Friday's whale watch began shortly after we left the harbor, receiving a report of dolphins from our friends at Cape Ann Whale Watch, not far from where we had luck with whales the day prior. Reports of dolphins can run cold quick as these are very fast moving whales and can be long gone before we ever get near the reported area, but luck was on our side today! After travelling for an hour we could see plenty of birds flying overhead out in the distance, along with plenty of splashing underneath them. Making our way into the area, we were able to spend time a mixed pod of at least two hundred Atlantic white-sided dolphins, accompanied by twenty or thirty common dolphins.
White-sided dolphins
Common dolphins
Hard to see, but dorsal fins everywhere at the surface!
We were able to get some incredible looks at these dolphins before ultimately continuing on in search of other large whales. It didn't take long at all for us to happen upon a fin whale resting near the surface.
Fin whale
Tail rise
Once we were able to spend some time with this whale, we continued our search for other whales, eventually happening across a juvenile humpback whale. Increasing wind and waves made for slightly challenging viewing of this little whale. Fortunately, however, a larger humpback whale, Reception, made its way into the area and we were able to get some excellent looks! This whale displayed some impressive surface behaviors including tail breaching and tail lobbing before continuing on with its day.
Belly up, tail-lobbing humpback
Finally, it was time for us to head home. What an amazing day with four species of whale!
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