13.03.2019 – Pioneers
March 21, 2019
15.03.2019 – Clear skies
March 23, 2019
Our spotter welcomed us onto a slightly wavy Atlantic with some splendid news; a dispersed pod of Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were foraging in the waters outside Arco da Calheta and Madalena do Mar. The deep waters of the area often attract deep-diving whales and dolphins to the area, that can socialize and forage while enjoying the protection of the beautiful coastline. For our team it’s also fantastic to have sightings in this hotspot as we need not venture far from the marina to enjoy scenic encounters with the animals. And Sperm whales certainly do not disappoint.
While it is usually the sheer size of these enormous toothed whales that tends to have people stunned, everyone on board seemed more charmed by the little calf swimming clumsily near its mother. The young animals are not as skilled in swimming and diving as their older peers and often lift their „little“ blocky heads above the surface to breathe properly. The calf also attempted a dive as the accompanying female lifted her fluke to plunge into the depths. Unfortunately for them, little calves can not yet reach the great depths to hunt and often resort to waiting for the herd at the surface.
After an entertaining hour in the company of Sperm whales, our guests also had the pleasure of encountering some curious Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that lifted their head high above the waves, much like the Sperm whale calf had done earlier on.
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Stenella
15:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whales
