dolphins and seabirds and the sight of birds circling, diving, or gathering in a particular area can often be a useful indicator that dolphins are nearby. Spotted dolphins are cooperative hunters and their diet consists of fish (mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies), cephalopods (octopus) and some benthic invertebrates. When food is abundant, it is possible for them to cooperate with other species like bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) or common dolphins (Delphinus delphis).
On our way back we saw a lot of flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus). Despite their name, they are not capable of flying. They propel themselves out of the water, reaching speeds of 56 km/h, and they glide using their wing-like pectoral fins.
By Juliette Colançon
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 No Sightings
Steno
09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins
