As if swimming with humpback whales in the Arctic Ocean wasn’t enough, Maltese two-time Olympic swimmer and freediving instructor Nicola Muscat has shared the “crazy” moment she encountered the ocean’s apex predator, the mighty orca.

Mere days ago, Nikki had shared the first shots from her “surreal moment” where she said she could hardly believe her eyes. And considering the incredible footage she shared, it’s very easy to see why.

“I am beyond captivated by these animals,” the Maltese swimmer said of her encounter with the orcas. “We’ve had to learn about their behaviours in order for them to trust us being anywhere close ~ I feel nothing but the biggest respect.”