Swimming with whales.  What an opportunity but what a high risk activity.  Not because the whales mean you any harm but because of the inherent unpredictability of it all and you may end up all done on a boat chasing whales and not even get in the water.  Harry had had a fantastic day,  Tom and Susie had a fantastic day then Dirk and Tom saw nothing so we set off trying to be realistic but really really hoping we saw something.

The guys who ran the business and guided were fantastic and made it very clear that it is all about the whales rather than us and they would not put us in the water unless they were sure the whales were settled and happy.  There is also a local rule that for every 1 ½ hours contact with swimmers the whales need 1 ½ hours rest.

Wetsuits on, snorkels and fins on, two groups of four.  When whales are sighted the boat approaches slowly and then watches their behaviour while a group gets ready and sits on the side of the boat.  If the whales settle you get the ‘Go’ and in we go.  Our first swim was magical as we hovered over a huge male lying on the bottom and singing his heart out.  This is done to attract a mate and really is a lovely sound.  The low notes are so low that you can feel your bones vibrating.  Although we could see him very clearly the camera couldn’t cope so there are no pictures but we have some fantastic sound recordings that the camera microphone picked up.

Next swim we were lucky to see mother and calf together.  Delightful……..