22.05.2023 – Impressive
May 28, 2023
24.05.2023 – Bottlenose dolphin day
May 31, 2023
We met two of the oceans most charismatic cetaceans this morning and were lucky to enjoy close encounters with both! The first species is a rather expected visitor at this time of the year; Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) are the most abundant species during the warmer months of the year so our team wasn’t surprised to find a few frolicking gleefully at the surface. The unique thing about these dolphins is their curious approach to the boat and the fact that they remain closely even after they get “bored” with the interaction.
The second species was a little more of an unexpected visitor. Our team was delighted to hear the news of a Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) passing through the Southwestern waters and both our boats had a marvellous sighting of this rare visitor. Although Humpbacks are well known for their curious and charismatic behaviour, here in Madeira the animals often are quite timid with our boats. If approached carefully, however, they deliver an incredible sighting which became a reality on board both boats thanks to the careful approach of our captains.
While we weren’t able to find the whale later this afternoon, both our boats enjoyed yet another sighting of spotted dolphins as well as a few beautiful Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and the impressive Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). There truly is never a dull moment at sea with these incredibly charismatic animals!
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Humpback whale
14:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins
Stenella
10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Humpback whale
14:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins
