Hola Ballena, or in translation, Hello Whale. Hola Ballena is a name of a kid’s Spanish book from my sister’s Spanish course several years ago. Then it turned into a silly catch phrase that has been passed around through our family and friends. But today marks the day I was actually able to say Hola Ballena to a REAL WHALE. Yeah, that’s right. A whale right here on sunny coast, off of Mooloolaba.

Starting the day with a short walk, some anatomy study, a nice breakfast, and a Skype with mom and dad, I relaxed as I had plenty of time before the swim. Then around 10:30am I packed up my gear, headed over to my friend Karen’s place, and we hopped in the car ready for this insane adventure! It being just the two of us going, we chatted about what might happen today. In the description from the company (Sunreef), they describe it as “A swim with whales” but what if we don’t find whales? What if the whales swim away? What if the swells are too big to jump in? With so many things that could go wrong on this trip, let me tell you, none of it hit me or mattered to me because I knew we would see whales. Whatever happened today, I had a good feeling it would be absolutely spectacular. I guess you could call me positive?? But guess what, that feeling was right.

Getting our gear and heading to the boat I felt a sense of comfort in this environment. Wearing my wet suit, snorkel, and goggles reminded me of my amazing dives while getting my certificate. On the boat there were also several of my old instructors. Excited to see each other again we hugged, chatted, and got pumped up for the day ahead. Luckily, this boat was bigger and more luxurious than my diving one, as we had plenty of speed to cover a large portion of the coastline looking for whales. Heading out from the bay the swells were big (or at least seemed big to me) as we glided over the top, and dropped down, over and over again. It was super cool, as I felt that gut feeling of going down a roller coaster while approaching the waves head on, then dropping over the crest. And thankfully nobody on our boat was seasick either. We all just enjoyed the ride, peeling our eyes for signs of a whale. Looking for water sprays, small breaching, fins breaching, but finding no luck, we received news from another whale watching boat that they had a curious pod of whales. Yes. Whales are spotted.

Turning 180, we sped toward their location eager to check it out. Upon arrival we found two whales playing around the other boat and some dolphins swimming around. Then two other whales show up in front of us. Okay guys lets hop in the water! Being the first group to get in, I was ecstatic. Following our guide to where the whale may show up, I was surrounded by a deep blue that lead down farther than the eye could see, almost as if I were floating in space. Then arising from the darkness is a beautiful whale. It’s movements were soft, majestic, and simple as the white from its sides glowed against the fading rays of sun. Absolutely amazing. Another one glided along the side, coming so close my instructor signaled me move back a tad, due to possible breaching. These beautiful creatures were so large, making you feel even smaller within the vast blue ocean. Awe it was amazing. As precious seconds flew by, they swam into the deeps once more. Hola Ballena, and Adios Ballena e Amigo.

So yes, my feeling that today was going to be spectacular couldn’t of been more right. The loud cheering, excitement, and smiles that occurred after the first swim was something to never forget. The instructor described it as one of the best whale swims in his life, as they were so close! But, the adventure continues as we drove along the coast looking into open waters for more signs of whales. Then the crew spotted more whales in the next bay near another watch boat. Speeding over to view them before they disappear into the deep once more, we found ourselves surrounded by a couple of whales. This calf and mother start dancing around the boat, the calf particularly most interested in us, as he caught our eyes with fin waves and blowing water. With this we all gathered to one side of the deck. Then we heard a splash on the other side, so we ran over. There he is again! Then he dived, and we waited patiently watching for him. Then a splash comes from the other side again. This kid had us running back and forth between sides of the boat again and again.

We all wanted to get in so badly, but the crew decided he was dangerously too close to the boat. I guess safety first. And the calf’s movements were also unpredictable as most of the time he was diving deep, so it was hard to know when to jump in. Finally we got the go ahead, and made our way into the swells. But where is the whale? Donde esta la ballena??? As ten of us swam and looked frantically around, with several fins hitting my goggles, no whale was in sight. Then out of the blue (ha, sorry that’s never getting old) I could see a faint white body, but then it faded again. Then one came up to us on the side, and dived right back down. I noticed there were three or more whales around, gliding barely into sight, then out again. Us swimmers where just a part of their family afternoon games. We didn’t get to see them as close as the first ones, but it was amazing being surrounded by them again.

After the swim, we dried off, had some snacks, and headed back to the Sunreef dock. This adventure was amazing, and hard to beat. Swimming with Humpback Wales, the weather being amazing, and having the opportunity to spend more time with the rad Sunreef crew made for quite the Monday. I think this could be marked as the best Monday I’ve had in my life. What a great way to start the week, and can’t wait for more adventure to come!