Science

Marine Biologists on every trip

Here we publish visual data from the last 3 years of sightings, updated at the beginning of each New Year.

You can use the filter by year and/or month to customize the visualization, helping you to set realistic expectations, adapting your trip and your adventure.

It is our “in situ” observations that allow this data collection and transformation.

INTERACTIVE SIGHTINGS MAP

Explore Marine Life Across the Algarve Coast

Here we publish visual data from the last 3 years of sightings, updated at the beginning of each New Year.

You can use the filter by year and/or month to customize the visualization, helping you to set realistic expectations, adapting your trip and your adventure.

It is our “in situ” observations that allow this data collection and transformation.

Common dolphin Delphinus delphis
Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus
Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Fin whale Balaenoptera physalus
Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena
Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus
Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba
Orca Orcinus orca
Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae
False killer whale Pseudorca crassidens
Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera brydei
Sei whale Balaenoptera borealis
Unidentified whale
Unidentified dolphin

Common dolphin Delphinus delphis
Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus
Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Fin whale Balaenoptera physalus
Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena
Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus
Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba
Orca Orcinus orca
Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae
False killer whale Pseudorca crassidens
Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera brydei
Sei whale Balaenoptera borealis
Unidentified whale
Unidentified dolphin

SPECIES GALLERY

Explore Marine Species & Their Profiles

Browse all recorded species and discover key facts, characteristics and insights about each one.

Common Dolphin -

Delphinus delphis

Bottlenose dolphin -

Tursiops truncatus

Risso’s dolphin -

Grampus griseus

Orca -

Orcinus orca

Striped dolphin -

Stenella coeruleoalba

False killer whale -

Pseudorca crassidens

Pilot whale -

Globicephala spp.

Minke whale -

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Fin whale -

Balaenoptera physalis

Humpback whale -

Megaptera novaeangliae

Sei whale -

Balaenoptera borealis

Blue whale -

Balaenoptera musculus

Bryde’s whale -

Balaenoptera brydei

Harbour porpoise -

Phocoena phocoena

Species

0 sightings • 0%

SIGHTINGS PATTERN

Seasonal Occurrence of Marine Species

Understand when each species is most commonly spotted throughout the year along the Algarve coast.

SCIENCE & RESEARCH

Our Contribution to Science

Through research, data collection and collaboration, we actively contribute to the understanding and protection of marine life in the Algarve.

Iberian orca (Orcinus orca) photo-identification catalogue

Curator: Dra. Ruth Esteban

Demographic Parameters of Iberian Killer Whales Between 2011 and 2023

Marine Mammal Science / Esteban, Ruth et al. (2025)

Scientific Article on Humpback Whales in the Algarve Under Review

Curator: Dra. Ruth Esteban

Techniques

Techniques We Use

Data Collection

Each trip is also a scientific mission, collecting valuable data on cetacean location, behaviour and movements. These observations support marine research, conservation and bring people closer to ocean science.

Photo-identification

A non-invasive method used to identify individual cetaceans through unique natural markings. Over time, these records help track movements, estimate populations and support conservation efforts without disturbing the animals.

Hydrophone

Hydrophones capture underwater sounds, allowing us to hear cetacean communication such as clicks and whistles. These recordings support research while offering a unique and immersive ocean experience.

Citizen Science

Passengers actively contribute to scientific research by recording sightings during each trip. This collaboration supports ongoing data collection, increases knowledge and promotes ocean conservation.

Future

Looking Ahead

We are committed to continuously expanding our knowledge of marine life through every journey at sea. By combining real-world observations with scientific research, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the ocean while delivering meaningful and responsible experiences.

Scientific Data Collection

All scientific data is collected during our dolphin-watching tours and our “Into the Wild” tours. For accurate analysis, days without departures due to weather conditions are not included in the data.

Expanding Our Research

In the near future, we aim to broaden our studies to include a wider range of marine species, such as seabirds, sea turtles and other ocean wildlife, further enhancing our contribution to marine conservation.