20.09.2018 – Close-up

The moments before you see a Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) during a Whale-watching tour are (almost) as spectacular and exciting as those during a sighting. Our spotter informed us of two of these massive toothed whales out at sea after we enjoyed a sighting with a small, shy school of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). As we approached at a distance of about two nautical miles to the animals, they lifted their fluke and dove. The Stenella slowed down and we slowly drifted around the area, with all eyes on board scanning the ocean for the large cetaceans.

Despite the incredible depth of 3300m at the location, which may indicate a longer foraging dive amongst the animals, one juvenile surfaced close to our search area. Juveniles and calves are met frequently alone as they cannot remain at such great depths for the same period of time as their older peers. Being young animals, they are also usually more inquisitive and less weary. The young cetacean slowly approached our zodiac and, as it did, spy-hopped and barrel-rolled near the surface. The clear waters around Madeira allow both crew and guests to capture these moments beautifully. At least 3 Gopros were stuck into the water as the animal drifted near us which were curiously scanned by the whale. Meanwhile, moble phones and cameras clicked and captured the impressive body of the animal from up on deck.

In between our paparazzo shots, we all took some brief moments to simply take the whole spectacle in and relish this wondrous moment out in the Atlantic. After all, how often do you actually get the chance to enjoy the company of such gentle giants?

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

15:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whales