23.08.2023 – Whales-day! 

This Wednesday we were able to spot the mysterious Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) made a splashy entrance into our day, getting up close and personal with our boats. These enigmatic creatures, known for their elusive charm, surprised us by hanging around our boats. We could feel they were almost as curious about us as we were about them. Imagine their robust beaks, extending from their heads like the coolest undersea accessories!

Did you know these whales are deep divers? The dive to deep depths up to 1,000 meters as they look for food. Their elusive nature has make it a challenge of studying and safeguarding them, but, lucky for us, Madeira offers a front-row seat to their world, a unique opportunity for more frequent sightings and deeper understanding.

As the day continued guess who else showed up at the party? The Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), rolling alongside the Blainville’s beaked whales. These dolphins, a pod of six, even had a calf, gave us a heartwarming family scene right in the heart of the ocean. We watched in awe as they swam playfully alongside our boat, a reminder that surprises lurk around every corner.

But the ocean had even more in store. Say hello to the Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanenis), the ocean’s living riddles with their distinctive markings. They made eye contact and even whistled really loud close to our boat. Everyone was just immersed in the moment, and thats how I feel whale watching should always make us feel.

Finally as the sun painted the horizon with gold, a grand finale awaited – a Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) majestically graced us with its presence. The very sight was a gentle reminder of the ocean’s magnificence. These deep-sea guardians shared a moment of their underwater world, by coming to the surface just to breathe.

Can’t wait to keep sharing more days with you guys!

By Camila Dávila

Sightings of the day

Stenella

9:30 Bottlenose dolphin, Blainville’s beaked whales, Rough-toothed dolphin

13:30 Rough-toothed dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin

17:00 Bottlenose dolphin, Sperm whale

Ribeira Brava

9:30 Bottlenose dolphin, Blainville’s beaked whales, Rough-toothed dolphin

13:30 Rough-toothed dolphin

17:00 Bottlenose dolphin, Sperm whale