29.07.2023 – WOW factor

The sea always offers wonderful surprises. That makes it exciting and thrilling. Today two different species of dolphins appeared in a double pack. It does happen from time to time that different species of dolphins travel together, but I have not yet seen Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) in this combination. A few times they swam together in the bow wave. You could see the difference in size between the different species of dolphins. Spotted dolphins are about 1.5m Rough-toothed, however are, 2.5m long. A seagull hit the fishy breakfast jackpot (see photos). A little turtle did not know what happened to her. Below her, fish had taken refuge from the voracious Rough-toothed dolphins. The dolphins got quite rough with the small Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and eventually got the fish. WOW, what wonderful encounters we had.

At noon, things went fast. Another WOW tour took its course. We started right after we left the harbor with some Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that were moving very calmly. The trip continued to see lively Atlantic spotted dolphins. Suddenly there was a huge splash. A tropical whale (Balaenoptera edeni) appeared to have jumped. It’s unbelievable how fast this species of whale can get. Our boat drove 10 knots to keep up with its rapid speed. He rushed through the sea with tremendous power. Definitely a sighting to hold your breath. At 8.5nm off the coast of Calheta we encountered Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and on the way back to the marina we saw two different beaked whale species. Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) are masters of breath-holding. The longest recorded dive time for this species was 3 hours and 41 minutes. The sighting with the Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) was very touching. Two moms with their little calves. One of the little ones was very playful.

In the evening we encountered the Blainville’s beaked whale moms with their calves and Cuvier’s beaked whales. The encounter with the Rough-toothed dolphins was magical. There were some great jumps and masterful synchronized swimming. A mother unexpectedly brought her calf to us. As quickly as they appeared, they were gone again. Encountering these wonderful cuddly dolphins definitely has the WOW factor.

WOW, what a glorious day!

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Rough-toothe dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Tropical whale, Cuvier beaked whale, Blainville#s beaked whale

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins, Loggerhead turtle

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Tropical whale, Striped dolphins Cuvier beaked whale, Blainville#s beaked whale

17:00 Blainville’s beaked whales, Cuvier beaked whales, Rough-toothed dolphins