18.04.2026 – A Grand Fin-ale
April 25, 2026
Today, a massive regatta was taking place out at sea. Thousands upon thousands of by-the-wind-sailors (Velella velella) were drifting across the grey sea. They look small, delicate and beautiful. Seeing them in such vast numbers was truly impressive. In the morning, our guests spotted a Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and two Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta).
At midday, vast numbers of by-the-wind-sailors were still drifting on the sea and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were still in our area. Let’s hope they soon set off on their journey to their feeding grounds.
My colleagues at Ribeira Brava had a peaceful, beautiful and close encounter with Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris).
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Bottlenose dolphin, Loggerhead turtle, by-the-wind-sailor
13:00 Fin whale, Blainville’s beaked whale, by-the-wind-sailor
