02.09.2026 – Under pressure

We have had such great encounters with short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) lately, with small calves in some groups ! They are really one of my favorite cetaceans, seeing them swimming elegantly and feel their powerful presence.

Pilot whales are known for their high speed dives (up to 9 m/s), reaching deep parts of the water column (up to 1000m) to catch squids, before retuning to the surface to breathe. These sprints are tiering and so they come back to the surface to rest. We can spot them floating, “logging” before heading for another round of diving. To be able to dive at such depth, they acquired some physiological adaptations. For example, they store large amounts of oxygen in their blood and muscles rather than their lungs; their heart rate drops significantly and blood flow is redirected primarily to vital organs; their flexible rib cages and collapsible lungs allow them to safely compress under intense pressure. This is extraordinary ! 

By Juliette Colançon

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Short-finned pilot whale

16:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin

Steno

09:30 Short-finned pilot whale, Bottlenose dolphin

13:30 Short-finned pilot whale, Bottlenose dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin

16:30 Short-finned pilot whale, Atlantic spotted dolphin