19.06.2021 – A reason to celebrate

Meeting cetaceans out on the ocean is always a reason to celebrate and this is the message our team likes to transmit to our guests. These encounters are never to be taken for granted and these animals deserve our respect and appreciation. The intention behind our team’s mission is the unfortunate fact that there are so many people out there who are not fully aware of the value of protecting marine life and still regard our oceans as resources that are open to our exploitation. Others, like all the guests aboard our tours today, lighten up our spirit with their love for cetaceans and our oceans.

The ocean was filled with Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) today, many of whom were hunting Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), a soothing scene to experience since it’s become common knowledge that mackerel populations in the Atlantic are declining dramatically as a result of overfishing. Disturbing the dolphins as little as possible during such feedings is incredibly important…but there was no preventing the mackerel from seeking refuge underneath our boat in their desperate attempt to escape the dolphins!

In the afternoon this spectacle was enjoyed with a group of guests that had just come from a wedding celebration, with the bride and groom being two of our favourite guests returning over the years to feed their love for cetaceans, even on their special day! The bride and her guests on the Ribeira Brava even got an extra bonus; a sighting with some curious Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris)! It was such an exciting day and our team is so grateful to share such days with guests with such an exceptional love for our oceans!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

Stenella (Marlin II)

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins