07.01.2023 – The catch
January 15, 2023
10.01.2023 – Domino effect
January 17, 2023
We actually never know what awaits us out on the ocean but, lately, the Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) have been showing some predictable behaviour. Our spotters have found them more or less in the same place for the past few days, engaged in the same behaviour; hunting. Their prey, small schools of Halfbeaks (Belone belone) have prompted these surface hunters to venture offshore and pursue the fish in scattered hunting parties. These hunting events keep happening further offshore and our spotter relocated the dolphins about 7nm offshore this morning. Our Stenella arrived at the scene within minutes and the guests bore witness to the spectacular hunt, where the dolphins leap and breach to catch their prey. Our Ribeira Brava, in her usual relaxed manner, took a little longer to reach the area which gave our guests more than enough time to admire our beautiful archipelago from the calm Atlantic Ocean.
The dolphins had already filled their bellies when we arrived at the scene and regathered, approaching our traditional boat calmly and curiously. It was a wonderful sighting with these absolutely beautiful dolphins and we hope to have more of these situations out on the horizon in the coming days.
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Short-beaked common dolphins
Stenella
10:00 Short-beaked common dolphins
