11.07.2026 – Bumpy ride
July 17, 2026
Today, our boats headed out once again for another unforgettable day on the waters of Madeira.
During our morning tour, our guests were lucky enough to spot a Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. This playful seal surfaced several times, appearing just as curious about our guests as they were about her. Sightings like this are truly exceptional.
Madeira is home to one of the last remaining populations of Mediterranean monk seals. Around 30 to 40 individuals live in and around the protected Desertas Islands Nature Reserve, while other populations can be found in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly around Greece and Turkey.
In the afternoon, both of our boats enjoyed fantastic encounters with short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). Watching these gentle giants gracefully surface beside the boat is always a breathtaking experience and a perfect ending to an amazing day at sea.
Every trip is unique, and today was another wonderful reminder of the incredible marine life that Madeira has to offer.
By Gemma Stockmans
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:30 No sightings, Monk seal, Loggerhead sea turtle
13:00 Short-finned pilot whales
Steno
09:30 No sightings, Monk seal
13:30 Short-finned pilot whales
16:30 Short-finned pilot whales, Loggerhead sea turtle
