11.07.2022 – Tricks for tracking

There are many useful tricks one can use when it comes to finding cetaceans out at sea. Dolphins tend to be a little easier to find since they move in groups and usually cause a little commotion at the surface. On a day with quiet conditions, dolphins can be located through a lot of movement at the surface or through their gleaming skin in the sunlight. Marine birds, such as the Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis), also tend to follow groups of dolphins in the hope of landing an easy meal.

This mornings groups of dolphins weren’t easy to find for our spotter. The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were scattered across the southwestern waters in small groups, each moving very calmly and discreetly. Carlos nonetheless managed to guide our boats to them and our snorkelers got to meet them in the water while guests aboard our traditional boat enjoyed observing them at the surface. A small group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was also observed by our traditional boat, who delivered a nice peaceful contrast to the spotted dolphins.

Our zodiac sped off for two more lovely trips this afternoon to meet yet another group of spotted dolphins and their more timid but beautiful cousins, the Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). The guests aboard the evening tour also enjoyed sightings with spotted dolphins and some of their larger toothed whale relatives. Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) arrived in the southern waters a little later in the day. Larger cetaceans can often be located by their spouts and our spotter was able to locate these animals easily with the marvellous conditions out at sea today!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales, Sperm whales