27.08.2020 – Island of dolphins

Apart from enjoying its reputation as the “flower island”, “the island of eternal spring” and the “pearl of the Atlantic”, Madeira can also be referred to as the island of dolphins! The diversity of marine life around the archipelago is absolutely mind-blowing and the waters provide an important habitat for a number of different dolphin species. Dolphins are versatile creatures that feed on a broad spectrum of prey including Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and deep-sea squid, that all occur in the deep, sheltered waters around the island.

One of the most commonly encountered cetaceans around Madeira are the Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), who arrive in small groups in the islands waters and even stay for quite a while. Bottlenose dolphin sightings are the most frequent cetacean sightings from the coastline, which means these highly intelligent cetaceans also make their own contribution to the factors making this island a paradise. Other dolphin species occur further offshore but often approach the coastal waters of the island to feed and rest…and they often do so in very large groups! The group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) we encountered on todays tours was absolutely enormous, consisting of subgroups adding up to well over 150 animals that remained in the calm waters of the southwest today.

Apart from the several different dolphin species, the abyss around the archipelago is also inviting for several deep-diving toothed whales, such as beaked whales. In contrast to the other timid members of the beaked whale family, the Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) do have their curious moments! Although the animals didn’t put their more curious side on display during todays sightings, Madeira does belong to one of the best places on the planet to enjoy encounters with this species.

On todays tours our crew managed sightings with different species, all of whom vary in their appearance, life cycle, social lives and relationship to the islands waters… and these are only three of the 29 species registered on an ever-growing list of confirmed cetacean sightings!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales

14:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Blainville’s beaked whales