In Summer 2010 Madeiran whale and dolphin boats are sighting a new species of dolphin in Madeiran waters. The specie named ‘Fraser’s Dolphin’ is normally only sighted in Azorean waters. Experts say that one of the reasons they have come into Madeiran waters is the higher sea temperature which was on the day of the sightings the 23rd August, 2010 about 24 degrees.

Fraser´s dolphin group (Lagenodelphis hosei)

Confusion with the Striped Dolphin

From wikipedia:

Fraser Dolphins’ are about 1 m long and 20 kg weight at birth, growing to 2.75 m and 200 kg at adulthood. They have a stocky build, a small fin in relation to the size of the body, conspicuously small flippers. The dorsal fin and beak are also insubstantial. The upper side is a gray-blue to gray-brown. A dirty cream colored line runs along the flanks from the beak, above the eye, to the anus. There is a dark stripe under this line. The belly and throat are usually white, sometimes tinged pink. The lack of a prominent is a distinguishing characteristic of the Dolphin. From a distance however it may be confused with the Striped Dolphin which has a similar coloration and is found in the same areas of ocean.
Fraser Dolphins’ swim quickly in large tightly packed groups of about 100 to 1000 in number.

Often porpoising, the group chop up the water tremendously. The sight of seeing a large group fleeing from a fishing vessels has been reported as “very dramatic”.

It is also marked by having the smallest genitalia of any open sea dolphin.

The species feeds on pelagic fish, squid and shrimp found some distance below the surface of the water (200& or 500 meters). Virtually no sunlight penetrates this depth, so feeding is carried out using echolocation alone.

Read more about Fraser’s Dolphins in Wikipedia

Paul Abiatti, the writer, is a contact for properties on Madeira’s sunniest and hottest south west coast – Calheta coast. Whale and dolphin-watch boats operate from Calheta marina

Sunny House West is one of these holiday rental properties in Calheta on the south west coast of Madeira.

Pleasantly situated in the centre of Las Americas, opposite Compostella Beach Golf Course (Maxfit golf clubs available if required, no extra charge), close to the beach, bars, shops, restaurants, change bureau’s and all amenities including the world famous Siam Water Park. Whilst you can enjoy the many aspects of this beautiful exciting resort, Las Floritas is conveniently situated where you can take advantage of both a quiet relaxing holiday and still enjoy the hustle and bustle of the entertainment and night life available. Car parking available.

Visit the owners web page for this Holiday Rental Apartment Las Floritas Las Americas Tenerife

Centally located superior Penthouse Apartment with mountain and ocean views. Newly renovated. On Parque Margarita complex in the heart of Los Cristianos. Walking distance to town centre & beach. Transfer time 10 minutes.

Located in a flat area of Los Cristianos (be careful, not all areas are flat with one being known as “Cardiac Hill”).

Visit the owners web page for this Parque Margarita Holiday Apartment Los Cristianos Tenerife

Visit the owners web page for this Summerland Holiday Apartment Los Cristianos Tenerife

Set on a hillside on the outskirts of the busy fishing village of Los Cristianos in the south of the island, Club Tenerife is ideal for a relaxing holiday, enjoying sun, sea, sand and every conceivable water sport, sea fishing, golf, tennis and numerous other activities. Besides its broad sandy beaches Los Cristianos offers a range of dining, entertainment and night life in its nearby centre, part of which retains the character of the fishing village it once was, with traditional houses and winding lanes.

Visit the owners web page for this Club Tenerife Holiday Apartment in Los Cristianos

Ideally situated between Los Cristianos and Las Americas and only 250m from the beautiful Las Vistas beach.
South facing balcony overlooking the communal pool which catches the sun all day.

Lots of shops, bars and restaurants nearby and only a few minutes walk to both Los Cristianos and Las Americas,

Visit the owners web page for this Holiday Apartment Azahara Playa Los Cristianos Tenerife

Deluxe studio apartment on elevated ground floor set in the luxurious Andalucian complex of Royal Palm, Los Cristianos. The town itself, once a small fishing village, is a beautiful and friendly area with many superb restaurants and bars a short walk from the complex. Los Cristianos also boasts two beautiful beaches and a harbour.

Where you can while away the hours watching the boats and ferries coming and going. The bus station is a 5 min walk away, where you can catch a bus to almost anywhere on the island.

Visit the owners web page for this Holiday Apartment Royal Palm Los Cristianos Tenerife

Both one-bedroom apartments have two single beds, bathroom and a spacious lounge furnished to a high standard. Patio doors lead onto a private balcony, which has a table and chairs for those wishing to eat outside. T2-128, overlooking the pool, gardens and out to sea. T1-158 overlooks
the gardens then out to sea.

Visit the owners web page for this Holiday Apartment Paloma Beach Los Cristianos Tenerife

Set in a complex with 2 pools, bar, supermarket and close to all amenities and attractions.

The studio will sleep a family of four. It has 2 single beds and a double sofa bed for two children. It is suitable for people who may use a wheelchair, but not if they are wheelchair bound, as the internal doors in the studio are of standard size.

Visit the owners web page for this Holiday Apartment Torres del Sol Los Cristianos Tenerife.