19.07.2025 – Defying gravity

Today we had Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus). In the evening, we even encountered a hammerhead shark. The Risso’s encounters were quite close considering the shy nature of these animals. Moments when we get this close always feel special.

The Atlantic spotted dolphins were absolutely mental today. Throughout the day we encountered groups that were quite aerially active. One highlight was during mid-day, when both our boats were with a group that some crazy guys. We had to dolphins leaping together, launching themselves at least four metres into the air. During the last Stenella trip we had more Atlantic spotted bow-riding while enjoying the high swell by spending almost more time in the air than in the water. In addition, another individual decided to defy gravity by leaping several times in a row. We know this species like to display aerial skills but today’s action was wow!

By Hannah Carstens

Sightings of the Day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins

13:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Risso’s dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Risso’s dolphins

16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Hammerhead shark