The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, offers a breathtaking retreat for dolphin enthusiasts, whale watchers, hikers, and adventurous tourists eager to explore its hidden maritime treasures.
As our boat sliced through the Atlantic Ocean, I couldn’t help but notice the unease of an American woman seated in front of me. “I’m not so sure,” she admitted, glancing nervously at the churning waves. “I think I’m a bit scared.”
Her hesitation was palpable among the twenty passengers aboard for what was supposed to be a leisurely dolphin-watching excursion. Set against the backdrop of Sagres—long regarded as the edge of the world—the trip promised sightings of bottlenose dolphins, potential minke whales, and even hammerhead sharks, thanks to the “unusually calm” early autumn weather conditions, as advertised by Mar Ilimitado during their pre-departure briefing.
While the sun cast a warm glow, we soon ventured beyond the shelter of the cliffs, and the ocean’s rhythm began to shift dramatically. I found myself wondering just how “seasonal calm” would manifest as the boat rocked more vigorously. Just as my stomach began to churn with the motion, a sudden shout from the observer at the stern broke the tension. Almost instantly, a dolphin leaped from the water, arching gracefully before plunging back into the depths, a fleeting glimpse of the wonder that lay beneath the surface.
The experience promised not just the thrill of marine life but also the chance to connect with the Algarve’s rugged, wild coastline, where every wave and every splash tells a story of nature’s untamed beauty.
Related Topics:
