22.09.2026 – The Start of Autumn

Guests frequently ask us when they might see whales. Although a dolphin sighting is technically also a whale sighting—after all, all dolphins belong to the toothed whales (Odontoceti), we naturally understand what they mean. Different species of large whales migrate past Madeira at different times of the year. Autumn often brings sperm whales, and right at the start of the autumn season, our guests on the morning tours spotted a sperm whale (Physether macrocephalus).
The midday and afternoon tours were just as wonderful. I had the pleasure of experiencing a fantastic sighting of Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) alongside our captain, Pedro, aboard the “Ribeira Brava”. These normally shy mammals eventually came quite close; they circled our beautiful boat, observing both the vessel and the delighted guests and crew. The group consisted of six or seven animals, including as usual one male and some females. The pod featured a female with unique coloration: instead of the typical brownish-yellow hue, her skin was a grayish-white.
A huge thank you to Captain Pedro, whose calm and patient approach made this special sighting possible.
Thanks also to our “old lady” the “Ribeira Brava”, which offers such a wonderful sense of slowing down in today’s often hectic times.
And finally, thank you to all the guests who shared in the excitement and simply enjoyed the trip, the coastline, and the sighting. No one asked me about the “real whales”; everyone simply savoured the moment.

by Claudia Gomes