27.05.2026 – Sleepy morning
June 2, 2026
What an incredible morning we had out on the ocean! After encountering a Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) emitting a powerful spout while feeding near the coastline, our Stenella managed a sighting with a pod of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) on the glassy waters. The group of dolphins had just passed Funchal where they were observed by a few boats, apparently displaying rather evasive behaviour in an effort to protect their little calves. This information came from our spotter and it is highly important for us to plan our approach sustainably. Understanding the situation before our arrival determines our time and the quality of our sightings with the animals. The truth is, if you really care about the animals, you need to consider the cumulative impact of all boats not just your own. Our team tried to do this whenever possible.
In the afternoon, our team was lucky to have the species from this morning as well as a pod of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the cheerful Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis).
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Stenella
09:30 Bryde’s whale, Short-beaked common dolphins
13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whale, Short-beaked common dolphins
16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whale
