Swimming with Orcas in the Arctic Circle: NORWAY - Meeting the King of the Sea
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2019
- Narration by Phil Thurston - "Travelling to the Arctic circle in winter, it may seem like madness, but even just the idea of swimming with the king of the sea, was enough to leave behind the warm comforts of summer and set out on a new adventure of unknowns and uncertainties. There’s always ideas and expectations running through my mind when travelling to new places like this. However, I don’t think there’s anything that could of prepared me for what lay ahead in the rugged and wild fiords of Norway. The scenery is otherworldly, rugged, snow covered mountains tower out of the ocean all around you and the dark, cold sea is rich with life of many different kinds. It’s truly a magnificent scene to be immersed in.
The elements here can be challenging to endure, let alone work with. We fought the wind, snow, and sub zero temperatures day after day in hope of an opportunity to encounter Orca. But they were elusive creatures and getting a moment with them was going to be their decision, not ours.. After a few days attempts, the conditions we experienced served as a reminder that true beauty does not give itself away so easily.
On one of the days we noticed some familiar blows coming from across the fiord. Our skipper, Ali, took us a little closer in to investigate. As we gently approached, the blows grew in number. A large gathering of North Atlantic humpbacks was beginning to happen and within minutes it became the largest pod of whales any of us had ever seen. Despite the cold, and despite the absence of sunlight, the Norwegian fiords had gifted us with yet another grand spectacle of nature. An encounter that I will personally look back upon, for years, to come.
I found it almost poetic, that we had to venture so far out of our comfort zones for just a brief and often fleeting moment with this mysterious animal. You can’t just come here and take a moment from them, they decide whether they will give you a moment, and you have to be patient about it. Finally, toward the end of our trip, the clouds pealed away to reveal a sky full of colour and promise. I really had the feeling that today was going to be the day that I finally get to meet, with the king of the sea.
When I first saw the iconic and powerful dorsal slowly rise from the surface, I was completely captivated. This animal feared nothing, and it was evident in their behaviour. When we slipped beneath the surface, it was like, entering another world. Their world. Coming face to face with an Orca, is a moment that I will treasure for the rest of my days. They were kind, and inquisitive beings, treating us with a sense of mutual respect. I was just there to observe and admire, and I felt as though they knew that. They cut through the water so effortlessly, mindful of us but happily continuing about their business. They were feeding on a school of herring, taking one at a time, while generously sharing it with several hungry humpbacks. I felt absolutely no threat at all from these apex predators, as I watched on, in admiration. It was an exhilarating, and emotionally moving experience.
In the end, it turned out, that the cold fingers and toes, the layers and layers of thermal wear and preparation to withstand these kind of conditions, became just a small price to pay for the truly magnificent feeling of being in their presence. I don’t think it could happen any other way though, it’s as if the long journey here, the travel, the organising, the courage to face the cold, was all part of the preparation process before we could somewhat earn a moment in the presence of an Orca.
The chilling burn of the arctic fades away quickly, but the memories and moments we gained, will last forever."
Read more of the adventure and see the photos at www.thurstonphoto.com - Zábava
This made me cry they are truly the most beautiful stunning creatures on this planet and should always be kept in the wild only
Wow, very beautiful footage. Thanks.
THE ✨️CINEMATOGRAPHY✨️ is really.....mindblowing.
Spectacular..that is heaven on earth..whales have always been my favorite 💗🙏
Stunning footage! Well done, and what a life changing experience!
?PHIL - IF THIS IS YOUR VOICE if you run out of your "Day Job" remember this... you have the most beautiful & calming VOICE I've ever heard. 🐾❤🐾
I think Norway is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth!! Plus they have whales! What's not to love? ❤
This is so beautiful! Thank you :))
Moved me to tears, like I was right there in the moment with you. Just fantastic, thank you for sharing your experience!
Absolutely stunning photography! ❤️❤️
Beautifully filmed and edited. I've watched lots of videos of personal experiences with these Orcas of Northern Norway and yours is the best by far. You've produced something really special. I'm there in November this year for my opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures. Thank you for sharing.
I wonder, did you come across any whales where they had fishing nets stifling their movement? I have seen many short clips where man has saved the whales from fishing nets caught in their fins or ropes tangled around them.
JOHN 3:17 FOR GOD SENT NOT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.
Very emotional
Wow i love norway
Just Beautiful! Thankyou!
Excellent work . Respectful to animals , great photography and breathtaking video
Tío.....eres el mejor. Tus vídeos son excepcionales. Tienen una calidad impresionante, gran trabajo amigo.
Awesome film! Breath taking vision.
I had a dream I was swimming with orcas about 14 years ago. And I live in Sweden, right next door. Would love to do this some day. Amazing!
you should come with us
Darren Jew, I'd love that, how do you prefer I get in touch?
You should totally do that! Go to whalesunderwater.com to get in touch with them!
Wow! Glad you guys are back! Amazing filming thank you so much made my day!
Amazing cinematography! Always been a dream of mine to swim with orcas. I hope I’ll be able to do that one day.
Beautiful footage! Captivating story telling! Amazing animals!
Beautifully made video, inspiring. Makes you want to go on one of these trips.
Magnifique,Bravo Phil
Very well done! Love this film, and I think I was next to those fishing boats at the same time as you. Amazing encounters!
Thank you for a Viking’s Tale, for giving us the opportunity to see the magnificence of Life and God’s Creation. Our Planet is Unique in the vastness of this infinite Universe. ✨
You're most welcome! So glad you enjoyed the adventure! It certainly felt like a Vikings tale!
Beautiful, mesmerizing!!
By the way, post this on facebook and instagram, you're gonna blow the f up.
amazing video
In the water I was mostly shooting on a Canon 5D MK4 with a 24mm f/1.2
I'm a foreign here at norway!
What tour is this is this like a 6 day expedition
It's so beautiful! I saw orcas and humpbacks in Skjervøy! I was amazing
I made a video on my channel if you want to see 😊
The footage is amazing! The storytelling is not my cup of tea, a little bit too much drama about the cold and everything. I think the cold it ok for most people with the right suit.