When and where to see it
Bryde’s whales are seen around Madeira from April to October and prefer water above about 20 °C. Some arrive earlier: in the spring 2017 log one was recorded on 12 March.
They feed on small schooling fish such as mackerel and sardines, often near the surface, and can change direction suddenly while they hunt.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryde’s whale | January: rarely seen | February: rarely seen | March: rarely seen | April: main season | May: main season | June: main season | July: main season | August: main season | September: main season | October: main season | November: rarely seen | December: rarely seen |
How to recognise it
A Bryde’s whale is long and slender and dark grey above. The best mark, seen from close by, is three ridges running along the top of the head; similar whales have only one. The dorsal fin is tall and sharply curved.
Three head ridges
The surest sign, if you get close enough to see the head.
Tall curved fin
More upright than a fin whale’s, set far back.
Irregular breathing
A short series of blows, then sudden changes of direction.
| Length | 12–15 m |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 12–25 t |
| Food | Small schooling fish, krill |
| Dives | Usually 5–15 minutes |
| Groups | Alone or in pairs |
| IUCN Red List | Least concern |
Seen off Calheta in spring 2017
Trips from Calheta with this species in the spring 2017 sightings log (2 of 15):
12 March, 20 April
Tips for a good sighting
Bryde’s whales are unpredictable, so the boat should stay well to the side of the whale’s path and let it come closer if it wants to. A tall, thin blow of three or four metres is usually the first thing you see.
How boats should behave around whales and dolphins is in responsible whale watching, and the trips from the marina are in whale and dolphin watching.
Read next
- Sei whaleA fast, sleek summer visitor and one of the rarer great whales here.
- Fin whaleThe second-largest animal on Earth, passing Madeira in spring and summer.
- Sperm whaleThe deep diver: when it is around, and how to spot the blow and the tail.
- Whale watchingSpecies by month, boats from the marina and how to choose a trip.