Sperm whales

I went out on the yacht on my extra trip after we broke down on Thursday. 

It was seriously rougher water than last week and they hadn’t been able to venture out for the last couple of days. The catamarans could risk it as they are bigger and more stable. 

We saw a couple of common dolphins after about twenty minutes but with the waves and swell, they were hard to spot.

Francesca and Victor, our crew, took the boat further out. It was rolling and rocking and we had to hang on. (Quite a few of the group at the back of the yacht were really quite unwell but the seven of us who had headed for the front were loving it. )

Francesca called out to us that there were some sperm whales ahead. The sea got rougher but we could see them blow and then saw fins and backs. We spent quite a time just appreciating them (and hopefully pointing vulnerable cameras in that direction.) 

One did a spin and showed us the full fin. We waved goodbye and set off.

I was suddenly surprised when another one appeared close to where I was sitting. I wasn’t quick enough to catch a shot. I’m not sorry. It was more exciting just to watch. 

I had no idea if I’d caught a glimpse on camera until I sat in a cafe after we were back.

This blow and body would win no prizes, but I got to see them, for the first time since I first came to Madeira in 2008. 

Extra:: an unusual view of Camara de Lobos.