firmm Blog

11.07.2010 11:03

My Life at Sea

My life at sea began when I was still very young, in 1990. At that time I started to work as a sea bream fisherman, since there were only a limited selection of jobs in Tarifa. Either you worked on land or at sea and I belong to a humble and hard working family of seamen, who know how to value what little we have.

Extraordinary Sperm Whale Sighting

Never before in these 12 years have I witnessed a whale reappearing after diving vertically for the first time, to show its sensational submerging tail fin a second time to the guests!

07.05.2010 10:33

An Afternoon with Unexpected Encounters

On the 24th of April, after several very windy days we finally were able to pull out into the Strait of Gibraltar again. Of course everyone on board of the firmm-Spirit was really looking forward to the encounters with the dolphins and whales.

12.04.2010 12:36

A Successful Start for Easter

Just in time for Semana Santa the firmm Spirits inspections were successfully completed. Already a month ahead of the transfer of the boat from the winter shipyard in Barbate the crew had undertaken all major and minor improvements and brought the boat into top condition. Especially new are repairs to the bow: the opening in the front was quite damaged by scrambling passengers, so we built a strong and aesthetically pleasing new bow. This will also be beneficial and enjoyable for our course participants, who generally declare the bow as one of their favourite places … Wonderful that we already had guests onboard on the first day of the season.

12. firmm-Meeting in Aarau

Whale-Watching-Season 2010 launched

Today we are opening our gates in Tarifa again. The first trip of the year will go out on the 27. of March.

13.12.2009 16:45

A look behind the scenes

At the end of the season 2009 we are letting you take a look behind the scenes. Numerous hands and heads are necessary for firmm to fulfil the foundations purpose to protect and study marine mammals. Before each trip and boarding the boat the guests receive information about the firmm foundation, the Strait of Gibraltar and the here present whales and dolphins. In one season our volunteers hold up to 1500 short educational lectures in up to 4 languages! During the research trips 2 captains, who are also mechanics, 2 Marineros, the marine biologist and an expert from the foundation ensure safe as well as unforgettable encounters with the whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Last Giants – Movie, Premiere

When the alarm went off at 7 AM Tuesday morning, Tarfia wasn't on its best behavior as it rained on the exit sign pointing towards Malaga. Upon arriving at the airport, the car served as a source of panic as I noticed that my boarding pass wasn't where I thought it was. The helpful Easyjet employee could fix the problem, though, and then it was off to the capital city of Germany.

16.08.2009 14:36

The Last Giants – When the Sea is dying

Finally, the long-awaited moment has come: the documentary “The Last Giants” directed by Daniele Grieco is coming to the big screen. On Wednesday, September 16th the film will premier in Berlin and on September 17th the film will be released in cinemas throughout Germany.

23.07.2009 12:20

Super news for Orca Fans

Like every year we eagerly awaited the arrival of the Orcas. After the Spanish fishermen had told us about Orca-sightings, the demand for Orca trips was increasing rapidly.