Today, our two spotter were challenged by a Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Based on their observations, they can often provide the crew on board with very accurate information about the whale’s diving times and the possible area where it might surface. Both are very skilled at this. This makes the captain’s job easier, as he can steer the boat to the possible ‘meeting point’ while waiting. Yesterday, this only worked on one tour. Normally, whales stay on course. But this Sperm whale outsmarted everyone. He was unpredictable. Constant course changes and repeated, rapid dives made it (almost) impossible to show our guests the large toothed whale.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Bottlenose dolphins
13:00 Bottlenose dolphins
Stenella
09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins
13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whale
16:30 Bottlenose dolphins