28.07.2023 – Tropical concoction

Today the Atlantic was a cocktail containing species of the tropics, warm-water lovers characterised through their restricted distribution and curious behaviour. We kick/started the day with an epic snorkelling tour with Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) that were frolicking around close to a group of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis). Spotted dolphins are by far the most abundant species during the summer and arrive in Madeira’s waters in enormous pods, sometimes containing over 200 animals, before taking off with their own respective subgroups. Rough/toothed dolphins are a by far more rarely encountered species, occasionally showing up during the summer months but, once a group visits Madeira, it thankfully tends to stay a couple of days. 

Today both species were again encountered during the midday tours, along with a pod of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and… a dead Ocean puffer (Lagocephalus lagocephalus) at the surface. Probably the poor fish was a victim of the Rough/toothed dolphins, who were observed playing with a fish this morning. Our team passed the fish on to a research team out at sea, that were conducting field work on the rough-toothed. The species is gradually gaining more attention amongst biologists on the island but was preceded by animals with a closer site fidelity to the islands waters, such as the beautiful Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). We were surprised by a Bryde’s whale at the end of the day and it was todays highlight for our team. The animal curiously approached our boat allowing our guests to admire this giant up close and even breached (!!) close to the boat. What a fantastic day and how thankful we can be to welcome such entertaining tropical visitors in our waters!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins (snorkelling), Rough-toothed dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Rough-toothed dolphins

16:00 Bryde’s whale, Rough-toothed dolphins