31.08.2022 – Perfect imperfections

Our snorkeling trip wasn’t very easy today. The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were swimming fast and didn’t make it easy for us to catch up on in the water. After a few attempts and a little while to gain their trust, we managed to enjoy their beauty in the water, hear them vocalize and still count it a very successful trip!

Guests onboard our traditional fishing vessel Ribeira Brava were lucky to encounter the beautiful Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus). A dolphin unlike other and unique through their perfect imperfections. By collecting scars all over their body after male male competition, this dolphin turns almost white with age. As a result of a lack of repigmentation this can be advantageous as a display to reduce further attacks by males.

Another feature that sets them apart from other dolphins are their two to seven pairs of tooth only on their lower jaw.

Besides this, our Spotties were very loyal companions for the rest of the day and as so often they saved our trips and created a smile on everyones faces.

by Paulina Kalita

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Grampus griseus

15:00 Stenella frontalis

Stenella

9:30 Stenella frontalis

14:00 Stenella frontalis

17:00 Stenella frontalis