23.04.2024 – Mesmerizing Moments in Madeira! 

Today’s adventure in Madeira’s azure waters left us breathless and utterly enchanted! Our journey brought us face to face with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures, and each encounter was more awe-inspiring than the last.

Among the stars of the show were the Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), dancing gracefully in the waves, and the playful Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) their joyful leaps filling the air with excitement. But the real magic began when we encountered a pod of Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)– not just a few, but an astonishing 20 of these magnificent giants!

As if scripted by nature itself, one of the most unforgettable moments occurred when a Sperm whale calf breached, and then it revealed its gleaming teeth to our astonished gaze. It was a sight that seemed straight out of a marine documentary, but here we were, witnessing it firsthand, feeling the ocean’s pulse beneath us.

But the wonders didn’t end there. As we marveled at the Sperm whales, Ribeira brava’s boat was joined by the curious Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), their inquisitive nature leading them right to the boat, as if eager to greet us. Their presence added an extra layer of enchantment to an already magical moment.

And just when the guests in the Stenella boat thought it couldn’t get any better, the graceful Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) made their appearance alongside the Sperm whales, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty and harmony. The contrast between the sleek, slender bodies of the Fins and the robust forms of the Sperm whales underscored the diversity and wonder of life beneath the waves.

Today’s sightings in Madeira were more than just a display of nature’s splendor – they were a reminder of the profound connection we share with the ocean and its inhabitants. As we reflect on this extraordinary day, we’re filled with gratitude for the privilege of witnessing such breathtaking moments and the hope that they inspire for the future of our oceans.

Until next time, may the magic of the sea continue to captivate our hearts and minds, reminding us of the wonders that await beneath the surface.

By Camila Dávila

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Common dolphin

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

Stenella

09:30 Fin whales, Sperm whales

13:30 Sperm whales

16:00 Short-finned pilot whales