18.06.2026 – Riding the wave

Today’s tours brought very nice encounters of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Both species were playful and we could witness some bowriding, surfing and jumps. We had a nice surprise of seeing a young Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

Both species of dolphins are well-known visitors to the Island and their natural curiosity enables us to get great photographs and views on the animals. Bottlenose dolphins occur all year round but Spotted dolphins are seasonal and more abundant in the summer months.

Loggerhead turtle are the most common sea turtle in the madeiran waters. Juveniles use this area for the first years of their life before going to the Americas or Cape Verde to breed. They mostly feed on jellyfishes floating at the surface. As they are cold-blooded animals, they are coming at the surface to warm up.

This afternoon’s trip was a special one as It was my first guided trip following my training. Madeira is a unique place to learn more about our oceans and the species living in it. I am excited for the upcoming trips and many more days on the sea with the team of Lobosonda !

By Juliette Colançon

Sightings of the day

Ribeira brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

13:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Steno

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins