20.10.2022 – Wave ride

Whoa! Today there were ups and downs. Our tours had to be canceled in the morning because the wave was just too strong after the rain in the early morning. Even at noon, it was not clear at first whether the trip could take place. But Drumond, our spotter, found Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) for us in all these waves. A great achievement! Since the animals were not too far away, we decided to set off. And it turned out to be a very nice, dynamic encounter with these beautiful animals. Despite everything, today was definitely a wave ride! But our guests loved it.

Pilot whales are nicknamed “cheetahs of the sea”. Although they are mostly seen calm and composed on the surface, they can dive at two to five meters per second and reach speeds of 25-30 km when hunting. Squid is their preferred menu item, but Pilot whales also prey on a variety of fish species. In order to get to their favorite food, the squid, they have to go to depths of 600-700 meters during the day. Night dives often only require a depth of 100-300 meters, as the squid continue to climb upwards following their food.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Tour canceled due to weather conditions

Stenella

09:30 Tour canceled due to weather conditions

12:00 Pilot whales