24.01.2024 – A Wednesday full of birthdays and whales!

Today we embarked on an adventurous trip with the Stenella, all our guests were prepared and ready to face windy conditions outside. Everyone was expecting something extraordinary to happen, and it did! 

We started the day with big waves and a full spray of salt water in our faces. After some time searching, a large flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus) skimmed the water and allowed us to embrace its presence, fins and beautiful colors as it “flew” on the surface, probably fleeing from a predator.

We continued to scan the ocean, looking for fins, jets or even jumps in the hope of finding some animal. It seemed that luck was not on our side, but suddenly, as we were already planning to turn back, our spotter called out, “I see sperm whales 2 miles from your position.” And off we went. Sliding through the water, hoping we’d make it back in time. And sure enough, we did.

Right in front of us: a big blow and a smaller one. It was a mother and calf sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), swimming together at the surface, resting from a probably long journey. We were all amazed, the third largest whale in the world was just meters away. The curious calf approached the boat, and we could even see the pattern on its skin. Never before had I experienced such an emotional observation.

Just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, it was as if the ocean was suddenly surrounded by blows everywhere around us. Seven sperm whales and even maybe a few more in deeper waters. 

Realizing how Madeira was recognized years ago as a whaling site and is now a whale heritage area is as if nature has given us another chance to protect them, and they have forgiven us as well.

Today will live forever in my memory and I bet in the memory of all the guests who were on board as well. Truly, a gift from nature, and an even more special gift to our birthday guests.

By Camila Dávila

Sightings of the day

Stenella

09:30 Sperm whales, Atlantic Flying Fish