The ultralight airplane reported a pod of false killer whales so we left the fin whale we were following and hoped to be able to go in the water with these amazing animals. We did find them pretty quickly and were fascinated by their movements – they were playful but fooled us every now and then as they didn’t want to interact with the snorkelers.
After several hours following them we decided to try again to get in the water. I had the feeling of a great opportunity so I jumped in and swam a little bit away from the boat. The false killer whale came! It swam right up to me, looked me into the eye and started to play. We ended up swimming laps until this beautiful animal swam away and stood still with his eyes closed and waited until I reached out to him again. An experience of a lifetime. I can’t even begin to describe the emotions I was feeling. To be able to interact with a false killer whale is simply unbelievable and a huge feeling of thankfulness will stay with me forever.
- Gabriela Beutler, Switzerland, onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady
