06.02.2019 – Magnificent morning
We had the pleasure of having a trip with calm, warm weather conditions today and enjoyed sightings with three very different species of toothed whales (Odontoceti) along with some other charismatic inhabitants of the generous Atlantic Ocean. Our spotter Carlos…
04.02.2019 – Recharging at the surface
In spite of their incredible agility, their remarkable intelligence and skillful coordination, hunting still demands high energy expenditure in cetaceans. So, like us, they also need to take a short break once in a while to tend to social matters…
26.01.2019 – Cause & Effect
We had a wonderful trip this morning with a small group of guests who were lucky enough to see Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephla macrorhynchus). As the apex predators in most…
19.01.2019 – Compatible companions
We saw two different species of dolphin during our trip this morning on the Stenella, that share many of the traits common amongst most oceanic dolphins but also differ decisively in their behaviour, social lives and appearance. First, we encountered…
10.01.2019 – Dynamic duo
The Atlantic gave us a warm welcome on placid waters this morning with large groups of our dynamic duo here in Madeira; Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). This combination of species has been extremely frequent…
09.01.2019 – Oceanic ornaments
All cetaceans are beautiful and a pleasure to observe in the wild but two species here in Madeira are especially ornamental during our time on the ocean. Both the Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and the Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis)…
08.01.2019 – Happy hunting
We had a fantastic tour on our zodiac this afternoon and were welcomed by a large dispersed herd of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) travelling alongside a larger group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Whilst these two species of toothed…
04.01.2019 – Whistles – grunts – calls – clicks
Pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), which belong to the group of dolphins, are currently frequently seen in front of Madeira’s coast. So was too today! Various subgroups were spread over our observation area. A few restrained Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were…
03.01.2019 – Hopeful beginnings
After a very windy and rainy transition into the new year, the weather conditions finally settled slightly and allowed us to set out to sea today for our usual search for cetaceans in Madeira’s waters. The strategic teamwork on the…
29.12.2018 – Ay, ay captain!
Every boat needs a crew and every crew needs a captain. A leader is generally vital for the necessary coordination within groups, helping them collectively organize themselves and learn to improve. For highly intelligent animals that move and exist in…