The DU Lounge

when all of a sudden, the ocean erupted with two male humpback whales battling over a female. The female swam over to us and parked herself directly below our boat to wait out the duel. It was amazing. She hung out under us for a good 15 minutes, soaking us with the spray from her exhales. She was at least 4-times our size, yet we had no fear. Her eyes flashed with intelligence and curiosity.

When the battle was over, the winner swam toward the female, she swam toward him and they disappeared into the deep. The loser, probably trying to salvage his pride, treated us to 7 or 8 breaches before he swam away. Then on our way back to port, we were surrounded by a pod of about 24 dolphins who had a great time riding our bow wave and swimming beside us, looking up at us.

It was a day I will never forget.