Situation Report from La Gomera

La Gomera, February 2026 – A Short “Situation Report” from Ricarda Scholz, staff member at our partner OCEANO Gomera and active member of M.E.E.R.:

While Germany has been dealing (and continues to deal) with icy cold temperatures, slippery streets, and other “life-threatening weather phenomena,” La Gomera is greener than it has been in over ten years! After more rainfall than we’ve seen in a long time, water is once again flowing in places that had long since dried up. Small waterfalls can be spotted here and there, and the reservoirs are full. It is an incredible gift to witness this transformation. Blossoming has already begun in some areas and the bees are busily at work collecting nectar from blooming almond trees. We have also had to endure a few storms and heavy swells. As a result, we were unfortunately not able to head out to see the whales and dolphins as often as we would have liked. However, the natural spectacle along the coast is simply breathtaking. During the whale-watching trips that were able to take place, short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins brought us the most joy, allowing us to accompany them for a while. We were also visited by striped dolphins. And finally, the Atlantic spotted dolphins have returned! February also brought some truly extraordinary sightings: beaked whales were spotted several times, and the first baleen whales of the year made an appearance. And this is only the beginning!

© Fotos: Ulla Ludewig