30.08.2024 – Deep-diving artists

On our way out to see the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), a few Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) swam across our path. As suddenly as these deep-diving artists appeared, they disappeared again. On the way back, our guests were able to observe Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), but they kept us at a distance. Shortly before the harbour, we spotted a monk seal (Monachus monachus), which risked a curious look.

Monk seals are an endangered species of seal and one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. There are three species: the Mediterranean monk seal, the Hawaiian monk seal and the Caribbean monk seal. These marine mammals are characterised by their stocky build, rounded snout and large, dark eyes. Their habitat is warm, tropical and subtropical coastal waters, where they usually rest in secluded caves or on deserted beaches. They spend most of their lives in the water, where they hunt for fish, squid and other marine life. Due to human activities such as fishing, coastal development and pollution, monk seal populations have declined sharply. Conservation organisations are working hard to protect them in order to prevent the extinction of further species. Despite these efforts, the future of monk seals remains uncertain and they are a symbol of the threat to biodiversity posed by humans.

The Cuvier’s beaked whale is an impressive and mysterious whale that belongs to the beaked whale family. It is found in all the world’s oceans. Its diving depth of up to 3,000 metres makes it one of the deepest diving marine mammals. Cuvier’s beaked whales have a characteristic short beak and a robust body shape, with a length of up to seven metres. The males have two small teeth positioned at the tip of the lower jaw. These whales feed mainly on squid and fish, which they hunt in deep, dark waters. Despite their worldwide distribution, they are rarely seen as they mostly live in deep ocean regions and only come to the surface briefly to take a breath.

On the second tour, we had to search for two species. We found the Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), but not the Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris).

The evening was also all about waiting and searching for Striped dolphins and the deep-diving artists, the Cuvier’s beaked whales. Unfortunately, we didn’t see either species, but we did see our Bottlenose dolphins.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Striped dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Cuvier beaked whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins, monk seal

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins

17:00 Bottlenose dolphins