Wed July 9 – Whale Watching

On yesterday’s trip, we followed-up on some reports of whale and dolphin activity to our south. We
headed out under beautiful weather conditions, exchanging cool ocean breezes for the steamy
conditions left behind on land. About two miles out, we had our first cetacean encounter with a group
of Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphin. What was first believed to be a small group of a dozen or so ended
up being 30-40 individuals swimming around the vessel. Everyone got great looks at the pod(s) before
steaming our way south. Eventually we got into an area that was ripe with bird activity; Cory’s and great
shearwaters, along with common tern were numerous, and bait was detected from 40-50 ft to the
surface. This was a good area for whales, but none were yet found. So we traveled east until a large
splash was detected, belonging to a kick-feeding humpback whale. This was the first of five humpbacks
encountered in a thick sea of sand eels. Scores of shearwaters joined in on the feast and we enjoyed
spending time on the water as whales surrounded the vessel feeding and diving on the bounty. As we
left, a small pod of dolphins appeared next to the vessel to the delight of those watching from the bow.
It was wonderful being in the presence of such active whales again.
Viking and CRESLI are proud members of NOAA’s Whale SENSE program promoting responsible and
ethical whale watching. We do not chase or crowd the whales and keep a safe distance while observing
them. Every trip is different and we never know what we will see or experience. Book your first or
repeat trip with us today!

5 humpback whales
30-40 Tamanend’s dolphins
Small pod of dolphins, likely short-beaked common dolphins
80-100 great shearwaters
40-60 Cory’s shearwaters
20-35 Wilson’s storm petrels