Mon Sept 2 – Whale Watching

Although Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, it most certainly did not herald the end of our stellar whale watching season! For starters, dolphins were seen leaping behind the boat as we turned out of the jetty just a few short minutes after leaving the dock. We encountered a few more as we headed south towards the feeding grounds, coming upon a single humpback whale a couple of miles from shore. This whale, likely a juvenile, was traveling far underwater between surface intervals which made viewing difficult, so we decided to continue south in hope of more whales and better views and we were not disappointed. Blow after blow after blow signaled the presence of at least a dozen whales, which were moving in groups of two, three, and four around the vessel. A calf, which we have encountered on multiple trips before, traveled alongside blowing bubble clouds. This technique, usually associated with feeding, was followed by a headstand, roll-over, or chin breach, all  in close proximity for passengers to enjoy. Humpback whales were all around and views of pectoral flipper slapping and breaches were eyed in the distance, so after spending time with the first, we headed towards a second group of humpback whales nearby. Here, the whales seemed to be feeding heavily on bait detected at the bottom, surfacing and diving quickly in unison. A few close approaches by associated pairs and trios left passengers in a mist of blows closing out two hours of exceptional viewing. Upon our return, a group of 20-30 Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins were spotted near the lighthouse, wrapping up another wonderful day on the water.

Yesterday marked the seasonal end of our Monday and Friday trips aboard the Star, but we still sail on Sundays and Wednesdays (2-7) on the Starship through September 18. Only five trips remain; book yours today!

20-24 humpback whales

30-40 Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins

1 minke whale (spotted by captain on return trip near dolphins)

30-40 Cory’s shearwaters

3-5 Wilson’s storm petrels