Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) spend a great majority of their time hunting squids and other type of prey in the deep ocean.
They seem to prefer hunting and feeding alone, however they are highly social animals that live and travel in groups.
Sometimes we catch them having a social moment. Today for example 4 whales joined together placing themselves perfectly side by side, breathing calmly.
Giant squid found in Vila Franca do Campo, deep water species that are the Sperm whales favourite meal.
In the afternoon the same group of whales was joined by two mothers and their neonatal calves, one of them being probably born during this month (hard to find the exact timeline). So very excited to spot again this group of females in order to learn more about the populations that inhabit the surrounding areas of São Miguel and can be seen sometimes in other parts of the Archipelago.
In the morning and afternoon we always calmly left the whales and headed out of the coastline to find a group of 200 Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) travelling and searching for food. From time to time surfing the waves and approaching our Zodiac boat.
Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Newborn baby dolphins have been sighted in the pod as well as mothers to be in the pod. It is a bliss to know that a species of marine mammals is increasing despite the threats these animals have to face during their constant struggle for survival in the Atlantic Ocean.
Every season we are happy to see animals and their offspring living it up in the Ocean. 😉
