22.07.2026 – Strong bonds and complex social systems
July 28, 2026
Our goal is obviously to find cetaceans out at sea … but that is not always so easy! Weather conditions often contribute to this being quite challenging and the share sand curtain surrounding the island gave our spotter Sílviano some difficulties this morning. After already heading offshore in search of dolphins, our spotter then called to ask our traditional boat to return back to Calheta. A sneaky pod of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was moving along the coastline and heading east, starting off the day as a lovely little surprise. We then veered to waters further south to see a pod of curious Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) a species that can be expected in deeper waters around Madeira.
While our speedboat managed both species again in the afternoon, the spotted dolphins were moving too fast for our Ribeira Brava but both boats waited some time attempting a sighting with a pair of Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). These deep sea dwellers are a true challenge to encounter and we did not get to see them today, but just acknowledging that we were in their presence was lovely.
So while things do not always work out, that healthy portion of luck and skill did the job for our team today!
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins
13:00 Bottlenose dolphins
16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins
Steno
09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins
13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins
16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins
