Magic Minke Whale encounter

Hi, would like to talk about the fantastic experience l had with the Minke Whales when working with Mike Ball dive expedition as a Hostess aboard Supersport.

The first time l have ever seen any whales in the wild or at anytime, was the minke whales, I ran out of the galley threw on my snorkelling gear and jumped into the water.

l managed to swim out by myself were l was surrounded by at least 6 minke whales, some with thier baby's. l was so overwelmed by it all, and a little scared. As l kept my distance, l remember so clearly the eyes of the mother minke watching me as she glided through the water so gracefully with baby in tow.

Everywhere l turned their was a minke there, making that sound they make. Such a beautiful creature, so big and friendly. l started to drift a little too close for my liking, so l backed off, as l backed off, this one particular whale decided it took a liking to me. It would slowly swim around, below and then rise to the top to take a good look at me from above the water, by this time adrenalin is running through me, not sure if it was the same minke, but it had surfaced the water in an upright position still looking at me, and it spun around in a complete circle, then hit the water, what an experience that was!

It really goes to show, if you keep your distance, and don't threaten them, they will come to you. This all happened about 2 metres away from the minke whale. Unfortunately did not get any photos, and the photos l did get my dog chewed them (spewing). Oh well still havn't forgotten.

That happened in 1997. Hope you enjoyed my experience as much as l did. bye connie.

Contributed by connieM added 2007-11-10