26.08.2023 – Synchronicity

The start of the day was difficult. The visibility for our spotter was about 1.5nm. That’s why we split up. Ribeira Brava with our other spotter and captain searched in an area. We on the Stenella went far out to look for animals there. Unfortunately Stenella could not come back successfully on this tour.

Visibility was better on the midday tour. Our guests saw Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis).

In the evening the air was clearer again and our spotter’s work was made easier. We were allowed to accompany a large pod of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) with small calves. The little baby dolphins looked adorable. I am always impressed by the absolute consonance of these wonderful dolphins, who have perfected the synchronicity. Such a harmony. Next we went to a Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). You automatically hold your breath when such a large animal slowly swims towards you. One guest said that this is the largest animal he has ever encountered. Yes, that’s really impressive. You can feel very small as a human being. Maybe that’s a healthy respect where you realize you’re part of the big puzzle. The Sperm whale exhaled vigorously, the spout floated towards the boat and enveloped us for a moment. He lifted his majestic fluke and disappeared to a depth unknown to us.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead turtle

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 no sighting

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

17:00 Rough-toothed dolphins, Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins