My big adventure at sea

Text and photos: Sam and Sascha and Isolde

Hello, I may only be 8 months old, but I'm already a BIG whale fan!

I've had such a wonderful time here in Tarifa and have been out on the sea with mum and dad almost every day for the last few weeks - with the amazing and extraordinary foundation firmm.

I can't speak yet, but I watch everything very closely and the rocking of the boat reminded me of my time in mum's womb.

My favourites were the pilot whales. They came so close to the boat that I could almost have touched them. There were so many of them. It was really impressive and fascinating. And you know what was really great? I even heard them singing. So beautiful and calming, like a song just for me. Luckily, I'm always wide awake as soon as we leave the harbour.

Several times I saw something big and dark in the water. Each time it looked like a tree trunk floating there. Everyone on board looked eagerly. And then one time it came very close to the boat and suddenly exhaled very deeply and loudly: a real pfffffffft! And it looked like a fountain. Everyone on board seemed to be under a spell. Mum and Dad's eyes went wide ... it was a sperm whale! It was huge and so impressive. I just looked on quietly and was amazed.

And then it happened: as it dived down, it lifted its large fluke into the air. Very slowly and quietly and somehow so majestically. Everyone was very quiet and totally stunned. I think that was one of those moments that you never forget, even though I'm still so small.

And did you know that there are a lot more marine creatures in the Strait of Gibraltar? I couldn't believe how much life I could see in the sea. There were also bottlenose dolphins playing, common dolphins, striped dolphins jumping through the waves next to us, funny-looking sunfish and huge fin whales that we were even allowed to accompany for a while. They swam so calmly, mum and dad were really moved.
But I was also sad when I saw that some of the animals were injured. My parents thought it was from all the boat traffic or the rubbish. Even though I don't understand it all yet. But firmm takes really good care of the animals. They drive very carefully and respectfully and do everything with a great sense of responsibility.

The crew on the boat were so lovely and welcoming, I felt comfortable the whole time and thought they were all great. I particularly liked the lovely Katharina Heyer. She always smiled so friendly, greeted me and told me everything in an engaging way (even if I didn't understand everything yet). And isn't it great that there's also a marine biologist on board?

In the two offices where I saw exciting children's books, there were equally great adults. They were always friendly and endearing and very accommodating.

Before each trip, there was a talk about the Strait of Gibraltar and a brief introduction to the marine life we can see here. As well as the dangers for marine animals and why it is so important to protect them. It was explained in such an exciting way that everyone listened very attentively, including me.

My parents have been committed to environmental protection for a long time, especially for the oceans, and I just grow up with it. Every day on the boat was different. Every day was special and indescribable.

And even though I'm still so small, my heart is already beating very strongly for the oceans.

See you soon - your Isolde