An exceptional phenomenon recently occurred off Hendaye, on the coast of the Basque Country. The Atlantic Ocean has offered a spectacle as rare as they are in which around forty people aboard a catamaran.
The dolphins are curious, but the whales are fierce
However, no one expected to see whales off Hendaye. These meetings are incredible. It is not because the whales do not swim near the Basque country, but rather because they avoid human contact.
Even if the Atalaya catamaran of Explore Ocean moves slowly to be discreet, the whales, aware of his presence, prefer to flee. A behavior very different from that of the dolphins who do not hesitate to meet the boats.
“Whales, you never see it. The dolphins are every day, but the whales are really on the fingers of one hand, “says Sophie Preato, the manager of Explore Océan. She confirms that the whales “do not approach”.
Globicéphalics and a hundred dolphins preceded the meeting with the whales
Like dolphins, globicéphalics are little disturbed by the presence of catamaran and humans. Tourists were able to see these two cetaceans before crossing the road to two whales.
“We had just seen globicéphalics, a classic, then a hundred dolphins,” says Sophie Preato. All the catamaran passengers amazed this spectacular meeting.
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Even the ecotourism agency explores Ocean which regularly organizes excursions in the open sea has often the chance to observe whales. Their last meeting dates back to last year. A humpback whale had passed under the catamaran, to the surprise of its crew.
The catamaran reduces noise pollution to increase the chances of seeing cetaceans
The ecotourism agency precisely uses a catamaran to reduce environmental and sound pollution. This therefore increases the chances of observing marine animals in the wild.
Dolphins and globicéphalics are perhaps less sensitive than whales, but this also does not guarantee to cross them with each excursion. Nothing obliges them to approach tourists.
Thus, we can imagine how extraordinary it is to see whales approach so close. Moreover, sea excursions are also used to collect observations for the team.
Sea excursions are also used to collect observation data and recover waste
“We can follow one species from one year to another for example,” explains Explore Ocean. In addition to tourists, the catamaran also welcomes a naturalist guide. He notably ensures that animals are not disturbed during the times of the day they rest.
Finally, excursions are also an opportunity to recover waste at sea. “We don't just come to see the dolphins and leave. We hope that the passengers, leaving, become protectors of this ecosystem, actors of its conservation, ”adds the agency.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
