Madeira Island, with its rich marine biodiversity, is a premier destination for whale watching. As you embark on an adventure with Bonita da Madeira, you will be greeted by the majestic presence of various whale species. From the colossal sperm whale to the acrobatic humpback, the waters around Madeira offer a spectacular display of marine life.
Whale watching not only provides a thrilling experience but also a chance to connect with nature and understand these magnificent creatures. With expert guides from Bonita da Madeira, you’ll have the opportunity to spot these whales up close, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
This guide will introduce you to 5 whale species you might encounter in the waters of Madeira, enhancing your whale-watching adventure.
Top 5 Whale Species you can find on Madeira Island
1. Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
“Mother and baby sperm whale” by Gabriel Barathieu is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
The sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales, reaching lengths of up to 20 meters (66 feet) and weighing up to 57,000 kilograms (125,000 pounds). They have a distinctive, boxy head which makes up about one-third of their total body length. Their skin is wrinkled, and they have a dark grey to black colouration.
Habitat and Behavior
Sperm whales are deep divers, often plunging to depths of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in search of their favourite prey—giant squid. They are known for their long dives, which can last over an hour. In Madeira, they can be spotted in the deep waters surrounding the island, where they hunt and socialize.
Best Time to Spot
Sperm whales can be seen around Madeira throughout the year, but sightings are more frequent in the summer months, from April to October.
2. Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
“Antarctic blue whale” by Oregon State University is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
The blue whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and weighing as much as 200,000 kilograms (440,000 pounds). These majestic giants have a bluish-grey colouration with lighter spots and a long, slender body that is streamlined for efficient swimming.
Habitat and Behavior
Blue whales are typically found in deep, open oceans and are known for their long migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. They feed primarily on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill, consuming up to 4 tons of krill a day during peak feeding season. Around Madeira, blue whales can sometimes be seen as they migrate through the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Time to Spot
The best time to see blue whales near Madeira is during their migration periods, which usually occur from late spring to early summer.
3. Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
“Humpback Whale” by rjshade is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Humpback whales are known for their distinctive body shape, featuring long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. They typically reach lengths of 12-16 meters (39-52 feet) and can weigh up to 36,000 kilograms (79,000 pounds). Their tails, called flukes, have unique patterns that help researchers identify individual whales.
Habitat and Behavior
They are famous for their spectacular breaching and complex songs. They are often found in shallow, coastal waters, where they engage in these behaviours. Around Madeira, humpbacks can be seen during their migratory routes, usually travelling between feeding grounds in polar regions and breeding grounds in tropical and subtropical waters.
Best Time to Spot
The best time to see humpback whales in Madeira is during their migration seasons, like the blue whales, they can be observed typically in the spring and early summer.
Don’t miss the opportunity to book your Whale Watching in Madeira with Bonita da Madeira.
4. Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni)
“Brydes whale” by Jolene Bertoldi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Bryde’s whales, also known as tropical whales, are medium-sized baleen whales, usually reaching lengths of 12-15 meters (39-49 feet) and weighing up to 25,000 kilograms (55,000 pounds). They have three distinctive ridges on the top of their heads, which is a unique feature among baleen whales. Their bodies are sleek and dark grey, often with a bluish or purplish hue.
Habitat and Behavior
Bryde’s whales prefer warmer, tropical, and temperate waters, and they can be found in both coastal and offshore areas. They are known for their feeding habits, often engaging in lunge feeding, where they rapidly accelerate toward prey to engulf large amounts of water and fish. In Madeira, they can sometimes be seen feeding close to the surface.
Best Time to Spot
Bryde’s whales are typically spotted around Madeira during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn.
5. Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
“Fin whale takes a breath” by stonehippo is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The fin whale is the second-largest whale species, reaching lengths of up to 26 meters (85 feet) and weighing as much as 80,000 kilograms (176,000 pounds). They have a sleek, streamlined body with a distinct ridge along their back and an asymmetrical colouration on their lower jaw, which is white on the right side and dark on the left.
Habitat and Behavior
Fin whales normally are in deep and offshore waters and are known for their fast swimming speeds, earning them the nickname “the greyhound of the sea”. They primarily feed on small schooling fish, squid, and krill, often using their speed to outrun prey. Around Madeira, fin whales can be spotted in the deeper waters surrounding the island.
Best Time to Spot
The best time to see fin whales in Madeira is typically during their migration periods, which are normally in the spring and autumn.
Tips for Whale Watching in Madeira
Have a look at a few of the best tips to observe whale species on Madeira Island:
Best Whale Watching Tours
- Bonita da Madeira: We offer an unforgettable whale-watching experience. With experienced guides and comfortable boats, we provide expert knowledge and insights, ensuring you have the best chance to see these magnificent creatures.
- Other Recommendations: If you don’t want to book with Bonita da Madeira, we recommend you do some research and read reviews of various tour operators to find one that fits your needs and preferences.
Ideal Times and Locations
- Peak Months: While whales can be spotted throughout the year, the best times are typically from April to October. This period offers higher chances of sightings due to calmer seas and more favourable weather conditions.
- Top Spots: The south coast of Madeira is particularly renowned for whale sightings. Funchal, Calheta, and Machico are popular departure points for whale-watching tours.
What to Bring:
- Binoculars: Enhance your viewing experience by bringing a good pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the whales.
- Camera: Capture the magical moments. A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are crucial to protect yourself from the sun.
- Comfortable Clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions on the open sea.
- Motion Sickness Remedies: If you’re prone to seasickness, bring some remedies like ginger candies, motion sickness bands, or over-the-counter medication.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy an amazing whale-watching adventure with Bonita da Madeira in the stunning waters around Madeira Island!
Conclusion about Whale Species on Madeira Island
Madeira Island is a haven for marine enthusiasts, offering a remarkable opportunity to observe some of the world’s most magnificent whale species. From the massive sperm whale to the graceful blue whale, the island’s waters are teeming with biodiversity, making it a premier destination for whale watching.
Each species brings its unique characteristics and behaviours, adding to the excitement and wonder of the experience. Whether it’s witnessing the acrobatic displays of humpback whales or the swift elegance of fin whales, Madeira provides unforgettable encounters with these majestic creatures.
With knowledgeable guides like Bonita da Madeira, you’ll not only enjoy a safe and memorable adventure but also gain a deeper appreciation for the marine life that thrives around the island. For nature lovers and adventurers alike, whale watching in Madeira is an experience that will leave lasting memories and a profound connection to the ocean’s wonders.
In addition to whale watching on Madeira Island, you can dive into a variety of exciting water sports adventures with 7M Water Sports.
