19.12.2018 – Conversations in the rain

The slight drizzle and wet weather out on the Atlantic did not dampen our motivation to go out and find cetaceans. Our traditional boat was only half full but the interest shown in the animals amongst the few guests on board was enough to fill two whole tours.

Our conversations about cetaceans already began on land after the briefing, where we discussed communication amongst the animals and listened to their buzzes, clicks and squeaks on the Underwater sounds and Below videos displayed in our shop. Madeira’s position in the Atlantic ocean means that a variety of species stop by and this also means that we get to hear a large array of different cetacean “languages”. The fact that dolphins are social, self-aware and communicative beings underlines how profoundly intelligent these wonderful animals are.

Our conversation continued at sea beneath the drizzle as we searched for cetaceans, avoiding the looming, dark rain clouds that were approaching from every direction. Suddenly, Filipe accelerated; Carlos, our spotter, had located a group of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in the small area of ocean that was being spared from the rain. The jet-black bodies of the herd were gently drifting at the surface as they rested, a daytime activity that allows us to slowly approach and admire them at close range. We continued and found yet another group, this time the animals were moving faster and were in the company of oceanic-type Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). While pilot whales are soothing to watch as they cautiously swim towards our boat, the Bottlenose tend to be a little gutsier and seek more visual input if they find us interesting. They often lift their heads above the surface when swimming to take a closer look at us and turn to glance up at us when they bow-ride.

I felt this during my first snorkeling tour with Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and have the same feeling during every encounter with these animals; when you meet a dolphin and it makes eye contact with you, you know that you are in the presence of an intelligent life form. Since our definition of intelligence is so subjective we don’t really know what to do with that feeling but it definitely fills us with humility and, in some cases, prompts us to find out more about these remarkable creatures. I know some guests that were on board today will do so and that is a gratifying feeling for me as a guide. Thank you for your interest in and appreciation of these animals, we hope to welcome you on board again soon!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales