27.06.2022 – A spotted agenda

It wasn’t easy to find animals at sea these last days but, somehow, Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) groups were usually scattered somewhere in the area and often saved our trips. Today, the Atlantic filled our tours with lovely encounters with medium-sized group of spotted dolphins.

The first pod of the day was encountered underwater by small group of snorkelers from our zodiac, Stenella. Around 30-40 dolphins peacefully swam alongside us in the water and filled the ocean with their vocalisations. We could see small differences in the animals; in their behaviour, their confidence, their unique spot patterns. It was magnificent and as we were warming up after our dip in the chilly Atlantic, our traditional boat soared by to meet a different group of spotted dolphins a little further west. Although spotted dolphins travel and arrive near oceanic islands in large schools, they often split into smaller, more stable subgroups that disperse in the regional waters, each with their own agenda.

Another larger subgroup was then sighted by both our vessels in the afternoon, that even contained a small nursery group with little calves. Our boats both manoeuvred carefully around the group and the curious animals soon approached our boats to swim alongside us. Although we weren’t able to hear the animals vocalisations, we were able to witness a variety of social behaviours. The interactive nature of the species allows us to really gain some insight into these dolphins lives which is something we truly appreciate about the spotted dolphins. How can you not love them!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins