16.09.2019 – Trigger happy

Calheta is a lovely place, away from the busy bustle of the Funchal, with a marina full of interesting boats, the beaches are sandy and it’s always lively with people. It’s usually sunny, and the palm leaves blowing in the soft sea breeze convey a real sense of paradise. In a way this is why we are located in the lovely town, but there is a much more important reason. Madeira usually get a north wind and a northern current, making the north a cloudy and wavy place, in contrast the south is nice and calm. Whenever we set out, the tall island mountains protect us and today this was very clear to see. The ocean was basically flat, so flat even that when we found some Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) we could easily follow them under water as they played around our boat. The groups we saw today were playful and in for a little bow riding, much to our amusement. It was an exiting day on the water today, the flat surface helped us find several Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in various sizes, sunbathing on this calm day. We picked up a bunch of trash from the ocean, and even briefly caught a Triggerfish (Balistes carolinensis) a fish commonly found under drifting object, hiding and foraging for food, we even got to see the iconic trigger mechanism in action as the fish raised its dorsal spine for protection. Some guests were lucky enough to race with a flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus) as it sped over the water surface. It was an exiting day on the water, and as always, we keep our eyes on the horizon in anticipation of what we may find next.

By Scott Dorssers

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin

Stenella

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin (snorkeling)

12:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin

15:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin