We started the morning as we usually do, observing our resident short-finned pilot whales. After a while, we spotted a large blow in the distance. We knew it belonged to a great whale, although at first we couldn't identify the species.

As we got closer to its position, our excitement grew when we realized it was a humpback whale. This species is only seen a few times each year in the Teno–Rasca marine strip, making every encounter truly special. On this occasion, the whale was swimming very close to the coast.

Humpback whales can be observed in Canary Islands waters during their long migratory journeys, travelling north or south to feed or reproduce. For them, the Canary Islands are like an oasis in the middle of the oceanic desert, a place that offers shelter and resources along their remarkable routes.

Moments like these remind us how privileged we are to witness the incredible diversity of marine life that passes through our waters.