27.09.2024 – High sea feeling

In the midst of high waves, the Risso dolphins (Grampus griseus) were quite hidden today. Unfortunately, they were not easy to see. It was definitely a high seas feeling out there today.

Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) are a separate species within the dolphin family (Delphinidae). They are characterised by their large, round head and lack of snout. Their skin is often heavily scarred, which is caused by fights or contact with prey such as squid. These dolphins live in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. They are deep-diving hunters that mainly eat squid and occasionally fish. Their grey colouring, which later turns white with age, and the many scars make them easily recognisable.

At midday the tour was not easy. We waited a long time for beaked whales. But in the end we saw Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

The evening tour began with a Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), followed by Bottlenose dolphins and very active Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) far out. The mother-child leaps were wonderful. Such a small calf could already keep up with mum’s activity. Very impressive.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sichtungen des Tages

Ribeira Brava

09:30 no sighting

13:30 Cuvier beaked whales

Stenella

09:30 Risso dolphins

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins

17:00 Loggerhead turtle, Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins