11.08.2021 – Small dolphins, big action!

Everyone is always excited about seeing larger whales on a whale-watching tour which, of course, is totally understandable! The fact that we share our planet with such enormous, gentle creatures is beyond humbling..but sightings with their smaller cousins are often taken for granted. Whales may dwarf dolphins in size but the smaller cetaceans make up for it with another attribute; attitude!

Today both our tours were decorated with dolphins of all colours, shapes, sizes and behaviour. From the large, grey Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to the small and curious Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) up to the decorative Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and shy Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). All displayed a series of different behaviour and all made our guests smile with joy. These relatable marine dwellers never fail to impress with their incredible social dynamics and intelligence, something that has fascinated mankind since time immemorial. Despite their obvious resilience, I always make sure to remind guests that dolphins are nonetheless threatened by anthropogenic activities and that it is imperative that we protect them. After all, I cannot imagine a world without them and I’m positive the guests aboard todays tours would concur.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Striped dolphins

15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins, Striped dolphins