Cetaceans in Madeira

The location of the Archipelago of Madeira in the North Atlantic ocean is ideal for watching some cetaceans passing by on their migratory routes.

The only species present during all year on the Exclusive Economic Zone of the archipelagos of Madeira and Azores are the Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). This species has circular migratory movements through the tropical and subtropical waters for females and immatures while males have pendulum movements that can reach the polar zones. It is thought that the individuals that occur in Madeira and the Azores belong to the same population.

The Sperm whale is considered a vulnerable species to Portugal as its population has reduced considerably during the past 70 years (3 generations) due to the intense hunting activity, which nowadays is completely forbidden.

The following are the cetacean species that might be seen during a whale and dolphin watching sea trip in Madeira waters and the most probable season to see them, based on frequency of observations:

Common species to observe in Madeira:

Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) - April to October

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) - All year but mainly from March to September

Short-finned Pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) - All year but mainly November to April

Common Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) - All year but greater number from Mars to October

Short-beaked Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - December to May

Atlantic Spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) - All year but mostly from Mars to November

Not so common species in Madeira:

Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

Northen Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) - June to August

Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) - June to October

Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) - February to May and July to September

Rare species in Madeira archipelago:

Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis)

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

North Atlantic Right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

Killer whale (Orcinus orca)

False Killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)

Pygmy Sperm whale (Kogia breviceps)

Cuvier's Beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris)

Blainville's Beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris)

Sowerby's Beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens)

Rough Toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis)

If you wish, you may print the Madeira Sea Mammals Checklist on this page.

Spotted Dolphins