Fri July 26 – Whale Watching – Viking Star

The tales of dozens of whales continues. The day started out and ending with unlimited visibility, we could ask for better viewing conditions. We were able to see breaches and blows from 5 nautical miles away. Everywhere ahead of us had whales spouting. Most were humpback whales, but a few fin whales were clearly around, but farther out. The activity was frenetic. Many whales were logging (resting at the surface), while others always seemed to dive facing us, making identification difficult. Unlike the bubble-feeding bonanza of the 22^nd, whales were feeding near the surface and rarely . We watched and waiting, giving whales their space. Eventually several associated pairs and trios began showing up. We saw Reaper and her 2024 calf, as well as Mostaza and her calf. Some new whales and some old whales were observed. At any point in time we had ~ 20 humpback whales and a few minkes near us, while another 20-30 were further out. Calves began to breach and flipper slap, and one spy-hopped within 8 feet of the port side. Amazing. All along, we had several hundred short-beaked common dolphins, coming over to our bow, vocalizing and making the passengers ecstatic. Since we were often out of gear and not moving, the dolphins headed over to find whales and were also bow-riding whales. Bow riding is a way of moving while being drafted by a vessel or whale and saves energy for the dolphins.