09.10.2026 – Spy-Hopping

Today, both of our boats headed out to explore Madeira’s beautiful waters, and we were rewarded with encounters with three amazing cetacean species: short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins and rough-toothed dolphins!

Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus)

One of today’s highlights was encountering short-finned pilot whales, including some fascinating spy-hopping behaviour!

Spy-hopping is when a whale rises vertically in the water, lifting its head above the surface to look around before slipping back beneath the waves. Scientists believe this behaviour helps whales gather visual information about their surroundings. Seeing these curious giants peeking above the water was a truly special moment!

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

We were also lucky to encounter bottlenose dolphins, one of the most recognisable dolphin species. Their sleek bodies and distinctive curved dorsal fins always make them a wonderful sight out on the ocean.

Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis)

Another fantastic encounter was with rough-toothed dolphins! Recognisable by their long, slender snouts and distinctive appearance, these dolphins are fascinating inhabitants of Madeira’s warm Atlantic waters.

With two boats out at sea and three incredible species encountered, today was a wonderful reminder of the rich marine life surrounding Madeira.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us on today’s tours and shared these special moments with us. Every day at sea brings something different, and we can’t wait for the next adventure!