07.08.2022 – Visitors

Our coastal, residential Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) live off the coast of Madeira. But sometimes we also get a visit from the offshore variant. These animals are stronger and often very active. Today we had these visitors. A large school with their small offspring worked their way through the waves. Their strength and dignity is impressive.

Bottlenose dolphins are widespread in our oceans. They only avoid the freezing waters of Arctica and Antarctica. Bottlenose dolphins are found in the high seas, coastal areas, lagoons, bays and sometimes even in harbors. They can even be found in semi-enclosed seas such as the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Unfortunately, in the Black Sea they are considered endangered.

The Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were very interactive. They swam in the bow wave of the boat, jumped towards us at a brisk pace and charmed our guests.

The oceanic Bottlenose dolphins were still off Calheta to the delight of our guests and crew. They were very active. As they swam in the bow wave, we marveled at their size and power. Even a small calf was brought into the bow wave of the Ribeira Brava, accompanied by its mother.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins

15:00 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins

17:00 Bottlenose dolphins