Tuesday 5 January 2010
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Friday 17 April 2009
Off Paul do Mar: dolphinwatching & whalewatching
In search of the biggest mammal on the planet! with 'Lobosonda' : http://en.lobosonda.com/
In March 2009 for the first time I went Dolphinwatching & whalewatching off the island of Madeira, off the Calheta coast to be precise in ‘Lobosonda’ a restored traditional Madeiran ‘chavelha’ fishing boat which has been operating from Calheta Marina since 2004. I was very excited because it had been reported in the Madeiran press that ‘blue whales’ had been spotted by boats such as ‘Lobosonda’ recently but, not seen in Madeiran waters for 5 or 6 years. Don’t forget that blue whales which can grow up to 32 metres in length are the largest animals to have ever existed!
In search of the biggest mammal on the planet! with 'Lobosonda' : http://en.lobosonda.com/
In March 2009 for the first time I went Dolphinwatching & whalewatching off the island of Madeira, off the Calheta coast to be precise in ‘Lobosonda’ a restored traditional Madeiran ‘chavelha’ fishing boat which has been operating from Calheta Marina since 2004. I was very excited because it had been reported in the Madeiran press that ‘blue whales’ had been spotted by boats such as ‘Lobosonda’ recently but, not seen in Madeiran waters for 5 or 6 years. Don’t forget that blue whales which can grow up to 32 metres in length are the largest animals to have ever existed!
Claudia one of the skippers! informed us about the voyage approximately 3 hours , safety on board, indicated everything worth looking at and had books and other material available on the marine species. Also, she told us the history of the boat. It was built in Machico and caught tuna and ‘espada preta’ (the famous Madeiran black scabbard fish which lives at depths of 600-1,600 metres) off both Calheta coasts and later off Camara de Lobos.
What did we see?
Within a few kilometres of leaving the marina we saw a school of common dolphins (delphinus delphis) and they were all around us in different groups, jumping and bow-riding. Claudia estimated that the whole school numbered 20. We were with them or they with us for a considerable time. Even when the boat speeded up the dolphins swam alongside or were bow-riding again. Further out from the Calheta coast we saw a strange object floating in the sea, part of a traditional Madeiran wooden hand rail from a path or a viewing point. Then we saw something swimming below it.. quite a large fish. It turned out to be a ‘cherne’. The other skipper Senhor Luis who was an ex-full-time fisherman with 50 years experience from Camara de Lobos tried to catch the fish with a net so we could see it well and learn about it. But, no matter how hard he tried the clever chap escaped. The next surprise was a brief glimpse of a Loggerhead sea turtle (caretta caretta) which dived as we moved closer to view him. My favourite time besides the dolphins was the punch-up between the seagulls and the cory shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) over fish that the dolphins missed after rounding them up. Claudia explained how with reason the cory shearwaters known as ‘Cagarras’ locally.. fight the seagulls as the Cagarras catch the fish and the seagulls try to steal them.
Within a few kilometres of leaving the marina we saw a school of common dolphins (delphinus delphis) and they were all around us in different groups, jumping and bow-riding. Claudia estimated that the whole school numbered 20. We were with them or they with us for a considerable time. Even when the boat speeded up the dolphins swam alongside or were bow-riding again. Further out from the Calheta coast we saw a strange object floating in the sea, part of a traditional Madeiran wooden hand rail from a path or a viewing point. Then we saw something swimming below it.. quite a large fish. It turned out to be a ‘cherne’. The other skipper Senhor Luis who was an ex-full-time fisherman with 50 years experience from Camara de Lobos tried to catch the fish with a net so we could see it well and learn about it. But, no matter how hard he tried the clever chap escaped. The next surprise was a brief glimpse of a Loggerhead sea turtle (caretta caretta) which dived as we moved closer to view him. My favourite time besides the dolphins was the punch-up between the seagulls and the cory shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) over fish that the dolphins missed after rounding them up. Claudia explained how with reason the cory shearwaters known as ‘Cagarras’ locally.. fight the seagulls as the Cagarras catch the fish and the seagulls try to steal them.
Beware of the Portuguese man of war!
Throughout the whole voyage we also saw Portuguese man of war (physalia physalis) which look fascinating and even attractive. People think it’s a jellyfish but, it’s not. Since the voyage I have researched it on the net and it’s a ‘siphonophore’, an animal made up of a colony of organisms working together. Even more interesting its tentacles can extend 50 meters in length below the surface, although 10 meters is usually the average and they are dangerous in that they are covered in venom-filled nematocysts used to paralyze and kill fish and other small creatures! For humans a man-of-war sting is excruciatingly painful and fortunately rarely deadly. But, beware of even dead ones washed up on shore. They can still deliver a sting!
I have scuba-dived off Madeira in the Garajau Marine Reserve and in Egypt in the Red Sea and saw one dolphin. This was a different experience observing from above with experts and it complemented my previous experiences well. So, all in all, it was a great 3 hours and I recommend this type of activity for anyone who has any interest in marine life.
Paul Abbiati, the writer, is owner of ‘Sunny House’ in Paul do Mar a historic fishing village which is part of Lobosonda’s itinerary
‘Sunny House’ is a holiday rental house 50 metres from Paul do Mar’s beach. It has ocean & mountain views from its 3 floors and 2 sun terraces. Its in the quietest quarter of the village between banana fields.
For more information and to book see ‘Sunny House’’s website: http://www.pauldomar.com
Throughout the whole voyage we also saw Portuguese man of war (physalia physalis) which look fascinating and even attractive. People think it’s a jellyfish but, it’s not. Since the voyage I have researched it on the net and it’s a ‘siphonophore’, an animal made up of a colony of organisms working together. Even more interesting its tentacles can extend 50 meters in length below the surface, although 10 meters is usually the average and they are dangerous in that they are covered in venom-filled nematocysts used to paralyze and kill fish and other small creatures! For humans a man-of-war sting is excruciatingly painful and fortunately rarely deadly. But, beware of even dead ones washed up on shore. They can still deliver a sting!
I have scuba-dived off Madeira in the Garajau Marine Reserve and in Egypt in the Red Sea and saw one dolphin. This was a different experience observing from above with experts and it complemented my previous experiences well. So, all in all, it was a great 3 hours and I recommend this type of activity for anyone who has any interest in marine life.
Paul Abbiati, the writer, is owner of ‘Sunny House’ in Paul do Mar a historic fishing village which is part of Lobosonda’s itinerary
‘Sunny House’ is a holiday rental house 50 metres from Paul do Mar’s beach. It has ocean & mountain views from its 3 floors and 2 sun terraces. Its in the quietest quarter of the village between banana fields.
For more information and to book see ‘Sunny House’’s website: http://www.pauldomar.com
Friday 27 March 2009
Paul do Mar, MADEIRA: ‘a nature lover’s paradise’, ‘a walker’s paradise’ & ‘the feel-good factor’
Nature lovers’ paradise and ‘the feel-good factor’
Firstly, it’s a nature lovers’ paradise in that people can sit outside a house at night and still listen to the Atlantic Ocean hitting the rocks without interruption, listen to owls and the strange cry of ‘Cory Shearwater birds (‘cagarras’) returning to feed their chicks. All can swim in the clear, unpolluted sea and snorkel and see many species including small octopuss and rays not far from the shore.
Paul do Mar is a special fishing village on the south-west coast of Madeira. The sunniest and hottest Madeiran coast. The village was only accessible by mountain paths and from the Ocean until the 1960’s when the first roads reached the village. Set between mountains and Ocean its always been an agricultural and fishing village. The farmers cultivate bananas, passion fruit, grapes and vegetables amongst other fruit and vegetables. And the fishermen still operate from the new fishing harbour in traditional boats. Paul do Mar is popular and famous with all tourists including returning Portuguese emigrants for the opportunities such as birdwatching, dolphin & whalewatching and mountain & levada walking.
Dolphin & whalewatching
Several kilometres off Paul do Mar is what can be described as a dolphin and whale highway where other species including young turtles pass daily. The largest creature on the planet a blue whale was spotted off Madeira this year. This was the first sighting for many years. We recommend the local Dolphin & whalewatching operator ‘Lobosonda’ which is featured on the website
Walkers’ paradise
Most visitors to Paul do Mar want deeper and more real travel experiences. Some rise very early to walk mountain and levada (irrigation channel) paths. Paul do Mar is a walkers’ paradise in that not only has it 2 historic, recommended walks starting in the village: the PR19 - Caminho Real do Paul do Mar and ‘the lavadeira walk’ up to Faja da Ovelha but, is close to recommended, famous walks including: the PR 6 - Levada das 25 fontes and the PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco.
Nature conservation projects
Visitors to the village partnering with eco-tourist operators and organisations such as SPEA (the Portuguese Bird Society), Hotel Jardim Atlantico and ‘Lobosonda’ participate in nature conservation projects such as the week long programme in October 2009 which was in conjunction with ‘the European Ecological Label Week’. The activities including the cleaning of one of the Paul do Mar beaches on the 9th October.
Paul do Mar is ‘the feel-good factor’ a special traditional Portuguese fishing village between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean still peaceful and not ruined by human development.
Further information/links:
-The Madeiran Tourism Department walk information on the:
PR 6 - Levada das 25 fontes, PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco:
http://www.madeiraislands.travel/pls/madeira/wsmwdet0.detalhe_conteudo?p_cot_id=412&p_lingua=pt&p_sub=1
and
PR19 - Caminho Real do Paul do Mar:
-Lobosonda whale & dolphin-watching:
www.lobosonda.com
-The hotel perched on cliffs above Paul do Mar which has won many international awards for environmental performance Hotel Jardim Atlantico:
http://www.jardimatlantico.com/eng/
Nature lovers’ paradise and ‘the feel-good factor’
Firstly, it’s a nature lovers’ paradise in that people can sit outside a house at night and still listen to the Atlantic Ocean hitting the rocks without interruption, listen to owls and the strange cry of ‘Cory Shearwater birds (‘cagarras’) returning to feed their chicks. All can swim in the clear, unpolluted sea and snorkel and see many species including small octopuss and rays not far from the shore.
Paul do Mar is a special fishing village on the south-west coast of Madeira. The sunniest and hottest Madeiran coast. The village was only accessible by mountain paths and from the Ocean until the 1960’s when the first roads reached the village. Set between mountains and Ocean its always been an agricultural and fishing village. The farmers cultivate bananas, passion fruit, grapes and vegetables amongst other fruit and vegetables. And the fishermen still operate from the new fishing harbour in traditional boats. Paul do Mar is popular and famous with all tourists including returning Portuguese emigrants for the opportunities such as birdwatching, dolphin & whalewatching and mountain & levada walking.
Dolphin & whalewatching
Several kilometres off Paul do Mar is what can be described as a dolphin and whale highway where other species including young turtles pass daily. The largest creature on the planet a blue whale was spotted off Madeira this year. This was the first sighting for many years. We recommend the local Dolphin & whalewatching operator ‘Lobosonda’ which is featured on the website
Walkers’ paradise
Most visitors to Paul do Mar want deeper and more real travel experiences. Some rise very early to walk mountain and levada (irrigation channel) paths. Paul do Mar is a walkers’ paradise in that not only has it 2 historic, recommended walks starting in the village: the PR19 - Caminho Real do Paul do Mar and ‘the lavadeira walk’ up to Faja da Ovelha but, is close to recommended, famous walks including: the PR 6 - Levada das 25 fontes and the PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco.
Nature conservation projects
Visitors to the village partnering with eco-tourist operators and organisations such as SPEA (the Portuguese Bird Society), Hotel Jardim Atlantico and ‘Lobosonda’ participate in nature conservation projects such as the week long programme in October 2009 which was in conjunction with ‘the European Ecological Label Week’. The activities including the cleaning of one of the Paul do Mar beaches on the 9th October.
Paul do Mar is ‘the feel-good factor’ a special traditional Portuguese fishing village between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean still peaceful and not ruined by human development.
Further information/links:
-The Madeiran Tourism Department walk information on the:
PR 6 - Levada das 25 fontes, PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco:
http://www.madeiraislands.travel/pls/madeira/wsmwdet0.detalhe_conteudo?p_cot_id=412&p_lingua=pt&p_sub=1
and
PR19 - Caminho Real do Paul do Mar:
-Lobosonda whale & dolphin-watching:
www.lobosonda.com
-The hotel perched on cliffs above Paul do Mar which has won many international awards for environmental performance Hotel Jardim Atlantico:
http://www.jardimatlantico.com/eng/
Friday 30 January 2009
Welcome to the 'Paul do Mar, Madeira, Accomodation Information Platform'
Paul do Mar is a historic fishing village in the region of Calheta on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Until the 1960's it was only accessible by sea! It is set between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the sunniest and hottest villages on the island. An important centre not just only for fishing and agriculture including banana-growing with its new harbour but, also for many other watersports including: surfing, spearfishing, windsurfing, kayaking. Locals and tourists also use Paul do Mar as a base for mountain walks linking to the irrigation channel walks ('levada' walks) of Calheta.
This site is a 'platform for information on accommodation in and around' this historic village. Accommodation ranges from apartments and houses to rent to 4 star hotels.
For more information see our partner sites including:
http://www.ferienhausmiete.de
http://www.ferienhausmiete.de
Paul do Mar is a historic fishing village in the region of Calheta on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Until the 1960's it was only accessible by sea! It is set between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the sunniest and hottest villages on the island. An important centre not just only for fishing and agriculture including banana-growing with its new harbour but, also for many other watersports including: surfing, spearfishing, windsurfing, kayaking. Locals and tourists also use Paul do Mar as a base for mountain walks linking to the irrigation channel walks ('levada' walks) of Calheta.
This site is a 'platform for information on accommodation in and around' this historic village. Accommodation ranges from apartments and houses to rent to 4 star hotels.
For more information see our partner sites including:
http://www.ferienhausmiete.de
http://www.ferienhausmiete.de
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