18.05.2024 – A day in a dolphin’s life: Eat, pray, love.

Throughout the day we encountered three different species of dolphins. It is marvellous to observe these wild animals in their natural habitat in in all kinds of different behaviours.

We started our morning with a special encounter of one of our large dolphin species, the Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Some groups of these powerful creatures are seen along the coast of Madeira repeatedly throughout the seasons and years, which is why we consider them residents. They have even learned to catch fish from local fishing boats, which was the case this morning, feeding alongside a boat which was catching black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo). Our guides explained us all kinds of interesting details about the interactions between man and these intelligent marine mammals. 

Cruising along in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, we encountered several sea birds as Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) and Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), also a few Portuguese man o’war (Physalia physalis).

On our way back to Calheta, our spotter on land guided us to another, much smaller species, the Short-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis). This species tends to be more curious around boats – we felt privileged being able to observe some adorable calves swimming synchronously besides their mothers close to the boat – what a tender moment! 

In the afternoon, both our boats headed out again. We encountered once again a group of bottlenose dolphins. At first travelling, the dolphins soon slowed down, apparently wanting to rest. It is a good sign to see them so relaxed in our proximity, but also a sign for us to leave the group soon to have their time to rest to themselves. Soon after, we encountered several groups of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis). This small, very playful species is always an entertaining delight, as they usually approach boats very closely, riding on the bow and are also quite acrobatic – also today we were able to observe a few lobtails and jumps. Our way back to the harbour was a scenic one, very close by the beautiful coast of Madeira, with unique views on its breathtaking geology and waterfalls as also it’s picturesque villages.  

By Sarah Kather

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Risso’s dolphins