27.07.2025 – Another day in Paradise

Another day, more trips to go. The day started slow with some Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) far from the coast. They followed our vessels for a while, before they headed further out into the vastness of the Atlantic. This species is commonly seen in then waters of Madeira, where they hunt fish, mostly Flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus).

The second trip started similar. We had to go far out to see some Atlantic spotted dolphins again. It is always beautiful to see how they play around our vessels and have fun. But the second trip was not over yet, when our spotter Silviano informed us that there are some Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) nearby. We headed further out to see them and were blessed with a beautiful sighting of these normally so shy animals.

The last trip had another special animal, at least for the summer months. I speak about the Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). This is a common animal in the winter months, but a rare sighting for mid-summer.

By Horst Schulte

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin

13:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Risso’s dolphin

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Risso’s dolphin

16:30 Short-beaked common dolphin