This is an authorized adaptation in English of a post in French by 
: SE REVEILLER AVEC LES BALEINES
As my primary language is not English, there are probably some mistakes in this post.
All photographs by
Humpback whales - Cabo Verde
I have been sheltered for a good week in front of the village of Tarrafal do São Nicolau. I know the island well, having been there several times. Here, mountain hiking dominates. Incredible cliffs, roads steeped in history, villages perched in improbable places, in short, my legs are tired but I want more. However this morning, my legs are really too heavy and I prefer to get up quietly and I am not in a rush to wake up.
Breakfast is placed in the cockpit, I am about to start my awakening gently, and then a sound, a sound of breathing caught my attention. I know this noise and I know perfectly well what it represents. A quick glance finally convinced me. I am not the only one looking for shelter in this bay. Humpback whales, some of which are still in the heart of the Cape Verde archipelago, sometimes come here to rest in peace. Battle stations, I abandon the warmth of my breakfast, I put on my still wet and cold wetsuit, load submarine box, drone, and fins, and throw myself in my dinghy.
On the approach, I spot not one but two whales. Both individuals appear to be of good height, perhaps one larger than the other. I approach smoothly, shut off the motor from a distance, and let the current drift toward them. In my haste, I make a small error of judgment. When I get into the water and approach one of them, I realize that it is quite fearful and that it is not in fact an adult. Its size fooled me. It really is a calf, certainly native to a later year. I abandon the idea of diving. I don't like to provoke the protective instinct of a mother who is double the size of her calf!
I will spend two beautiful hours observing them from a good distance and sending my drone to keep good memories and share them with you. I also keep seeing that the drone does not frighten them in any way. I had noticed this before, I am now certain of it.
Welcome back to them towards northern latitudes.
