Madeira Whale Fest returns for third edition this week

Madeira Whale Fest opens on Wednesday for its third edition, running through Sunday as part of the Festival da Natureza. Events combine science, conservation, education and art across the Funchal marina, local schools, the Art Caravel Centre and the Museu da Baleia in Caniçal, which hosts the 'Arraial da Baleia' on Saturday. Organisers highlight that 27 of the 38 cetacean species recorded in the North Atlantic occur in Madeiran waters. The festival is coordinated by the Whale Heritage Area Madeira management committee with several conservation and research bodies, plus regional and municipal support.