11.03.2019 – Hotspots

Our crew and guests kicked off this week with a very relaxed morning aboard our traditional boat, the Ribeira Brava. Our spotter guided us to a sighting involving coastal-type Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) travelling east off the coast of Ponta do Sol. The dolphins displayed a very sporadic behaviour, approaching our boat briefly a handful of times before resuming their journey. As we left the Bottlenose dolphins, we stumbled upon a group of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) calmly feeding infront of Madalena do Mar.

The quaint little fishing village, renowned for its extensive banana plantations and kind locals, is often a stage background for all kinds of cetacean sightings. We often encounter animals in the deep waters around the area that range from sightings involving coastal-loving animals like the Bottlenose dolphins or the Common dolphins up to the shy Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris). The underwater landscape, or seascape, of the waters near Madalena do Mar and Arco da Calheta are a favorite amongst many species and are among the many coastal “hotspots” for cetacean sightings around Madeira. These are areas where we have a particularly high rate of sightings with certain animals.

So if you’re having a stroll or a drive along Madalena’s promenade, make sure to keep a sharp lookout for cetaceans. You might just be surprised!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins