28.06.2023 – A Wednesday like no other

​​Today we embarked on a thrilling expedition in Ribeira Brava and Stenella, it was an adrenaline-fueled journey that will forever immerse ourselves in the scientific wonderland of these fascinating creatures.

As the clock striked 9:30, the stage is set for an encounter with the renowned (Tursiops truncatus), commonly known as Bottlenose dolphins. These intelligent beings, with their sleek bodies and playful demeanor, mesmerizd us with their acrobatic leaps and synchronized swimmings. Just in front of them another curious group of dolphins appeared, the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Did you know they can reach 40 km/hr in just seconds? It’s just incredible how these animals can’t stop surprising us. And just when we thought our morning couldn’t get better we spotted some Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) hunting quietly and quick just in the surface. What an amazing morning show!

At 15:00, the magic continued as we saw the charismatic Bottlenose dolphins approaching us again. This time it seemed to be a small group but then we started to see more fins coming up. They jumped, and fought with the super skilled Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis) for some fish! 

Finally as the day was finishing we saw an enigmatic Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) who had just gotten to the surface to gracefully breathe. This endangered species, with its distinct features and gentle disposition, captivated our hearts and reminded us of the urgent need for better conservation efforts. 

What an amazing day! Let’s see what tomorrow has for us!

By Camila Dávila

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

9:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Cory’s shearwater

15:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Cory’s shearwater

Stenella

9:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Cory’s shearwater

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins, Cory’s shearwater