July 30, 2024

On Tuesday morning we came across a new visitor to the area for the season. Valley the humpback whale was spotted! We always enjoy seeing familiar whales spend time in our area each season.

Humpback whale

We also found a pod of common dolphins, a species of dolphins not commonly seen in our area. What fun finds! 

Common dolphin (above and below)

On the afternoon trip, we watched a pair of humpback whales (Dyad and Ravine), and another humpback whale was briefly seen swimming through the area. We even came across a pair of fin whales at the end of the day.

Diving humpback whale

Humpback whales

Fin whale

July 28, 2024

Ocean conditions were stunning all day on Sunday. In the morning, we checked out one of the three basking sharks sighted, a pod of about 50 Atlantic white-sided dolphins, a quick look at a fin whale, and humpback whales Ravine and Pixar. 

Basking shark

Incoming dolphin!

Humpback whale

It didn't matter what species we were watching the ocean allowed for amazing looks. 

The ocean was so calm that even subsurface, Atlantic white-sided dolphins were mesmerizing to watch!

Diving humpback whale

The afternoon ocean provided just as beautiful of a backdrop. The trip started with an ocean sunfish before finding Dyad the humpback whale. 

Ocean sunfish fin

Then we spent time with a nursery pod of approximately 80 Atlantic white-sided dolphins. 

Afternoon Atlantic white-sided dolphin

A basking shark was briefly seen while we were watching the dolphins and the day wrapped up with Pixar the humpback whale.

Humpback whale (above and below)

 

July 26, 2024

 After making our way offshore Friday morning, we began our trip by spending time with a fin whale. After that, another. Then another. Until finally, we had spent time with at least five individual fin whales! This season has been a stark contrast to our last several with a very noticeable increase in sightings of fin whales aboard our trips. 

Fin whale diving

In and amongst our fin whale soup, we got quick looks at an ocean sunfish. 

Ocean Sunfish

Atlantic white-sided dolphin

Amidst our journey back towards Rye Harbor, we were stopped by a decent sized pod of around 120 Atlantic white-sided dolphins! After leaving our first pod behind, we passed by two more groups on our ride home!

Our afternoon trip began in a southerly direction, leading us to our first sighting of the trip, a humpback whale known as Dyad! While we were getting looks at Dyad, we also noticed an ocean sunfish spending some time near the surface so we moved over to get a couple quick looks before pressing on. 

Humpback whale diving

Ocean sunfish

As we continued on, we did a whole lot of searching, and eventually we turned up with a very cooperative fin whale, not spending much time beneath the surface at all. This whale continued to give us excellent looks before we ultimately had to make our turn back towards Rye. 

Fin whale

July 22-23, 2024

The start of the week brought surprises, as all our trips do, with unique sightings to experience. On Monday morning, we started with a brief look at a basking shark before seeing a GREAT WHITE shark!

Basking shark. Its dorsal fin is on the left and its tail fin is on the right.

Subsurface great white shark!

While this photo may not be convincing, it's a great white shark, and our friends at the New England Aquarium confirmed the sighting. For those interested, our sighting information has been reported. We also saw an ocean sunfish before spending time with Entropy the humpback whale. Another beautiful morning on the calm seas and incredible sightings! 

Ocean sunfish

Humpback whale filtering out saltwater

On Monday afternoon, we found ourselves in an area with spouts all around. At least three fin whales and two humpback whales were constantly changing directions. Even a basking shark popped up in the mix. These whales were moving so much, within minutes there would be a spout to see from any direction around the boat.

Fin whale

Humpback whale (above and below)

Tuesday's sea conditions were just as stunning; barely a breath of wind. Both trips provided such a variety of life! On Tuesday morning we saw an ocean sunfish, a basking shark, a minke whale, a fin whale, and five humpback whales. 

We've been seeing plenty of ocean sunfish recently!

Minke whale

Humpback whale

Crow the fin whale was moving around and known humpback whales included Pinball, Entropy, Satula, and Spoon. 

Crow the fin whale

A crowd favorite, Pinball!

The ocean was so calm while watching the whales!

An uptick in shearwaters was seen today including Cory's shearwaters

Tuesday's afternoon trip brought us three basking sharks, six ocean sunfish, a LEATHERBACK turtle (the second one of the season!), a pod of uncommonly seen common dolphins, and humpback whales Pinball, Satula, and Quote. Wow.

One of three basking sharks sighted

Ocean sunfish

Another basking shark

Couldn't resist snapping a picture of this mature Northern Gannet

Leatherback sea turtle!

Subsurface common dolphins!

Humpback whale diving

July 20-21, 2024

Saturday morning, we briefly stopped on a basking shark before making our way to Jeffreys Ledge. Once on the ledge, we came across Footfall the humpback whale and a fin whale. 

Humpback whale filtering saltwater out of its mouth

Fin whale

We also checked out a large ocean sunfish. On our travels home, a few fin whales were sighted along with a quick look at humpback whales Reflection and her 2024 calf. The calf even surprised us with a couple of tail breaches. 

Ocean sunfish

Tail breach!

On Saturday afternoon, our sightings included two pairs of fin whales. They circled the area, and we got an awesome look as one of our pairs swam right past the boat! 

Fin whale (above and below)

The trip also included an ocean sunfish; always a fun sight!

Ocean sunfish subsurface

Ocean conditions on Sunday were about as perfect as you could get; calm and clear. On Sunday morning, we sighted two ocean sunfish, a quick look at a basking shark, and five fin whales. 

Ocean sunfish

Basking shark dorsal fin

At one point, we watched a pair of fin whales become three, all synchronizing their movements together. 

Fin whales (above and below) - look at that ocean!

Sunday afternoon was a special one. A "history in the making" kind of special. For the first time in Granite State history, we saw TWO species of sea turtles during our trip. Our first sighting of the trip was a leatherback sea turtle! This is the first time all season we have sighted a sea turtle, and leatherbacks are the largest variety!

Leatherback sea turtle!

As we made our way out to Jeffreys Ledge, in such pristine conditions, we saw a minke whale, a couple of basking sharks, three ocean sunfish, and a pod of ~150 Atlantic white-sided dolphins. 

Afternoon ocean sunfish

Atlantic white-sided dolphins

Once on the ledge, we checked out a pair of fin whales and even a quick glance at a blue shark. 

Fin whales

Then we spotted another sea turtle. This time it was a loggerhead sea turtle! The crew was in shock; TWO sea turtles, one trip, and beautiful looks. Wow. We always say we never really know what we are going to see when we leave the harbor. We truly mean it. Thank you, wildlife.

Loggerhead sea turtle