25.11.2022 – Sleepy morning

Today a small group of guests was with us on the sea. We saw many different groups of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). It was a sleepy morning among the marine mammals. Very relaxed, they floated on the sea surface. It has to be. For whales and dolphins, but also for us. A piece of squid floated on the surface of the sea. Daniel briefly took it out of the sea to show our guests. Alongside the spongy part, there was a clear, more solid, elongated substance that acts as the backbone in the squid’s body cavity.

In the afternoon, we had to drive a long way to finally get in contact with a group of Pilot whales. We were very close to the animals. There were a number of changes of direction, but basically the animals were heading towards Funchal. There were many calves and juveniles in the group. On the way back, there was plenty of time for many interested questions from our guests. I always particularly enjoy getting curious questions about all topics related to marine mammals. It’s just fun to share all the little extra information with our guests. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear guests.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

14:30 Pilot whales

Stenella

10:00 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins