22.07.2023 – Busy between the waves

Today our Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were busy hunting in the morning and in the evening. Many Cory’s Shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) hovered over the action or purposefully dived into the sea to catch fish. Flying fish tried to escape. It was quite busy between the waves. From time to time we could catch a glimpse of these lively dolphins.

In the evening we finally found the Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), which we had been looking for in vain on the midday tour. They quietly moved towards Funchal.

Here you can find the Pilot Whale Protection Petition

https://www.lobosonda.com/whale-watching/marine-protection/

What unites these two types? They are both dolphins. What distinguishes these two types? The social structure. Atlantic spotted dolphins have a hierarchy, Pilot whales live in matriarchy.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 no sighting

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Pilot whales