04.05.2026 – Contrasts

The colours and spirits of today’s sighted dolphin species contrasted beautifully with the grey, rainy skies. Our day began with sightings of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), two beautiful species that often occur together. Today they were travelling separately, with the small pod of common dolphins engaged in feeding while the Striped dolphins leapt through the grey waters with their little calves. Both species are known victims to the enormous super trawlers that pass through the North Atlantic, massive fishing vessels scooping out any sort of marine life that comes in the way of their gigantic nets.

Our curious Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) may not be classic victims for these huge fishing vessels but are a favourite amongst whale watching vessels due to their interactive nature. This often leads to overexposure to marine traffic and misconduct, which is why the implementation and enforcement of local whale watching regulations is so important.

The late afternoon trip was an absolute bonanza. Apart from our two Stenella species, our team managed a sighting with Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). While Bottlenose dolphins are often injured through fishing gear, Fin whales remain one of the most popular whales to hunt.

Like the beautiful sightings contrasted with the rainy weather, they also contrast with the grim reality for these magnificent creatures in our oceans. The hopeful part of it all: we can be a part of the change that will save them!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Short-beaked common dolphins

13:00  Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Short-beaked common dolphins, Striped dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins

16:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Fin whales, Striped dolphins