Slowing down is the way of taking things at this time of the year. The fact that tours are reduced due to weather conditions, doesn’t mean though there is not chance for enjoying nature. That’s the opposite! Taking it easy, it is probably the best approach for appreciating life 🙂
When we say that the Azores are a good spot for observing cetaceans it is not only about the great variety of species that either inhabit or pass by these waters, but also the seasonality of occurrence. In some places the timing for spotting whales and dolphins is limited to a short season, here it is possible to observe them year-round and still relying on a good variety of species.
During the month of November we could go out 12 times, and recorded 5 cetaceans species. The most common, needless to say, were the common dolphins followed by the Risso’s dolphins. We also got to see bottlenose dolphins, beaked whales and sperm whales as it is possible to see below in the colourful map from the MONICET site. Loggerhead turtles were also still spotted, turning our tours more pleasant.
This time of the year it is also good to enjoy the little turnstones, that not only visit the islet of Vila Franca, but also the harbours in search for food. With their fast running legs it seems like they are coming out from a cartoon 🙂
Definitely that’s the time when we understand what does it mean to don’t have expectations. It is during this time that we can learn how to taste our daily life linked with the ocean and nature.