Madeira - August 2022

In August 2022 spent 12 days on Madeira.

We explored the island, walked through eucalyptus forests and along the cliffs, went swimming in natural lava pools.

During boat trips we saw dolphins and a whale, visited the whale museum in Canical and were lucky enough to see a monk seal. 🦭

These wonderful animals are one of the most endangered mammal species with only about 600 left in the world. 30-40 in the sea around Madeira.

It was a big dream of mine that we would see one. The Desertas Islands, about 3 hours by sailing catamaran from Madeira, are a sanctuary for the monk seals and other animals. It is not allowed to swim with the seals.

The captain said that they rarely see any, but if I saw one, I had to inform him immediately. Then all the people would have to get out of the water quickly.

I told him that I had "ordered" one but if I wasn't allowed to swim with him, he would probably only appear 5 minutes before we had to go back to the boat for lunch.

He laughed and we went snorkelling.

After almost an hour in the water, we

went back to the boat for lunch. As I was taking off my wetsuit, a monkseal appeared from behind the catamaran. I laughed and had tears of joy in my eyes. My dream came true!!! 🍀

Even though I wasn't allowed to go into the water with the seal, it was a wonderful experience. After a few minutes, the monkseal disappeared again.

Madeira is a beautiful little island. Definitely worth a visit. I‘ll be back for some diving adventures