CHILLING HUMPBACKS
The other day we got surprised by a quite playful whales and finally, a really curious humpback. After we left Lundey, Puffin Island, during our Big Whale Safari on our RIB boat Amma Sigga we were heading further out towards the mountains on the other side of the bay.
Halfway we were surprised by some white-beaked dolphins, which started surrounding our boat. They were showing up next to our boat, always staying close to it, making it possible for us to even watch them while swimming underneath the surface.
Just seconds later we also spot some blows nearby. We decided to leave the playful dolphins behind to check out the other whales around. Throughout the whole time we could see blows in any direction. The blow is the breath of a whale and visible from quite far away. It looks the same as small clouds of steam appearing above the surface. In truth, these water fountains breaking the surface have a speed of 500km/h.
Several humpbacks were chilling out in that area and didn’t mind our company at all. Moments passed by and we got the humpbacks drifting close to our boat, one even decided to swim with us for a while, as we were drifting forward the whole time. Travelling on the same speed as we did made it possible to watch the whale’s entire body just underneath the surface.
Have you ever seen a whale?
It’s not possible to describe how it feels to see a whale of a similar size as your boat, drifting next to you, completely calm, obviously fine with your company.
- Sarah
Photos: White-beaked dolphin - Karen B Knútsdóttir
Humpback - Sarah Arndt
