Algarve

The Algarve is well-known as a top seaside destination. Visitors are drawn not only to the beaches, spectacular natural rock formations, and caves, but also to the Algarve's ocean wonders, such as whales and dolphins. A wide variety of sea life inhabits or visits the Algarvian coast on a temporary basis, allowing us to observe and learn from it. The whales and dolphins are the crown jewels of the Algarve. The south coast of Portugal is a breeding and feeding ground for marine mammals and other top predators such as seabirds.

It has been established that three areas in the Western Algarve appear to have a higher concentration of marine mammals: the Portimo Canyon, Caneiros (at Ponta da Piedade, Lagos), and the So Vicente Canyon in Sagres. Underwater canyons are popular feeding grounds for marine life. The Portimo Canyon is an underwater rift valley located about 12 miles offshore (south of Praia da Rocha), near the continental shelf border, and running north to south.

In the Algarve, upwelling is caused by the summer's predominant north winds, which push nutrient-depleted surface water to the south, where it is replaced by nutrient-rich deep waters that rise to the surface. This phenomenon is a primary driver of ecosystem productivity and, as a result, the beginning of the food chain, resulting in an increase in plankton. In the other two areas, upwelling occurs on a larger or smaller scale, supporting a complex and diverse food chain. Whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, large pelagic fishes, and numerous seabirds are found at the top of this food chain. The upwelling process is stronger in the spring and summer, attracting populations of various species to the area during these warmer months. This, combined with the excellent weather and sea conditions (no big waves or strong winds most of the time), makes this a fantastic watching location.

Location: Portugal