Wednesday, August 6, 2025

MY FIRST BLUE WHALE

During my internship in Skjálfandi Bay, I knew blue whales could pass through but rarely stayed. One evening, I heard one had been spotted. The next morning, my friends saw it again. An hour later, I went out, nothing. I kept trying for days, even in bad weather. I was heartbroken, sure I’d missed my only chance.

Five days later, a friend asked me to help with a drone project on a small zodiac. We were the only ones in the bay, searching for humpbacks… when suddenly, we saw a huge blow. “It’s the blue whale,” they said, almost disappointed.

I couldn’t believe it until we got closer. Not only did I finally see it, but it surfaced right next to us and started rolling around, something incredibly rare for blue whales. I was in shock. Then, as if it couldn’t get more magical, a few dolphins appeared and swam around its mouth.

I wanted to cry. I didn’t even take out my phone. I just wanted to live that moment fully through my own eyes. Thankfully, my friends captured some of it on video and the rolling moment in photos.
That day taught me something: don’t lose hope when nature doesn’t give you what you want right away. Sometimes, it’s just waiting to give you something even more unforgettable.

Text: Dimitra Perari (Guide)
Video: Helena Costa
Pictures: Charles Patrick Lavin