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Out of the 79 species currently recognized in the oceans and rivers of our planet, 20 species can be found around the Madeira archipelago. Due to pretty calm sea conditions during the summer season, it is the best time to view the cetaceans of these waters dancing in their natural habitat
The most common species of these massive dwellers of the sea that can be spotted on the Madeira coast are:
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Common Dolphin: Found mostly in large schools, the Common Dolphin varies in appearance. The hourglass pattern is the main distinguishing feature. These dolphins are highly active and very friendly.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin: These dolphins can be identified by their spotting of which the first spot develops after the first year. Spotted dolphins are very active at the surface. The typical group size is 5 to 50 animals.
Bottlenose Dolphin: These grey colored dolphins with their distinct beak and rounded forehead measure around 2 to 4 meters in length. Usually they are not very active and friendly towards boats.
Sperm Whale: This is the biggest of all toothed whales weighing up to 50 tons, and male adults reaching up to 18m of length. The Sperm Whale is the most frequently seen whale in Madeira waters. From a distance the bushy blow is the distinguished sign. From a closer range the huge squarish head is an unmistakable recognizing sign.
Pilot Whale: This black or dark grey whale reaches a body length of 3.5 to 6m. It has a very distinguished round, bulbous forehead. Pilot Whales moves slowly and usually allow boats to approach them closely.
Beaked Whales: There are several species of Beaked Whales to be observed in Madeira waters. There size varies from 5 to 10m. Their colors can vary from each other. These are very shy animals.
Fin Whale: For last two years Fin Whales have been sighted migrating along Madeira coast. The Fin Whale is a baleen whale and after the Blue Whale the second biggest Whale with sizes up to 26m. They are very fast swimmers.
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Madeira Archipelago has the magic to put a spell on you with its awe-inspiring beauty, the wonderful sensations of pleasure, adventure, fun and complete relaxation on the crystal blue ocean and the unforgettable experience with Dolphins and Whales, it is sure to leave the indelible marks of beautiful memory on us. There are several companies that offer boat trips and cruises. The list is as follow:
1: Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2064 Tel: 727-446-2587
2: Original Dolphin Encounter Cruise 25 Causeway Blvd., slip#5 Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2000 Tel: 727-442-7433
3: Starlite Cruises 3400 Pasadena Ave. South St. Petersburg, FL 33707-4489 Tel: 727-462-2628, 800-444-4814
4: Hubbard’s Marina Deep Sea Fishing and Cruises John’s Pass Village Boardwalk Madeira Beach, FL 33708 Tel: 727-393-1947, 800-755-0677 |
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