October 2019. Humpback whale.

Unusual guest passing by Cape of Saint Vincent, Sagres, south-west Portugal.

Young Humpback whale was travelling along the Algarve coastline (Natural Park of Costa Vicentina) towards the open Atlantic Ocean at the end of the season. It’s very rare to see that species of baleen whales around this area. It was my first time encountering and photographing this majestic animal. The conditions at the sea created very dramatic scenery of strong swell, clouds and coastal fog around the legendary cliff of Cape of Saint Vincent with the second strongest lighthouse in Europe. 

We have been accompanying this gentle giant on his path for about 1.5 hours and admiring full of grace mesmerising show. 

Suddenly, while reaching the tip of the peninsula, the light conditions improved slightly just for a brief moment opening a window for a sunlight enlightening the breaching whale and the lighthouse giving contrast to the dark scenery.

Upon leaving something unexpected had happen- our tour guide told us that it’s time to say goodbye since we are crossing the peninsula and conditions were getting worse. I have whispered to the humpback “Goodbye whale, see you very soon my friend” and then, the next moment, whale turned to his side and started waving his pectoral fin to us as saying goodbye before disappearing in the depths.

Once in a lifetime experience.