04.04.2018 – Behold the Bottlenose
April 23, 2018
06.04.2018 – A colorful marvel of nature
April 25, 2018
After experiencing the potential force of the Atlantic Ocean during the severe storms two weeks ago the weather here on the island is gradually approaching summer standards. Today the water was literally flat, with comfortable gusts of sea breeze interrupting the ocean surface. The still blanket of the big blue was also interrupted by the vigorous activity of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), that were foraging, hunting and socialising amongst one another. The multifaceted nature of these animals makes sightings with them highly unpredictable and always full of surprises. Today all our sightings during the morning tour on the Ribeira Brava took place close to shore, with the first two groups being encountered within the first hour of the trip. Occasionally this species remains within 1 nautical mile off the coast and this behavior often coincides with smaller delphinid species, such as the Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), moving further offshore as a result.
In the afternoon, the sharp eyes of our spotter located another group of Bottlenose dolphins along with a large Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) for the guests on our traditional boat.
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Stenella
10:00 Bottlenose dolphins
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Bottlenose dolphins
14:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Sei whale
