11.03.2026 – Black & white

Orcas! They have the shortest name of all occurring dolphins here around Madeira but the word never fails to get both our team and guests incredibly excited. The largest of the dolphins and the wide-range apex predators of our oceans rarely visit our island waters but, when they do, everything revolves around them. Of the different types of orca, local scientists assume that the ones passing through the region’s waters are likely transient orcas that have a reputation for preying on other marine mammals. Thus, upon their arrival, most other cetaceans suddenly disappear or move significantly closer to the coastline.

Today they sped past our search area in a very dispersed format, with the larger male gliding through the centre of the pod. The animals were dashing towards the offshore waters, making the coastal waters relatively safe for the pods of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) that were busy hunting some speedy prey, likely mackerel, together with their calves.

Unlike their intimidating black and white cousins, common dolphins are characterised by a yellow hourglass pattern decorating their flanks, making them one of the most colourful dolphins. They are also one of the fastest, something that does not just come in handy when chasing prey…but also escaping larger predators.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Short-beaked common dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Orcas, Short-beaked common dolphins

13:30 Short-beaked common dolphins