When a day in the middle of the south Atlantic Ocean breaks calm, clear, and stable, wildlife potential comes to everyone’s mind. Today, we were not disappointed.

Before noon we were greeted with dozens of southern right whale dolphins, torpedoing their way across the ocean’s surface, bound, very rapidly, for who knows where?

Soon thereafter dozens of low, puffy blows were seen off the bow. At first blush they looked like killer whales but before long they turned our way and revealed themselves as long-finned pilot whales. Perhaps 2-3 dozen individuals spread out in different areas surrounded us, but one group took particular interest and came over to investigate!

After the excitement settled, so did the pace of the day. The crew was busy keeping the vessel ship-shape which always warrants admiration. A few photo shoots ensued, first of the cabin stewardesses, then some of the deck crew, and finally, Dario, the ship’s bosun.

Thank you, as always, to all the Filipino crew, and here’s to more magical sea-days between here and Tristan da Cunha.