Some animals amaze us instantly… while others almost always make us recoil. Spiders fall squarely into that second category.
And yet, I’ve never been afraid of them. Ever since I was little, I’ve watched them with curiosity, probably because my parents were never afraid of them either, and never harmed them.
I know not everyone shares my fascination with nature, and that’s not the point of this article. My hope is simply to remind you that every living creature deserves respect, even when it’s disliked or misunderstood. And if, through my words and images, I can play a small part in that, then everything I do will carry even more meaning.

Fascinating Creatures

Behind those eight legs lies a discreet animal, one that’s essential to the balance of our ecosystems. And behind what many see as frightening actually hides a unique living creature, one that simply deserves to be treated with more respect.
Spiders truly are extraordinary animals, far more complex and interesting than we tend to imagine: their ability to spin webs with incredible precision, their hunting techniques, their behaviors… Yet they remain among the most disliked animals, often victims of fears passed down since childhood.
Personally, whether at home or while traveling, I always enjoy looking for them, since they’re among those species that can vary so much in shape and color. Some, like the wasp spider, display truly stunning colors.

Others, like crab spiders, don’t spin any web at all and instead hunt by ambush, staying perfectly still on a flower, some even able to change color to blend in seamlessly.

Their techniques don’t stop there: the red-legged golden orb-weaver, a large spider found notably on Réunion Island, builds a perfectly aligned “string” of prey remains in a corner of its web. Its cousin, the golden silk spider of Florida, also sometimes decorates its web with debris and prey remains, though in a less organized way.

And behind all these fascinating behaviors often lies another surprise: sometimes all it takes is a macro lens to reveal a little “face,” one that may not fit our usual standards of beauty, but is utterly endearing 😊.

Our Eight-Legged Roommates

In France, the species we come across day to day are harmless and pose no danger to us. They can even be valuable allies, catching small insects like mosquitoes. In their own way, they help maintain the balance of life around us, just like every species found in nature.

Spiders don’t only live outdoors. Some choose to quietly move into our homes. Unfortunately for them, that choice is often a fatal one, since many people’s first reaction is to kill them.
In my house, they’re simply part of the scenery. I share my space with several species, including those small, long-legged spiders with tiny bodies often found tucked away in quiet corners of our homes: cellar spiders. But also with bigger spiders I have a real soft spot for, like certain house spiders, with their bulkier bodies and rounded abdomens. I simply let them live their lives, only clearing away the old webs that are no longer in use. Every once in a while, I’ll move one outside, either to keep it safe from accidents, or if I happen to have a guest who isn’t quite as fond of them 😉.

A Different Perspective

I’m not asking everyone to love spiders the way I do. A love of nature and animals is deeply personal, and often hard to explain. But maybe, between fear and systematic elimination, there’s another option: taking a few seconds to see things differently, and developing a bit of empathy for all living creatures. Because no matter whether they’re beautiful, ugly, frightening, or simply different from us, they all have their place, they all play a role, and above all, they all deserve our respect.
So if, after reading this article, even just one person decides to spare a spider found in their home and gently carries it outside instead of crushing it, I’ll be the happiest person 😊.
Thank you in advance ❤️.

The post Spiders: What If We Looked at Them Differently? first appeared on NaturElfes.

During my holiday in Menorca, nature once again gave me a wonderful gift: I had the chance to encounter one of the most fascinating creatures of the sea!

Who am I?

I’m the common octopus, more commonly known as the octopus. Fun fact: the French word “pieuvre” didn’t even exist until Victor Hugo coined it in Toilers of the Sea, to describe a sea monster inspired by me!
My real talent is changing color, and even skin texture, in an instant, thanks to special cells, which lets me blend into my surroundings and communicate, a bit like chameleons do. I don’t have a skeleton, which means I can squeeze into pretty much any rocky crevice, even though my outstretched tentacles can reach up to 1 meter long.
I usually get around by walking on my arms, but I can also swim by jet propulsion if I need to flee, or even release a cloud of black ink to escape a predator. And if I lose an arm along the way, no worries, it grows right back!
I hunt mostly at night, catching crabs and shellfish with a venom that paralyzes them, harmless to humans. Moray eels, conger eels, dolphins, and seals are among my predators, but my biggest threat remains humans, who fish for me heavily in the Mediterranean.
I’m also said to be one of the smartest animals in the ocean, capable of solving problems, remembering solutions, and even playing.
My life only lasts between 1 and 2 years, and it ends shortly after reproduction: the female lays several hundred thousand eggs, which she guards until they hatch without eating, before dying of exhaustion. The male, meanwhile, gradually declines after mating.

Where to find me?

You can find me in temperate and tropical waters all around the world, but I’m especially common in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Atlantic coast. I live among rocky reefs and seagrass meadows, from shallow waters down to around 100 metres (330 ft), although I prefer staying close to the shore.
I’m a solitary and territorial animal. I don’t usually tolerate another octopus within about 30 metres (100 ft) of my den, except during the breeding season. The easiest way to find me is to look for the small piles of shells and pebbles I carefully arrange outside my den—I like to keep my home nicely decorated 😉. In fact, it’s often much easier to spot my “house” than to spot me, thanks to my incredible camouflage!
Minorca is known for its posidonia seagrass meadows and is even home to a UNESCO-listed marine reserve in the north. So you’ve got great odds of spotting me on this island. In fact, the photos of me you’ll see here were taken just a few meters from shore, along the beaches of the village of Sant Tomás, over the rocky seabed.

Pachacamac, My Underwater Friend

While snorkeling, my eyes landed on a strange cluster of multicolored pebbles resting on the rocks. Intrigued, I slowly swam closer, and discovered a small cavity, a tentacle peeking out of it, then an eye staring right back at me. Without realizing it, I’d just stumbled upon an octopus’s “home”!

I went back to see her several times and named her Pachacamac, a nod to Tintin and the blazing sun of Menorca 😉. To thank her, I brought her little gifts: beautiful pebbles I had carefully picked up on the beach and placed beside her hideout. A few days later, I was delighted to discover that Pachacamac had taken one of my gifts—a small red pebble—into her home. Apparently, I had chosen well after all 😉.

I even witnessed something both extraordinary and sad when I saw a cloud of ink spreading through the water. Sadly, it was caused by a swimmer who had disturbed her while trying to make her come out of her den… As I spent more time snorkeling, I eventually spotted other “homes” and their occupants, always thanks to their distinctive decorations 😊.

But it was on the last day of my vacation that I finally got the chance to see her in motion. First perched on a rock, then wandering about, calmly walking and swimming, surrounded by fish. Watching her move, change color and shape right before my eyes was simply amazing. What an extraordinary moment!

It was mostly while looking back at my photos that I fully realized just how incredible her ability to transform really is: shifting colors and shapes, sometimes with little spikes appearing on her skin. It’s honestly hard to believe, comparing some of these photos, that it’s the same animal!
Meeting my Pachacamac 😊 was, without a doubt, the highlight of my stay in Menorca. It was an encounter that made me completely fall in love with these incredible creatures.

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The Reykjanes Peninsula gave us some wonderful moments, a few of them absolutely unforgettable! Like descending into the heart of a volcano and a completely unexpected encounter with an arctic fox.

The place in a few words

The Reykjanes Peninsula sits at the southwestern tip of Iceland, and it’s also where you’ll find Keflavik International Airport. This region has been entirely shaped by volcanism: black soil, lava fields, hot springs, and steam vents as far as the eye can see. It’s been Iceland’s most volcanically active zone in recent years, with repeated eruptions since 2021.

Practical information

Flight
We took a direct Nantes–Reykjavik flight with Transavia for €370 round-trip for 2 people, with 1 checked bag — unfortunately, this route has since been discontinued. Check with different airlines to find the best route from your city.

Car
We rented a 4×4 from Lotus Car Rental for €1,100 for 8 days. ⚠️ Rental prices in Iceland are high — expect to pay roughly double what you’d pay in North America for a similar model and rental length.

Accommodations

• Black Beach Guesthouse in Þorlákshöfn — small hotel with self check-in. €97/night, breakfast not included.
• ABC Hotel in Keflavik — a unique stay in a former US military base, ideal for a night before the return flight. €120/night, breakfast not included.
  

The Hot Springs of Gunnuhver

As soon as we picked up the car outside the airport, we headed straight to these hot springs to dive right into this volcanic island. Along the way, the first photo stops of a long list to come had already begun 😉!

A lovely little stop where I got to enjoy geothermal phenomena all over again, complete with that famous rotten-egg smell of sulfur 😉, which I’d loved back at Yellowstone in the US. There’s also a beautiful lighthouse right next door. Plan for about 20 to 30 minutes on site to enjoy it.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

I had booked an excursion with the Inside the Volcano company for a truly unique experience: descending into the heart of a volcano. To get there, you start with a hike through stunning scenery.

Then the guides got us equipped, and finally came the 120-meter descent on an open platform toward the center of the Earth. Pretty intense, honestly 😉… but once we reached the bottom, I simply had no words left. It was an incredibly emotional moment! We had time to walk around the “chamber” and take in the stunning colors of the walls — absolutely extraordinary.

Back at the top, a hot bowl of soup was waiting for us, along with a totally unexpected surprise: a beautiful arctic fox! She’s gotten used to visiting the staff, who named her Mia 😊. It was simply magical watching this adorable little fox play and nap peacefully.
⚠️ Good to know: this excursion is very expensive and can be tough for anyone prone to vertigo or claustrophobia. Plan for a full half-day.

The Seltún Geothermal Area

A truly beautiful geothermal spot — steam vents, gorgeous colors, green rolling hills… a real feast for the senses!

The site can be visited quickly and for free, along a lovely wooden boardwalk trail. A mini Yellowstone 😉, and I really loved it.

The Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs

We made a little detour to these cliffs in the late evening, which gave us beautiful light and really brought out the red in the rock. It’s known as a great spot for birdwatching, especially puffins, though we were probably a bit too late in the season for that…

Still, we spent a lovely moment there — we had the place to ourselves, and it’s somewhere that really moved me, though I couldn’t quite explain why 😊. About thirty minutes is enough to enjoy the cliffs, unless you stay longer just to take it all in, like we did.
⚠️ Good to know: the last stretch of road to get there (about 3 km) is unpaved and pretty bumpy, so it’s best to have at least an SUV.

Reykjavik, the Little Capital

I usually steer clear of big cities, but given how small Reykjavik actually is, I figured it was the perfect chance to visit a capital, and I wasn’t disappointed! Despite the bad weather, we visited the lovely cathedral, then wandered through the rainbow-colored streets 😊. We found a nice little restaurant and discovered a fun, adorable local habit: shop cats everywhere!

The Famous Blue Lagoon

I’d hesitated a lot about going to the Blue Lagoon, since some reviews described it as too touristy, but we were so glad we went! We were there in the evening after a rainy day, and it was truly relaxing to soak in that super warm, milky-colored water. You can even get a face mask while you’re there — don’t worry, it’s normal if it tingles a bit 😉! Crowds were pretty reasonable, and we really felt like we had our own little bubble.

Be sure to take the short walk outside to enjoy the beautiful colors. That said, no photos from inside the water — too risky for the camera, and honestly, I mostly wanted to just relax. That didn’t stop some people from doing it, though — you just have to keep your phone held well above the water the whole time.

📍 Good to know: plan for 2 to 4 hours on site — there’s no time limit once you’re inside, just a booked entry time slot.

A Volcano in Eruption… Almost

The summer of our trip, a volcano had erupted, but of course, it decided to stop the day before we arrived! So we had to let go of our dream of seeing molten lava… but we still took this incredible opportunity to go see the lava field. The area was well marked, since plenty of people had been hiking there for several days already.

We chose to take a short hike up the hill to take in the sheer scale of the flow, which is actually a mix of several years’ worth of eruptions. Then we made our way down close to the freshest lava, which was still steaming and giving off a very strong smell.

A hike that was anything but ordinary, and one we truly loved! And as is often the case in Iceland, the surrounding scenery was stunning.

📍 Good to know This hike is located in the Nátthagi valley. Since eruptions are frequent in Iceland, I can’t say for sure whether the landscape looks the same today. . Longer hikes of several hours were also possible.

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Moorea is an island I found just as stunning on land as it is at sea. It’s where I truly discovered the lush Polynesian jungle, staying right in the heart of it. But above all, it’s here that I lived one of the most beautiful experiences of my life: swimming with humpback whales and — most incredibly — hearing them sing.

The place in a few words

Moorea is an island in the Society archipelago, in French Polynesia, nicknamed “Tahiti’s sister island” — located just 17 km away. Home to around 17,000 inhabitants spread across several coastal villages, it takes its Tahitian name Mo’ore’a from a local legend meaning “yellow lizard”. With its 134 km² and highest peak, Mount Tohiea at 1,207 meters, Moorea offers breathtaking scenery between tropical jungle and lagoon. Its two main bays, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, are considered among the most beautiful in the world.

Practical information

Moorea is accessible from Tahiti by ferry — the crossing takes less than 30 minutes and you even have a chance of spotting whales along the way! Budget around €20 per person for a round trip on foot.
To get around the island, renting a car is ideal. The main road is about 60 km long — allow half a day with stops. We rented a car for the duration of our stay, though my friend living in Tahiti got a discounted rate, so it’s hard to give you a price reference. To compare prices, check out Carigami.
One tip: make sure to take out all available insurance, especially windshield and undercarriage coverage. During our stay, my friend unfortunately scraped the bottom of the car door and, having skipped the insurance, ended up paying a hefty repair bill!
For accommodation, the options are wide-ranging — from luxury hotels with overwater bungalows to much more affordable family guesthouses.

📍 Good to know French Polynesia has two seasons: a dry season from May to October and a rainy season from November to April. The dry season is the ideal time to visit Moorea, with less rain and slightly less stifling temperatures. That said, it’s warm all year round!

Exploring the island

We start this island tour at the Opunohu Belvedere, with its stunning view over Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, then head to the To’atea lookout offering a breathtaking panorama over Temae Beach, the island of Tahiti across the water and the Sofitel’s overwater bungalows.

Next stop, the Sentier des Ancêtres trail to discover the marae, these sacred Polynesian sites, then a stop at the agricultural college to taste and buy their delicious homemade jams. It was also the chance to see my first pineapple fields — quite a sight when you come from mainland France — and I have to say, I have never enjoyed fruit as much as I did in French Polynesia!

We made the most of the beautiful Temae Beach to cool off and go snorkeling — there is a current but nothing too strong.

That’s where I witnessed a wonderful moment: I was watching a shrimp busily redecorating the entrance of its home 😉, when I noticed a small fish standing right in front of it, like a bodyguard, alerting it to the slightest danger. Proud of my “discovery”, I did some research when I got back — and of course, biologists had known about this symbiosis for ages 😄! It’s the pistol shrimp and its goby fish. The shrimp, almost blind, constantly touches the fish with its antennae, while the fish alerts it to danger by moving. In return, the fish gets to live in the shrimp’s burrow. Discovering something like this on your own just by observing nature — it’s simply extraordinary 😍!

We also made a detour to Afareaitu Waterfall — we were lucky, it had rained and the waterfall was clearly visible, surrounded by absolutely stunning vegetation.

Along the way, we also discovered pretty colorful churches, an enormous banyan tree that made me feel absolutely tiny 😉, and had lunch in a paradise setting.

To finish, we visited the sea turtle clinic run by the association Te Mana O Te Moana, located in the lagoon of the Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa hotel — which has permanently closed since Covid, though the clinic seems to still be operating there. The hotel also had two dolphins in captivity that visitors could swim with. Personally, I found it heartbreaking to see them in their pool just meters from the open ocean…

A little side note: we had some difficulty finding the tourist sites as signage was scarce on the island, but the Polynesian locals always pointed us in the right direction with great warmth and kindness 😊!

The magical encounter

That day will stay etched in my memory forever. We had booked a trip with Dolphins and Whales Watching Expedition to see humpback whales and, if we were lucky, swim with them. The sea was rough, and we’d already made peace with “just” watching from the boat… but in the end, we got to jump in the water. And that’s when I heard the most extraordinary, completely unexpected sound: whale song! Then two shapes rose up from the deep blue and swam right past me — a mother and her calf. A moment that was thrilling, a little nerve-wracking, and absolutely overwhelming.
👉 I shared this whale encounter in full detail in my article on whales.

After that, they took us to the well-known spot for stingrays and blacktip reef sharks to swim with them. My first encounter with sharks — truly impressive and extraordinary! However, I hadn’t realized the company practiced feeding (meaning they hand-feed the animals), which I wasn’t a fan of. As a result the rays interacted a lot with us and one of them even gave me a little “kiss” with its wing 😊!

That day also gave us the chance to admire a beautiful brown booby and a few common mynas 😊. Overall, I felt this company wasn’t necessarily the best choice — on top of the feeding, I found them quite lax when it came to safety during the whale swim.

The Three Coconuts Pass: a hike through the heart of the jungle

That day, we set aside the water to explore the interior of the island. We chose the Three Coconuts Pass hike, which starts from the stunning Opunohu Belvedere. A beautiful hike right through the heart of the Polynesian jungle, with absolutely breathtaking vegetation.

The trail winds through roots, crosses a bamboo grove, passes majestic trees like the Polynesian chestnut and reveals beautiful wildflowers including wild orchids. And at the top, a breathtaking 360° panoramic view awaits!

The hike is 4.3 km round trip with 198 m of elevation gain — allow 2 to 3 hours. There is some uphill but what really makes it challenging is the heat and especially the humidity. Bring plenty of water and start early! Keep an eye on the weather — if it has been raining, check the water levels in the streams before setting off.

The lagoon all to ourselves

For this day, we really treated ourselves by booking a private tour with Mermaid Private Boat Tour. It’s run by two young people, Luna (Dutch) and Clément (French), and I recommend them 100%! They are wonderful and deeply respectful of nature. Luna got in the water with us — it genuinely felt like swimming with a friend — and she took stunning photos.

We set off very early at 7am to have all the spots to ourselves and above all to maximize our chances of spotting dolphins, who also appreciate the calm of the morning. Mission accomplished — the dolphins showed up quickly and came to play with the boat! With such a small vessel, we were incredibly close to them, an absolutely… OLALA moment 😍! My personal synonym for wow 😉, born during my first snorkeling session in Bora Bora and never leaving me for the rest of the trip in French Polynesia!

Then we sailed across the lagoon, which was so incredibly clear we could see the fish as if we were already in the water. That’s actually how we spotted two sea turtles — a green one and a hawksbill — what more could you ask for 😊?

Then off to the coral garden — a place so beautiful I couldn’t stop gasping in amazement into my mask 😊!

We also headed back to the stingray and shark spot, but this time with no animal feeding whatsoever — something I truly appreciated!

The great thing about a private tour is that you can customize it — I had asked if we could visit the underwater Tiki sculptures. So we got to enjoy this unique underwater art, once again all to ourselves… well, almost — we had the company of a beautiful cowfish, apparently quite the art lover himself 😉.

End of our stay on this magnificent island — next stop Fakarava, the final chapter of this Polynesian journey, and certainly not the least!

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Bora Bora, just the name makes you dream! It was my first island after arriving in Tahiti, and it’s where I discovered for the first time the beauty of tropical underwater life: corals, colorful fish, rays… I’ll be honest: it’s not the island that moved me the most. The starving stray dogs touched me deeply, and the island tour left me a little wanting… But the lagoon with its extraordinary color, which you appreciate from the moment you arrive — the airport itself being set in a paradise — is truly worth it!

The place in a few words

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward Islands archipelago, in French Polynesia, with around 10,500 inhabitants. It is world-famous for its lagoon with exceptional colors, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The island is dominated by Mount Otemanu, an ancient volcano rising 727 meters and offering a spectacular setting. Before leaving, I was a little worried about the “very touristy” side of the island, but in fact the large hotels are located on the motus, those small islets surrounding the lagoon, and you end up with an island far more peaceful than you might have imagined.

Practical information

Discovering tropical underwater life

I had booked a half-day excursion on the lagoon with the company Reef Discovery. Captain William was so kind, like the vast majority of Polynesians 😊. There were 5 of us on the boat and he took us to the different spots before the other boats arrived.

Our first stop was to try and spot manta rays, and we got lucky enough to see one… OLALA 😍! That’s actually when this expression was born, one that stuck with me for the entire trip, my go-to word for “wow.” Let’s just say I said it thousands of times over those 15 days in Polynesia 😉! 👉 Check out my articles on Fakarava and Moorea, where I had other unforgettable marine encounters.

Then on to the coral garden, where I experienced my first encounter with real tropical corals — pure joy!

Then came the eagle rays — we were lucky enough to see dozens of them… it was like watching dancers. They formed a true underwater flying ballet, just breathtaking.

And to finish, one last snorkeling stop to enjoy this incredible lagoon a little longer. However, caught up in the euphoria of the day, we completely forgot about the sun… and we paid for it for several days 😉! From then on, the rash guard became our best friend for the rest of our swims!

The “big” island tour

Bora Bora is small — the “big island tour” is easily done in a day! We rented a tiny car and made the most of this mini road trip to discover the magnificent Banyan Tree, a giant sacred tree that is said to have inspired James Cameron for the Tree of Souls in Avatar, as well as a marae, a remnant of the ancient sacred sites of Polynesian culture.

We also took the opportunity to stroll through town, where several locals were selling fruits from their gardens by the roadside: mangoes, divine pineapples… an absolute treat, and we couldn’t help dreaming in front of the overwater bungalows 😉.

Continuing our walk, we came across three elderly Polynesian men playing music on a pavement. They sat us down, put flower leis around our necks and treated us to a private concert 😊! One of them, Michel, even proposed to me 😄! A wonderful moment, truly representative of the warmth and simplicity of Polynesian people.

And to finish, a short hike up to the American cannons. These cannons were installed by the Americans during World War II (between 1942 and 1946), who had turned Bora Bora into a strategic military base in the heart of the Pacific. Fortunately the island was never attacked, but 8 cannons are still visible today. The walk starts from the village of Faanui, covers about 2 km return and is easily accessible. It also offers a lovely view over the lagoon and the peaks of Otemanu and Pahia, especially on a clear day 😊!

The Bora Bora lagoon in pictures…

Because some things are better contemplated than described, here are a few photos of this magical lagoon and its endless shades of blue.

The post Bora Bora: the lagoon and its shades of blue first appeared on NaturElfes.

Fakarava was my greatest love story in Polynesia! A lost atoll in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where life is stripped down to the bare minimum… and that’s exactly what makes it so magical. An incredibly rich underwater world, sharks everywhere, lagoons in breathtaking colors, magnificent sunsets…

The place in a few words

Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, stretching 60 km long and 25 km wide. Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to one of the greatest marine biodiversities in the Pacific. The atoll is famous for its two passes, the North Pass (Garuae) and the South Pass (Tumakohua), considered among the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world, particularly for shark watching.

Unlike the other islands of French Polynesia, there is no relief here, no lush vegetation — just a thin strip of land sitting on the ocean with the bare minimum: no school beyond primary level, a doctor who visits every six months… Here, life is simple and that’s exactly what I loved about it. No stress, no schedules, just the sun, the water and the fish 😊.

Practical information

South Pass: pink sands, sharks and drift snorkeling

The South Pass excursion was one of the many highlights of this trip. First you have to reach the South Pass, which is quite far, but you get to enjoy the scenery and the flying fish along the way 😊.

First snorkeling stop by the village of Tetamanu. Sharks and fish everywhere, including a magnificent Napoleon fish with its protractile mouth that caught us completely off guard — like a before and after botox 😄!
!

Then it was off to the pink sand… and that’s when it hit me! Like something out of a movie, we found ourselves completely alone on this tiny motu with unbelievable colors: the pink of the sand, the blue of the water… A moment that was absolutely… OLALA! My go-to word for “wow,” born during my very first snorkeling session in Bora Bora, and one that stuck with me for the rest of the trip through Polynesia!

Well, not entirely alone — an army of giant hermit crabs was busy devouring coconuts. A truly paradise spot!

After that, back to the village of Tetamanu, where our captains prepared a lovely meal in the shade of the trees. A dog kept us well entertained: sitting in the water, I was worried about the sharks circling around him — until I realised the hunter wasn’t who I thought it was 😄! After lunch, we explored the village and its beautiful little church.

Then came the drift snorkeling. It was my first time and it was a little unsettling at first to feel yourself carried away by the current… but you quickly get a taste for it!

The day wasn’t over yet — we did another drift snorkeling, this time above hundreds of grey reef sharks and whitetips 😍. They were really deep down but it was a magical moment, hard to put into words: the speed of the current, the seabed rushing past beneath us… one of the best moments of the whole trip. Back on the boat, our captains suggested doing it a second time and strangely enough, everyone was up for it 😉!

North Pass: colorful lagoons, dolphins and little scares

Second excursion, this time to the North Pass. First stop at the bird island where we enjoyed a wonderful snorkeling session.

Then off to the green lagoon for a coconut break. Imagine sipping a freshly cut coconut on a tiny isolated islet in the middle of the ocean… 😊.

Next stop, the magnificent blue lagoon. To get there we first walked through crystal clear water, then through coconut palms before reaching the edge of a lagoon with unreal colors 😍. Our captain warned us that there would be less to see here compared to the previous snorkeling spot… sure 😉!

I was alone, drifting away from the group, admiring the fish when suddenly a shark of about 3 meters swam right past me. Let’s just say I wasn’t feeling my bravest 😱! I swam back to shore and the captain explained it was a nurse shark, a species completely harmless to humans — so I went straight back in to admire it!

After all those thrills, we headed to another spot for more snorkeling and this time it was my friend who got a little scare when a titan triggerfish attacked her. I didn’t take it too seriously at the time, but it was only when I got back to France that I discovered it’s a fish equipped with very impressive teeth, well known for being the nightmare of divers!

To finish, our captains gave us a wonderful surprise by taking us to see a group of dolphins. And they decided to play with the boat — what more could you ask for 😊! 👉 A scene that reminded me of my Mermaid Boat Tours excursion in Moorea,

At Fakarava’s pace: cycling, massage and marine life

We rented bikes from the guesthouse and headed off to the village of Rotoava. Traffic was the least of our worries 😉 unlike the heat! A little shower was more than welcome.

Next stop, Coco Massage at Havaiki Lodge for a one-hour Polynesian coconut massage. One of the best massages I have ever had! The lodge is also home to the Snack du Requin Dormeur, where you can eat with your feet in the water with a very good chance of having a shark wandering between the tables!

Back at the guesthouse, we were treated to a magnificent show from nature: two nurse sharks swimming in just a few centimeters of water under the pontoon, trying to flush a grouper out of its hole 😊.

For lunch, the guesthouse took us to a local snack bar. When we worried about getting back, they answered with the most natural simplicity: “when you’re done, the snack bar calls us and we come” 😊! That’s how the whole stay worked — no stress, no schedules, just life at its most simple.

The afternoon was spent alternating between rest and snorkeling. We had incredible marine life just steps from the bungalow. It is very easy to spend hours in the water given all the species living there: a multitude of colorful fish, sharks, titan triggerfish, moray eels…

To end the day, we headed out on the guesthouse canoes to admire the sunset over the lagoon and watch the usual evening ritual: the blacktip reef shark fin prowling the surface of the water 😉.

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During a nature road trip in Florida, we had planned a stop at Myakka River State Park. What was meant to be just a quick stop… became our absolute favourite place in Florida, for its incredible wildlife and wild landscapes!

The place in a few words

Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and largest nature parks in Florida, covering 150 km² of preserved wilderness. The Myakka River, the first river designated as both Wild and Scenic by the State of Florida, winds through a remarkably diverse landscape: wild prairies, wetlands, palm and oak forests, and pine flatwoods. A true wildlife sanctuary, far from the touristy Florida most people know.

Practical information

The park is open daily from 8am until sunset. Entry is $6 per vehicle. It offers a wide range of activities: hiking, cycling, kayaking, canoeing and boat tours… Several campgrounds are available — check the park’s official website for more information.
📍 Good to know: Florida summers are very hot and humid — the ideal time to visit the park is from October to April.

Surprise Safari in Florida

Our safari began right at the first stop by the bridge over the Myakka River, a spot well known for its many alligators. And indeed, the place is literally crawling with crocs 😄! It’s impressive to see so many alligators in this vast river — I imagine some African landscapes must look similar, with even bigger crocs 😉.

Continuing along the park’s beautiful road, we made a second stop at Fisherman’s Circle, a spot where it’s easy to observe alligators up close. We spent a long time sitting by the water’s edge — at a safe height 😉 — just watching them.

We even got to see one up very close, as some tourists had been feeding it — which is strictly forbidden…

We then went on a rather unique hike combining two trails: the Canopy Walkway Nature Trail and the William S. Boylston Nature Trail.

A short 1.5 km loop that leads to a tower taking you up to the treetops — the walkway is suspended more than 7 metres above the ground and stretches 30 metres through the canopy.

Needless to say, we absolutely loved this hike — the vegetation in Florida is exceptional, so wonderfully exotic to us, and being able to rise above it all was just magical. And just like the rest of the park, we barely crossed paths with anyone.

We then continued along the road, taking in the diversity of the landscapes: river, lake, forest, prairie… After a stop at the marina and a stroll along the Birdwalk boardwalk to watch the birds, we decided to head back down the road.

And that’s when the real safari began 😉: deer, raccoons feeding in the prairie, squirrels, alligators, vultures, turkeys, cranes… and then the highlight of the show when a family of two-toned wild boars 😊 came charging in front of the car! Baby piglets in black and russet everywhere 😍.

To finish, we followed a short trail near the bridge down to the edge of the Myakka River. We had a picnic watching the sun set over the alligators and a heron that wasn’t quite cut out for fishing 😄.

For all these reasons, this park was our favourite of the trip — in just 6 hours we saw an incredible amount of wildlife, the landscapes are stunning and I rediscovered that wild feeling of the American West. If we were to do it again, we’d spend at least 2 days there, with time to camp, take a boat tour and explore more of the trails.

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It was during a small van road trip in northern Spain, discovering the Bardenas, that we stopped here. What was meant to be just a quick fun stop… turned out to be an absolute highlight, which even surpassed the Bardenas themselves! Welcome to the enchanted forest.

The place in a few words

The Nacedero del Urederra is a nature reserve located in Navarre, in northern Spain, in the heart of the Urbasa-Andía Natural Park. Nicknamed “El Paraíso del Agua” — the Paradise of Water — it owes its name to the resurgence of the río Urederra, whose waters reappear at the surface after filtering through the Urbasa limestone massif. What makes this place truly unique is the colour of the water. A turquoise blue of an unreal intensity, which contrasts beautifully with the green of the beech forest and, in autumn, with the golden hues of the foliage.

Practical information

The hike starts from the village of Baquedano. Paid parking is mandatory and only accessible to those who have booked in advance. Parking in the village is prohibited. The price is 5 euros per car. Booking is done online — note that access is limited to 500 people per day, and spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

📍 Good to know: the final section of the trail has been closed since 2019 for environmental protection reasons. The hike is therefore 6 km instead of the original 7 km — allow around 2.5 hours. Swimming in the nature reserve is prohibited.

A walk in fairyland

We arrived at the parking lot early in the morning, with only 2-3 cars there. We started by crossing the pretty little village, still fast asleep, before entering the forest. The autumn colours were already stunning, and a lovely view of the cliffs, with birds of prey soaring above them, accompanied us right from the start.

Then we reached the first viewpoint over the river… and honestly, we were left speechless. A beautiful waterfall in an incredible setting!

Since I hadn’t really looked into the hike beforehand, I thought this was the only viewpoint and that we’d be turning back after that. So it was with complete surprise that we carried on, discovering one wonder after another.

The hike is fabulous because it follows the river the whole way, and the scenery keeps changing. You move through a landscape that feels almost unreal, straight out of some imaginary land: the white tufa rock, the intensely blue — sometimes crystal-clear — water, the waterfalls, the red leaves, the golden trees… It’s truly magical 😍.

And the forest, with its majestic trees, adds so much to the magic of the place.

Once we reached the end of the trail, we had to turn back, and we got to enjoy the scenery again from the other direction! Having the place almost to ourselves for three-quarters of the hike really added to that feeling of being elsewhere, in another world 😊.
If you love nature destinations in autumn, here is another idea: Autumn colours in Switzerland.

The post Urederra: Navarre’s hidden gem first appeared on NaturElfes.

Like many people, I have always dreamed of seeing whales. The very first time was from very far away, along the Californian coast — and it was already magical. Since then, I never miss an opportunity to try to spot them and I must say I have been very lucky, having lived extraordinary moments with them around the world 😉.

Humpback whale

Who am I?

I am the humpback whale, famous for my spectacular leaps and my long pectoral fins which can measure up to a third of my body length. I can reach 16 metres long and weigh up to 30 tonnes. Every year I travel thousands of kilometres, from cold nutrient-rich waters to tropical lagoons to give birth and reproduce.

My tail fin, unique like a fingerprint, allows researchers to identify me individually. I also possess a complex song, which can last up to 20 minutes and repeat for hours. This song serves to communicate, attract a mate and mark my territory. I feed mainly on krill and small fish, which I capture using my unique bubble net feeding technique: I blow bubbles in a circle to concentrate my prey before swallowing them in one single motion.

Where to find me?

To spot me, you need to follow my migration routes. Like many whales, I alternate between two zones depending on the season: I spend the summer in the cold, nutrient-rich polar waters, then migrate towards warm tropical waters to reproduce and give birth.

In Polynesia, I can be spotted from July to October, particularly around Rurutu, Moorea and Tahiti. Rurutu is considered one of the best destinations in the world for swimming with me!

In Reunion Island, I follow the west coast between July and September, particularly visible from Saint-Gilles. Boat trips are regularly organised by local operators. In both cases, guided boat excursions remain the best way to encounter me — and sometimes it is me who will come to you 😊! Patience and respect for the environment are essential to experience this magical encounter, and if you truly want this moment to be unforgettable, choose a responsible operator who respects my space and my rhythm.

Moorea, beneath the ocean in song

It was in Moorea, in Polynesia, that I lived one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. A friend had booked an excursion to observe humpback whales and, above all, to swim with them. The sea was rough that day and upon boarding, we were told that getting in the water would not be possible, but that we would at least go and find them. We were observing them from the boat when, against all expectations, the guides announced that we would finally be able to get in the water.

We were out in the open sea and swam for a long time, a difficult effort in that rough sea. I regularly plunged my head underwater to search for them, seeing only deep blue water with no visible bottom. And then, suddenly, I heard an extraordinary sound. It took me a few seconds to realise it was the song of the whales. I cried with joy — I never would have imagined having the chance to hear them sing. I listened to this wonderful song while continuing to search, when I made out two silhouettes rising from the depths, growing more and more imposing.

They finally passed very close to me, a mother and her calf. It was impressive, a little overwhelming, but so beautiful.
I feel truly lucky to have experienced that. And it was not my last encounter with them in Polynesia! At the end of my stay, taking off from Fakarava, I spotted their silhouettes through the window in the turquoise water below — like a final farewell.

Reunion Island, leaps, leaps and more leaps!

It was early September and from the moment we arrived, Reunion Island set the tone for the trip. Barely out of the airport, as we drove along the ocean, I spotted one leaping, then another, then several more!
Throughout the trip, the whales were there every single day, offering countless breathtaking leaps, particularly in the late afternoon from the beach. A spectacle that made every sunset even more magical but far less silent — impossible not to cry out at every jump 😉!

But the most powerful moment was the late afternoon boat excursion departing from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains with Cetasea, a truly respectful whale watching company. The whales were everywhere around us and the sight of them leaping out of the water was simply breathtaking.

And then we experienced one of those moments you never forget — one of them leaped very close to our boat, before heading towards us and passing right underneath. It was impressive and a little dizzying — compared to her, our small boat felt incredibly tiny 😉! A truly extraordinary moment and once again, I couldn’t hold back tears of joy. Reunion Island is an island that had another surprise in store for me — I also had the incredible chance to encounter chameleons there!

Fin Whale

Who am I?

I am the fin whale, the second largest animal on Earth after the blue whale — I can reach 25 metres long and weigh up to 80 tonnes. Slender and fast, I cruise at 35 km/h, which has earned me the nickname “greyhound of the sea”!

Unlike the humpback whale, I am rather discreet — no spectacular leaps from me! But I remain fascinating for my speed, my imposing size and my ability to stay submerged for a long time. I feed mainly on krill and small fish, which I filter through my baleen plates, and I travel great distances to follow schools of food and nutrient-rich currents. I therefore travel often, and my presence in different locations depending on the season offers unique opportunities for unforgettable encounters with me 😊.

Where to find me?

I can be found in many oceans — the North Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. I am a cosmopolitan species that adapts equally well to cold and temperate waters. The Quebec St. Lawrence River is one of the best places in the world to observe me, from June to October. The cold, deep waters of the estuary, rich in krill and small fish, attract me in large numbers every summer.

From the shore, several spots allow you to spot me without even getting on a boat:

• Pointe-Noire in Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Pointe-de-l’Islet in Tadoussac, two unmissable spots at the mouth of the Saguenay fjord.
• Cap-de-Bon-Desir in Bergeronnes, an interpretation centre with a direct view of the river.
• Les Escoumins, the Marine Environment Discovery Centre offering a breathtaking view.

By boat, excursions departing from Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes and Les Escoumins are world-renowned for the quality of their whale watching. You can also spot me elsewhere in the world, notably in Iceland, Norway or the Azores — destinations renowned for the quality of their cetacean observations. Wherever you are, always choose responsible operators who respect my space.

Quebec, whales from the shore to the open sea

It was during a road trip along the St. Lawrence River in mid-September that I had my very first real encounter with fin whales. I first had the chance to observe them from the shore, at the Pointe-Noire Observation Centre, in Tadoussac and at Cap-de-Bon-Désir. It was incredible to be able to see whales with my feet on solid ground, to watch their blows rising above the water. A magnificent spectacle at any time of day and particularly in the evening. For the St. Lawrence is exceptionally rich in wildlife and watching all this world pass by at sunset is simply magical!

But the most powerful moment remains the zodiac excursion departing from Les Escoumins. There, I experienced a moment of intense emotions — fin whales all around us, watching them dive and resurface… It was my very first real encounter with whales from a boat and I will never forget it.

I returned twice, in July and in October, theoretically the beginning and end of the season. And even though I spotted a few, it was nothing compared to that first experience. September is clearly the month when activity is at its most intense — something the guides confirmed to me.

The post Encounters with Whales: Three Oceans, Three Adventures first appeared on NaturElfes.

During our road trip in Florida, I had one goal in mind: to see manatees! Unfortunately, since we had to postpone the trip, I knew it would be a little more challenging… But, as often happens, nature was incredibly generous, and that’s how I fell in love with one of its most adorable creatures 😊!

Who am I?

I’m the manatee, sometimes nicknamed the ‘sea cow,’ and my ancestors inspired the legend of mermaids. Despite what you might think 😉, I have very little fat and need warm water to survive. That means I have to move around to find spots where the water temperature is just right for me (above 21°C). I spend most of my day grazing on aquatic plants, my main food, and I regularly come to the surface to breathe. I can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh nearly 600 kg. My reproduction is slow: I carry my calf for about 12 months, and it will stay by my side for around two years.
Even though I might make you want to hug me, I’m a protected species, and it’s very important to keep a safe distance when you meet me. Every interaction should be gentle and respectful—just like me 😊.

Where to find me?

I hang out in warm waters, rivers, and natural springs. You’re most likely to spot me in winter, between November and March. During this time, we gather in the springs, drawn by the constant and warmer water temperatures.

Some places have become famous for spotting me easily, such as Crystal River or Blue Spring State Park. There, we gather in winter, sometimes in their hundreds — a truly impressive sight. And while you’re there, you might also witness another magical spectacle: the firefly ballet! Of course, you can also spot me elsewhere in Florida, such as in the Weeki Wachee River, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

First Encounters

We caught a brief glimpse of our first manatee noses 😉 at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, from the Manatee Observation Deck, but the water was murky at the time. Our first real encounter, however, happened during a canoe trip in the beautiful Silver Springs State Park.

As often happens, it appeared just when we least expected it. Just when we thought we’d come back empty-handed, a magnificent manatee swam right past our canoe. The encounter was brief but intense. By sliding the camera underwater, we even managed to capture a completely unexpected shot—taken literally blind 😉—something we never imagined we’d get!

Swimming with a beautiful mermaid

After weighing the pros and cons, I booked a trip to Crystal River with Fun 2 Dive to swim with the manatees. The company seemed responsible and respectful of the animals, and indeed, that was the case. It was just the two of us, along with an adorable family of four, and our boat was the only one in the area. Despite the season, we were lucky enough to get a very close encounter with a manatee. An incredible moment, especially when Mrs. Manatee decided to snuggle up to me 😍! Of course, during peak season, the experience must be even more amazing!

I should mention that the rules for this encounter were very strict: no sudden movements when moving around, no getting too close (at least for us 😉), and observation time was limited. The guide made sure everything was strictly respected.

Nothing but love, pure love

Ultimately, our most amazing moment with these incredible animals happened at Three Sisters Springs, a place well-known for its manatee population. Yet, when we arrived, the sign at the entrance said there were no manatees that day… and imagine our surprise when we stumbled upon a mother and her adorable calf in a truly idyllic setting! Crystal-clear blue water, lush vegetation, jumping fish 😉, birds… in short, just perfect!

We stayed for a long, long time just watching them, and even had a picnic on a bench to prolong this extraordinary moment. I didn’t know it at the time, but it’s actually possible to go snorkeling in this beautiful place, with certain areas specially reserved for manatees.

After this encounter, we didn’t see any again, except in the Keys, where we spotted some swimming along the beach near our hotel. I knew before leaving that I would love them, and it far exceeded my expectations! We both completely fell in love with these animals, which radiate so much gentleness. I even decided to “adopt” one upon returning through the Save the Manatee Club, and I am now the sponsor of beautiful Phyllis 😉!

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