23.02.2026 – Parent of the year

An important ecological function of oceanic islands like Madeira, is the fact that they are a very safe pit stop and this is especially valuable for young animals. Today’s sightings were a perfect testament to this; the pods of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) as well as the group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) contained several little calves that, much to the joy of our clients, showed ample curiosity towards our boat.

Bottlenose dolphin calves remain at their mothers side for an average of three years that often extends depending on the situation – for instance if the mother does not have any more offspring then the young can even remain for up to eight years by her side. The period is short with common dolphins, with calves remaining up to two years by their mothers side. Common dolphins often let their calves dart off for some minutes, something you rarely se with Bottlenose dolphins where the mother is always very close by.

This doesn’t make the Bottlenose dolphin the parent of the year and the common dolphins less careful with their calves, they simply have a behaviour that is adapted to their needs and we can only bask in the joy of witnessing all of this in action during our tours.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins

13:00 Short-beaked common dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins

13:30 Short-beaked common dolphins