04.10.2025 – One for the books

The day already started promising with lovely Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and elusive Cuvier beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). We had great sightings with both species.

In the afternoon, species flipped completely. We found four Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) right next to one another and afterwards three playful Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

However, the highlight of the day was definitely the last trip on Stenella. After fruitlessly searching for the Bottlenose in a lot choppier waters, we went out to see the Sperm whales again. This time we found six animals including a tiny calf socialising by the surface. The whales were poking out their heads and swimming upside down revealing their lower jaws. As they were closely swimming in a circle, all of a sudden, we had a group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) zooming past. They took a moment to interact with the boat and went straight through the group of Sperm whales. After the dolphins left, the Sperm whales passed right by the boat. For the grand finale, we even got to see some raised tail flukes. Truly one for the books that left even the crew excitedly sharing stories days later.

By Hannah Carstens

Sightings of the Day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Cuvier’s beaked whales

13:00 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Cuvier’s beaked whales, Short-finned pilot whales

13:30 Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins

16:30 Sperm whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins