22.06.2022 – Masters of the ocean surface

Our team was already anticipating a change in the weather today and the approaching northwest wind arrived a lot sooner than expected. This prompted our spotter to search the waters further east for groups of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) for this mornings snorkelling tour and we managed to locate a perfectly sized group for our underwater encounter. Our guests behaved perfectly in the water with the animals, which allowed them a long and enjoyable encounter with the animals. Despite the wind, our Ribeira Brava also managed to arrive on the scene in time to see the animals but both boats had a bumpy ride back to the marina against the strong wind.

We were hopeful for better conditions at sea for our afternoon tours but it only got worse out there and both had to be cancelled. Unlike us, dolphins don’t mind such changes in weather. On the contrary, dolphins use the swell and wind to travel faster and more efficiently. Todays dolphins darted like arrows through the choppy waters which highlighted just another feature that makes them the masters of the ocean surface.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins (Snorkeling)