Cory's Shearwater

We had an opportunity to go on a whale and dolphin watching cruise on our final morning, joined by Yvonne who had arrived the previous day for a week's riding.

We duly arrived at the port in plenty of time, only to be greeted by drizzle, which only got worse as the morning progressed.  We ended up on a catamaran, rather than the ribs that were also being used.  Given our last experience on a rib, L was particularly pleased to be on something more substantial, considering the swell.

Initially, we just seemed to keep heading towards the east of the island for more than an hour.  I thought the best I would capture would be this Cory's Shearwater that were regular visitors around the boat.  I only found out later that 85% of the world's population are based in the Azores.

Finally, some excitement as we saw a number of other boats still in the water.  A lone sperm whale had been spotted (see first extra) and after a bit of manoeuvring I got a shot of the dorsal fin.  A few minutes later we came across a small family pod, including young (see second and third extra).  No iconic tail fin shots, we were told that when they are in small groups they do not exhibit that behaviour.

It was soon time to head back, but we did get an added bonus of seeing some pilot whales on our return.  

I always thought I had good sea legs but I was starting to turn green on the return, as the boat twisted in the crossing swell.  the only antidote was to stand at the front of the boat, in the pouring rain and face into the wind as we headed back to port.

A lunch in the warm at the port and then L had her last ride, thankfully in improving weather.  I relaxed ahead of tomorrows travelling.