There’s so much to say about this one, I honestly don’t know where to start. This footage holds a piece of my heart, and sharing it feels a bit overwhelming but greatly fulfilling.
Based on my research, this is the longest recorded “dance” of two whales-over 30 minutes of best moments selected from over 1 hr of continuous footage. These two “Lovers” were often so synchronised as if they were two halves of the same soul. And It’s not the technical achievement that makes this my favorite; it’s the story and emotion behind it.
Traveling early in their southern migration (12th of August), they seemed to have found each other half way through the journey up north (just a speculation, who really knows..). Perhaps they met up there, fell in love and began their dance back south considering their migratory mission complete.
Their gentle movements, the way they stay so close, finding each other again and again in the water-it’s a display of connection so profound it feels almost human, and yet, uniquely theirs.
Their behavior is intimate and romantic, it overwhelmed me in the moment and it still does. It’s not about dramatic breaches or loud splashes; it’s about a gentle stroll hand in hand.
The date of their migration-August 12-makes this event a bit personal. It’s the same date my wife and I landed in Australia, beginning our own incredible journey together. Watching them, I couldn’t help but feel a parallel between their and our path, two beings finding home in each other while traveling into the unknown.
This footage is also deeply tied to how I first met these whales. It wasn’t visual at first-it was vocal. On a calm Saturday morning in Terrigal, I was freediving and heard their calls underwater. When I got out I couldn’t see them at first; they were passing quietly, no dramatic splashes or breaches, just their gentle presence. I launched my drone and found them. For over an hour, I was captivated, swapping batteries and recording as much as I could, knowing I was witnessing something truly special. I am very interested in how long their dance lasted in total: could it be their entire journey south or it was just that morning? will never find out.
Another point which the drone pilots and/or nature enthusiasts in general will appreciate the most: is how rare this encounter was. First, the weather and water conditions were exceptional to capture whales underwater like this (that's why I decided to go for a quick dive). Second, only those who spend a lot of time observing whales will understand how rare it is to see two swimming in sync for such a long time (or we just know so little about them?!). Lastly, the timing. On the Central Coast in August, whales still typically travel from the south. Spotting these two coming from the north was an unusual stroke of luck. By the time I realized their direction, I’d already lost some of the range I usually have with the drone. Capturing an hour of footage under these conditions felt unique.
Since that day in 2023, I’ve worked on this footage in and out trying to do justice to what I saw and felt. I decided there is no better way but to keep it as raw and long as possible, letting their story speak for itself. This footage is like old wine-it’s just not for everyone. If you do not have time to enjoy it, do not open it at all. Also, If you’re not into whales, you might not see the difference between this and any other footage. But for those who love whales, I hope this brings you the same awe and emotion it brought me.
🎥 Watch, feel, and let me know your thoughts.
Dedicated to my Wife.
Below is in my view where the best moments start:
2.06, 3:42, 4:27, 5:07, 6:12, 7:11, 7:30, 8:32, 9:20,11:20,11:56, 12:18,12:48,13:05, 13:35, 14:42, 16:01, 16:26, 16:47, 18:33, 19:30, 20:30, 21:59, 24:40,25:58, 27:42, 30:21, 31:32, 34:44, 35:42