24.04.2026 – Whale hunt
May 1, 2026
After a short search, one of our guests spotted a dorsal fin slicing through the water, leading us to a small group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). These dolphins typically favor coastal waters around islands and often forage at depths of around 500–800 meters, making the waters off Cabot Girão an ideal habitat for them. Because they prefer nearshore environments, they frequently encounter boats and can sometimes appear timid during sightings. On this occasion, however, they were curious—swimming alongside us and occasionally lifting their heads above the surface to observe us, creating a truly special moment.
Bottlenose dolphins are highly intelligent and are known to use unique signature whistles to identify and communicate with one another.
Additionally, our guests encountered impressive fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). It was also an interesting day in terms of much smaller marine life: we observed several violet sea snails (Janthina janthina), also known as “Hubble raft snails,” drifting at the surface while carrying their bubble-raft nurseries with them.
By Eva Köhle
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Fin Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin
13:00 Fin Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin
16:00 Fin Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin
Stenella
09:30 Fin Whale
13:30 Fin Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin
13:30 Fin Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin
