13.03.2019 – Pioneers

The day started off nicely as our Ribeira Brava cruised along the Southwest coast to meet a group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and a herd of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), both swiftly travelling east. All species of cetaceans display a completely different behaviour and reaction towards boats and this is especially visible during sightings involving more than one species. In the morning our guests could see a clear contrast between the peaceful Pilot whales, the dynamic Bottlenose dolphins and the curious and interactive Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis).

The guests on our zodiac in the afternoon didn’t have the luxury to compare the behaviour of the species as they „only“ enjoyed sightings involving the latter species. The sightings in the afternoon, however, involved three different groups of common dolphins allowing the guests to observe these decorative dephinids display different kinds of behaviour. While some hunting and socializing was going on, the common thread amongst all the sightings of the day involving the commons was bowriding and other interactions with our boat.

Fun fact: While dolphins always have and continue to fascinate people, Common dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins remain the pioneers when it comes to interactions with humans. Both species are frequently mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman literature, with several stories even mentioning friendships amongst people and the animals. Some things will never change.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales, Short-beaked common dolphins

Stenella

15:00 Short-beaked common dolphins