19.09.2026 – Dolphins party !

What a day we’ve had ! The ocean gave us multiple exciting encounters, from the small and acrobatic Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) to the impressive and gentle short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).

One of our boat “Steno” is named after one of the species we saw : the rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis). They are such a thrilling species to see, with their unique head shape, giving them a reptilian appearance. We encounter them and the Atlantic spotted dolphins mostly in the summer. 

Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) were also here but difficult to approach as they are more shy around boats. They are famous for their high-speed swimming, “flying” out of the water. Like the pilot whales, they occur all-year round in Madeira but are found further out from the coast. 

Seeing all of these magnificent cetaceans in the same day, remind us how diverse the marine life is around Madeira and how important it is to continue protecting it.

By Juliette Colançon

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Rough-toothed dolphin

13:00 Rough-toothed dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin

Steno

09:30 Rough-toothed dolphin, Striped dolphin

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