We started off Thursday morning with sunny and calm conditions as we made our way offshore. We headed to an area where we had found luck with whales very consistently over the last few weeks. Once there, we were able to get a quick look at a minke whale, before heading over to a humpback whale we spotted nearby.
Minke whale
Our humpback whale was revealed to be Satula! This whale spent much of their time circling around the area, likely foraging on small schooling fish underneath the surface.
Satula diving away
We said goodbye to Satula as we began to search for more marine life. Shortly after started our travels, we got looks at an ocean sunfish.
Ocean sunfish
We saw a LOT of ocean sunfish throughout our travels this trip, even getting the chance to see one jump clear out of the water. Eventually, it was time to head back in towards Rye.
Thursday afternoon began with a course change. We headed in a southerly direction after leaving the harbor, headed towards distant reports of whales. On our way down south, we were extremely fortunate to come across a rare sighting of common dolphins (yes, I see the irony in that statement)! This was our first time encountering this species of dolphin this season.
Common dolphin!!!
Pair of dolphins
This particular pod was on the smaller side, with only around 8 or so individuals in the area. These dolphins spent much of their time riding just underneath our bow, such a fun way to start our afternoon! As much as we wanted to stay with these dolphins, we pulled ourselves away to continue our search for other, larger whales. After a while longer of travelling, we came into an area with with a whole lot going on. We started with a trio of humpbacks, which quickly became a group of five, consisting of Fan, Quill, Cacophony, Spika, and Alligator.
Four of five humpbacks (one is subsurface)
The longer we sat there, the more apparent it became just how many whales were in the area. Out in the distance we could see other single humpbacks as well as pairs and a trio. Other humpback whales close to us included Valley, Jawa, Patches, and Dross. While spending time with Valley and Jawa, much excitement rang out from our boat as a distant trio of humpbacks displayed a triple breach out behind us! we slowly began to work our way in that direction, as one of the whales continued breaching.
Humpback breaching (and one diving)
This trio of whales consisted of Spoon, Chromosome and Quote. Spoon was active at the surface for almost the entire time we spent with them as she tail lobbed, breached, and flipper slapped repeatedly. Quote and Chromosome also spent much of the time flipper slapping.
Trio of whales, flipper slapping
Our time with these whales flew by, and before we knew it, we had to start heading home. As we slowly worked our way out of the area, we were also able to identify two other distant humpbacks, Draco and Gunslinger, before making our journey back home.
Friday morning was a wee bit more rocky and rolly than originally forecasted to be. While unable to press offshore in our efforts, we searched nearshore areas towards Cape Ann. We were able to get great looks at an ocean sunfish, something we usually need much nicer conditions just to be able to spot!
Ocean sunfish
While watching this sunfish, we received reports of whale activity from our friends at Newburyport Whale Watch! We travelled just a little further south and were able to spend the rest of our time with a very surface active humpback whale!
Breaching humpback!
It was incredible watching this whale jump out of the water again and again. After getting some truly amazing looks, the wind and waves were showing no signs of letting up, so we began our journey back towards home. With conditions being rougher than forecasted, the decision was made to cancel our afternoon trip.
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