17.05.2022 – Leftover beauties

The rising temperatures that accompany the gradual transition to summer is visible in both the lush terrestrial and marine life of Madeira. At this time of the year, cold-water loving species like the Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are succeeded by their more tropical counterparts, the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), curious little dolphins that arrive in enormous pods. The common dolphins then move to waters further north in the Atlantic but a few, smaller groups, usually containing little calves, remain in the sheltered waters of the island for some time. Considering that our Stenella managed our company’s first ever encounter with the apex predators of our oceans, a pod of 12 transient Orcas (Orcinus orca) yesterday which then continued their voyage out to sea immediately afterwards, it comes to no surprise to us that smaller, more vulnerable animals prefer to remain in safer waters.

Both our boats managed a sighting with a tiny nursery pod of common dolphins today and the mothers even curiously approached our boats with their little calves. Despite the difficulty some of guests experience with the large swell at sea today, todays sighting was a lovely farewell to the colder months and left our team with one sentiment only: we are ready and excited for the summer!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Short-beaked common dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Short-beaked common dolphins