27.04.2018 – Racing with the sun

Today could have easily been a mid-summers day. The ocean was placid, the sun scorching hot and even the sightings included familiar visitors from the summer months. Along with Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) we also had the pleasure of encountering a small group of juvenile Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Our spotted summer dolphins are notorious for being especially interactive and it was difficult to hide my excitement at this encounter from the guests on board, who were equally overjoyed with the sighting. The arrival of these charming creatures also beacons the steady approach of summer, which also means that we can anticipate the gradual arrival of many other transient species that enjoy spending the warmer months of the year around the Portuguese archipelago.

The afternoon tour was equally exciting. Not only did we again enjoy the company of Common dolphins as well as Bottlenose dolphins, we also sighted no less than 7 (!!!) Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) basking at the surface. In all fairness one couldn’t blame the turtles, it was a perfect day for them to catch some sun. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and the waters surface was flat and incredibly clear, which also allowed us to capture several memorable moments of the day on camera.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins

14:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins, Loggerhead turtles