29.04.2023 – Saturday mood

On Saturday, the mood on the sea was relaxed. Our first sighting, Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were active and at their best. However, our Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) were very calm. They took it easy on the weekend. Rest periods are so important for animals and humans. Small and larger gaps between activity. Good to remember. Marine mammals rest in a very different way than we do. They can’t afford a breathing reflex. While they are able to exhale underwater, before inhaling, they must ensure their blowhole is clear before taking a breath. Many nerve endings are located around the breathing hole, which allow marine mammal to feel that they can now breathe in safely. To get their rest, one half of the brain is at rest while the other is active. Then there is a change in brain activity.

On the noon cruise there were again very relaxed Common Dolphins and Blainville’s Beaked Whales. The star of the tour was probably “Speedy”, a small Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), who was traveling at breakneck speed. At times he reached a speed of 17 knots. Minke whales are extremely rare in Madeira waters. A flying fish put on a real show. A successful tour.

In the afternoon the Common dolphins were still in weekend mode and very leisurely. Then it got exciting. The blows of large baleen whales could be seen from afar. A secure identification was not possible. But we are fairly certain that it was at least one Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis). The second animal could also have been a Sei whale, perhaps also a Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). Unfortunately, the animals did not show their right side of the lower jaw, which is light in the fin whale. Our guests loved the trip, as did the crew.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Common dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Common dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Common dolphins, Blainville beaked whales

13:30 Common dolphins, Blainville beaked whales, Minke whale

16:00 Common dolphins, Sei whale/Fin whale (?)