Better late than never. Here we come!

Text: Edeltraud Photos: firmm

In the last years I always had a tingling and eager anticipation for the first tour of the season.This year I can’t feel any of this and that is because of the situation we are all in this season.Only recently we learned from the government about all the hygienic requirements under which we are allowed to offer observation tours.

We have implemented all the rules. It is important for us that people who come to us have a good feeling and untroubled joy. We want them to experience a carefree trip to the whales and dolphins, even or in spite of the difficult times.

I take part in a three-hour trip, and suddenly I feel the usual anticipation for the animals we hope to see. Now I just want to look, feel the wind on my face and be in the here and now.

It is very quiet on the boat; we all look and enjoy the ride.

A flock of Scopoli's shearwater flies over us. The mood and the colour spectrum of the light are impressive.

The first thing we see is a family of Bottlenose Dolphins, which for a while, to the great delight of the children, move very close to the boat and accompany us. An “Ahhh” can be heard and the familiar clicking of the cameras is omnipresent.

Then we see many Pilot Whale groups, some of them passing near the boat. Especially the many young ones, even a newborn baby, give us great pleasure.

Next, a dozen Striped Dolphins appear and shortly afterwards Katharina's voice sounds over the microphone: "Please hold on, we are driving fast. At 11.00 am we can see the white blow of a Sperm Whale!

And there he lies, the 18m long giant, recovering from his last dive! Once again it has become devoutly silent. Only when the Sperm Whale contracts and then dives majestically, the surprised “Ahhh” and “Ohhhs” sound again. He shows us his magnificent tail fin, which makes every observer's heart beat faster.

We could have looked for hours.

Even the children on this trip never got bored. I was impressed by the discipline and understanding of the participants for the hygiene measures that came with the booking of the trip. Thanks to everyone!