25/05/2025
1. No good words to describe encounters like this. A playful little humpback whale calf rolling around next to its mother in the beautiful waters of the South Pacific. 🐋😊
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2. In the hundreds of days and thousands of hours I’ve spent in the water with whales, I have only come across 2 adult humpback whales that want nothing more than to be as close to you as possible. In some places, they call them crazy whales. These animals, as big as a bus with fins like airplane wings and agility of a bird; are very intense to be so close to. He was a powerful animal, but also one of the most gentle and sweet whales I’ve come across. If I swam away he would follow, always trying to be close, with very slow movements, careful to keep his fins tucked away. When I finally stopped, he swam below, looking at me with one eye, and then started to roll until he got to the other eye. I did not look through my camera or try to take photos. I just held me camera at my waist and looked at his eye, skin, and face as he rolled. Moments like these are so important for me to be present. It’s not often that one of the biggest wild animals to ever live on this planet will stare into your eyes, and try to be as close as it can.
3. How would you react if a huge s***m whale approached, opening its massive jaws and directing a series of powerful clicks at you? 🐋
📽️ .th x .blanked
Despite their imposing presence, these magnificent creatures pose no threat to humans. The clicking sounds you hear are actually a form of echolocation, similar to sonar, used by s***m whales to navigate the deep ocean and find their favorite food - giant squid.
Although such an encounter would be unforgettable, watching patiently from a respectful distance and letting them come to you on their terms is the best way to appreciate these oceanic giants, while prioritizing the safety of both whale and human.
