{"id":9903,"date":"2026-06-03T14:39:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T12:39:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturelfes.com\/?p=9903"},"modified":"2026-06-03T15:07:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T13:07:05","slug":"encounters-with-whales-three-oceans-three-adventures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturelfes.com\/en\/encounters-with-whales-three-oceans-three-adventures\/","title":{"rendered":"Encounters with Whales: Three Oceans, Three Adventures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Encounters with Whales: Three Oceans, Three Adventures<\/h1>\n\n
\"Humpback<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

Like many people, I have always dreamed of seeing whales. The very first time was from very far away, along the Californian coast \u2014 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 \ud83d\ude09. <\/p>\n\n

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Species encountered<\/strong>: Humpback whale and fin whaleLocation<\/strong>: Reunion Island, Quebec, Moorea (French Polynesia)Period<\/strong>: September and October <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Humpback whale<\/h2>\n\n

Who am I?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n

\"Humpback<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n

Where to find me?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n

\"Humpback
Can you spot the white blows on the horizon?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n

In Polynesia<\/strong>, 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! <\/p>\n\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

In Reunion Island<\/strong>, 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 \u2014 and sometimes it is me who will come to you \ud83d\ude0a! 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. <\/p>\n\n

Moorea, beneath the ocean in song<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

It was in Moorea<\/strong>, in Polynesia<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n

\"Silhouette<\/figure><\/div>\n\n

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 \u2014 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. <\/p>\n\n

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