For the first time since 1939, a whale has been spotted in the Pagasetic Gulf, near Volos in Central Greece. The whale made a brief appearance in a video captured by popular Greek fishing and marine wildlife YouTube channel “No Kid No Fish” on January 24th, surfacing close to the boat. The encounter, which happened by chance on an excursion out on the gulf, left the crew in awe. The 5-minute video of the sighting has since attracted thousands of views, stunning both the general public and experts alike.

“A rare and unbelievable recording of a whale in the Pagasetic Gulf! While we were out on the sea, we found ourselves in front of a sight that you do not see every day in Greece,” the channel commented. “The sea still hides its surprises and it reminds us of how alive and unique Greek nature is.”

Whilst the particular species of whale has not been confirmed, some are saying that it is a sperm whale, which is a species more common to the area, whilst others are speculating it is an even rarer sighting of a humpback whale.

A view of the Pagasetic Gulf in Central Greece.

Appearances of larger marine mammals like whales are infrequent in Greek waters or the Mediterranean in general due to their preference for deeper open waters. Nevertheless, of those who venture into more shallow waters, sperm whales are the most common species found in the Mediterranean basin – and the Med’s largest mammal – particularly in the Ionian Sea, but, on rare occasions, in the Aegean Sea as well.

This sighting highlights the diverse nature of Greek sea life and how it is paramount that it be protected to ensure sightings like this continue in the future.