The voyage of the Beagle
June 5, 2025
Our little corner of the Atlantic was filled with dolphins today. We had the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) on many of today’s tour and in the evening tour there was even some pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus). However, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was present throughout most of today’s tours.
The bottlenose dolphin is present in many oceans, ranging from cold temperate to tropical waters. It is one of the most well-studied marine mammals in the wild. Sadly, the bottlenose is also a common cetacean species kept in captivity and known to many as ‘Flipper’. They often inhabit coastal areas which allows for frequent encounters, like today. During out tours, we sometimes hear them whistle. These dolphins have signature whistles that they use to identify each other, communicate and maintain social bonds which is particularly important for mothers and their calves.
By Hannah Carstens
Sightings of the Day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin
13:00 Bottlenose dolphin
Stenella
09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin
13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin
16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Short-finned Pilot whale, Risso’s dolphin
