29.06.2026 – Very dynamic
July 4, 2026
Today, one of my guests asked a great question during our dolphin-watching tour: “Do Atlantic spotted dolphins migrate?” It’s a question I hear from time to time, and the answer is more fascinating than many people expect.
Madeira’s waters are home to one of the Atlantic’s most captivating marine mammals—the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). Known for their playful nature and distinctive spotted markings, these dolphins are among the most frequently sighted species around the island.
Unlike animals that follow strict migration routes, Atlantic spotted dolphins move in response to changing ocean conditions and the availability of food such as fish and squid. Madeira’s nutrient-rich waters provide an ideal feeding ground, making the archipelago an important stop along their seasonal movements. While some groups remain in the region for extended periods, others travel between Madeira and nearby Atlantic waters, including the Azores and the Canary Islands.
This flexibility is one of the reasons we are fortunate to see Atlantic spotted dolphins so often in Madeira. They follow the ocean’s rhythms rather than a fixed schedule, adapting to where conditions are best for feeding and thriving.
It’s always rewarding when guests ask questions like this. Every sighting is an opportunity to learn more about these remarkable animals and the incredible marine ecosystem that surrounds Madeira. The more we understand about their movements and habitat, the more we can appreciate—and help protect—these amazing dolphins for future generations.
By Gemma Stockmans
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins
13:00 Bryde’s whale, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Loggerhead sea turtle
Steno
09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins
13:30 Bryde’s whale, Atlantic spotted dolphins
