National Geographic filmmaker Bertie Gregory describes the feeling of being head butted by a shark while filming "Dolphins Up Close," now streaming on Disney+ and National Geographic.
Synopsis
The series follows Bertie to the Azores, a remote island chain in the Atlantic surrounded by Europe’s largest marine protected area. These waters attract migrating predators and set the stage for one of the ocean’s rarest spectacles when elusive predators unite to hunt massive shoals of fish called bait balls. Alongside breathtaking natural action, the series explores the region’s shift from whaling to whale watching, showing how the Azores became a sanctuary where marine life thrives again. It’s cinematic, adventurous, and uniquely positioned to capture audiences looking for fresh, visually stunning stories.
Bertie Gregory heads to the Azores, a remote island chain in the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by Europe’s largest marine protected area, these waters are a vital stop for migrating predators, drawn here by rich feeding grounds. It’s the perfect time for Bertie to capture a rare natural spectacle when elusive predators unite to hunt dense shoals of fish called bait balls. But with unpredictable storms, filming won’t be easy. During his journey, Bertie also explores the region’s dark history of marine exploitation. By meeting an ex-whaler turned whale spotter, he discovers how the end of whaling transformed the Azores into a sanctuary, allowing marine life to return and delicate food chains to thrive.
