Granite State Whale Watch: October 2018

Sunday, October 7, 2018

How time flies. Today was our final trip for the 2018 season. Our sightings included two minke whales, checking out two of the four humpback whales in the area, seeing 6-8 harbor seals, getting a brief look at a blue shark and spending time with a pod of 8-10 Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Such a variety of marine life to enjoy wrapping up another year.

Harbor seal swimming by

Hornbill the humpback whale

Two humpback whales passing by one another

Dolphin

It may be the last trip of the season but we have never seen this before... a wood duck swimming around offshore!?!?!?

Did you know we had a 100% success rate of whale sightings this season? We go on A LOT of trips and aim to strive for a perfect season. While we know there were a few trips we had to turn around early for, during all of our full trips we saw whales, a feat that can be tough to accomplish. So thank you whales for providing so many spectacular memories this season. We must equally thank all of our passengers for scanning the horizon, helping spot whales and experiencing these magnificent wild mammals. We are so thankful for those of you that return year after year, sharing your enthusiasm with other surrounding passengers. To the first-timers and the awe in your eyes witnessing these creatures closeup. To those that appreciate all that the world holds and the natural beauty surrounding us. To the young and "not so young" and all those in between thank you for joining us this year. We appreciate you choosing us and hope to see you all again in the future.

The clouds looked liked waves today!

Humpback whale diving

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Today was a wonderful start to the final weekend of the season. Our trip began with a pod of 40 Atlantic white-sided dolphins. This group was just moseying around so we got some great looks at these toothed-whales before heading further offshore.

Our dolphins were in such a tight-knit group!

Atlantic white-sided dolphins

We then spent time with 4 of the 7 humpback whales in the area, saw a plethora of seals and even a minke whale surfaced occasionally.

Spoon in the foreground while Jabiru surfaces just beyond

Spoon flipper-slapping

Seal

Some whales were holding their breath longer than others but once at the surface, viewing these wild animals were spot on!

Hornbill

Spoon and her calf

Jabiru

Bird life was equally as plentiful with northern gannets, shearwaters, and even a couple of northern fulmars! Our fingers are crossed our final trip will hold just as many special moments tomorrow!

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Yesterday, after spending some time with sleepy Spoon and her calf, we began to investigate other blows in the area. As soon as we started to move away from the pair, the calf breached twice!! A little later on, Spoon and her calf moved into the area with 3 other humpback whales including Hornbill! The calf breached yet again while Spoon began flipper-slapping over and over! Hornbill was moving around a bit, changing directions constantly. Our fish finder showed LOTS of bait fish around us. Minke whales were in the area and even a sleeping harbor seal was seen. Harbor porpoises were spotted briefly on the way to and from the whales. Activity continues into the fall!!

Monday, October 1, 2018

The cool northeast breeze reminded us it is October, but our passengers were prepared in coats and hats and even the raindrops held off until the last few miles from home. The whales, of course, were unfazed by it all. Today we spent time with a trio of humpback whales consisting of Valley, Nile and Sword.