13.08.2018 – Cristiano Ronaldo of the Oceans

Madeira is rightly proud of its world-class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. But maybe we met the Cristiano Ronaldo of the seas this summer and today? Today, the arrival of these kayakers which tried to find the perfect (stern) wave of our fishing boat was a real spectacle for the guests and certainly a sporting challenge and pleasure for the young kayakers. One of the kayakers who boarded our bow wave today is a true pro. He really knows how to ride the wave and who knows, maybe one day, Madeira will be proud of his sporting activity and he will be famous like Ronaldo? I almost have the feeling he is from a groupie of Ribeira Brava? Maybe he trains others to do the same? Maybe we will soon have a Ribeira Brava fleet? 

As soon as the young kayaker found the perfect spot in our stern wave, he could hitch-hiked with no great effort. As described in a previous blog (17.07.2017 – Who is annoyed about spots, has never gone with us!) this funny action showed exactly, the suction behaviour, which calves can use by swimming close to mother’s side. Such situations were as well observed by our guests today in the group Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the morning. In addition, there were peacefully resting Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).

In the afternoon we were a motley boat of nationalities. Portuguese, Spanish, French, English and German guests enjoyed active Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and resting Bottlenose dolphins. For once the main language of communication was Spanish. That was fun! To all guests of this tour: Obrigada – Gracias – Merci – Thank you – Dankeschön!

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

17:00Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:00Atlantic Spotted dolphins, Pilot whales

15:30Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

18:00Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales