This trip from October 12 to 19 was, like the previous one, marked by strong winds in Skjervøy Bay, waves over 8 meters offshore—in short, very calm conditions 😊.
We began our stay with hikes in the southern Lyngen Alps, sheltered from the bad weather. We stopped at the charming little port of Hamnes, enjoyed the local museum, explored the cod-drying racks, and wandered along trails through the surrounding forests.
Then, calm returned. The northern swells quickly subsided, allowing us to navigate serenely in Skjervøy Bay. And what a spectacle awaited us! The orcas and whales seemed eager to stretch their fins. The activity in the bay was astounding, with pods comprising several dozen individuals and whales moving in large groups. For three days, we were fortunate to closely observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
In all our approaches, we take great care to respect their space. We reduce our speed, disengage the propeller shaft to minimize noise and stop the propeller, letting these animals come to us without ever disturbing them. This is the essence of our work: taking the time to be accepted by this wild nature and fostering a relationship built on respect. This approach pays off. Some orcas willingly approach our bow, while others glide alongside the hull. Whales, more reserved, take longer to grow accustomed to our presence. But after about thirty minutes adrift, they approach on their own, and the spectacle becomes truly breathtaking.
Seeing these giants of the sea just ten meters from the boat is a unique experience. The surrounding calm amplifies the magic of the moment: we can hear the whales' breaths, watch them feed, move, or even rest, in perfect harmony with the vastness of their environment. We remain there until nightfall, alone on the water, fully savoring this extraordinary moment.
It is in these moments that we realize how incredibly fortunate we are: to be privileged witnesses to such majestic nature, in a setting where harmony and respect prevail above all else.