01.06.2026 – Heat
June 2, 2026
This morning, on our way out into the Atlantic, we unexpectedly encountered a marine animal that many people would not immediately associate with marine mammals. Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) are mammals as well and need to regularly come to the surface to breathe. This individual was floating vertically in the water in a very relaxed manner, with its snout stretched towards the sun — a calm and peaceful moment in the open ocean. However, especially close to the coast, this kind of resting behaviour can quickly become dangerous due to jet skis and boat traffic. We ourselves only noticed the animal at the very last moment and purely by chance.
Later during the tour, our guests were able to observe a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni). This time, however, the whale appeared rather reserved and did not seek close contact with the boats. Considering that there were four boats in the observation area, this behaviour is quite understandable.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Stenella
09:30 Monk seal, Tropical whale
Steno
09:30 Monk seal, Tropical whale
13:30 Tropical whale
