Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Humpback whales are rarely seen around the islands of Madeira with no known migratory patterns around the islands. They are considered a coastal species in many parts of the world and perhaps this is why they are not often seen around our oceanic islands. Humpbacks are a distinctive looking baleen whale with very large pectoral fins and they often show their tails when diving. The individuals that we do see around Madeira are believed to be members of the north eastern Atlantic population, some of which migrates to Cabo Verde to mate and give birth.
Species Information
