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Emily Marzilli, a 27-year-old freediving instructor, experienced an unforgettable encounter with a Bryde’s whale while diving off Mexico’s Pacific coast in November. The event took place in Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, an area known for its intense marine activity during sardine season. Marzilli and her friends were observing a large sardine bait ball when the water suddenly became more active.
Without warning, a Bryde’s whale emerged from the cloudy water, taking a massive bite of the bait ball before disappearing just as quickly. The encounter lasted only about two minutes, but it left Marzilli and her fellow divers in awe.
The divers maintained a safe distance of approximately 50 to 60 feet from the bait ball, which was under attack by striped marlin. As the marlin began their assault, the water filled with foam, reducing visibility. The unexpected appearance of the Bryde’s whale added to the surreal nature of the experience.
Bryde’s whales are large baleen whales, related to blue whales and humpbacks, and are commonly found in warm waters. This encounter highlighted the unpredictable and awe-inspiring nature of marine life, leaving the divers with a story to share for a lifetime.