July 22, 2021

 7-22-2021

Today was pretty awesome! On our morning trip we left the harbor to find a washing-machine like ocean. The water did calm down somewhat when we found whales, and boy, did we find whales! We were able to spend time with 12 humpbacks. Our first whale was Owl, who we have been seeing a lot of lately.

We continued on and found ourselves surrounded by very active whales. There were even a few breaches, but sadly we were unable to capture them on film. The whales around us included Sedge, Clamp, Sword, Jawa, and Quote. We spent a little time with these whales before searching in a different area. An ocean sunfish joined us in between the whales’ dives

We then found Spoon and Chromosome. Spoon gave us some great looks at her massive pectoral flippers as she slapped them on the surface of the water. She even did this right off of our starboard side, letting us hear how truly loud this can be!

We still had some time left and decided to search a little more. We soon found ourselves with more whales! Satula was off in the distance, and we got some great looks at Tornado and Frost. One of these last two whales breached and flipper slapped. It was a very active morning!

In the afternoon we headed back to the same area and found much calmer seas. We spotted a harbor seal on the way out. We then found Sedge and Owl before coming across a small pod of Atlantic white-sided dolphins.

We then headed to a different area, where we again found Clamp, Satula, and Jawa. A cute little gray seal also popped up to say hello. There were also a couple of minke whales in the area. 

We ended our trip with two more humpbacks bringing the grand total to seven for the afternoon trip. Neither of these whales gave us a good look at their flukes, so we’re still trying to identify them. All-in-all it was a beautiful day on the water with perfect weather and lots of whales!

July 21, 2021

Perfect day on the ocean!

This morning we headed out to where whales have been seen for the past week or so. Sometimes whales will set up shop in the same area for a bit while the feeding is good, and then unbeknownst to us, they will suddenly pick up and go. Fortunately, they were still there today! Multiple humpback whales were sighted in and around the small fleet of tuna boats.  One of the tuna boats, “No Limits” was in the area and just a few days ago made the news as Captain Michelle reeled in a 90-inch bluefin tuna by herself! Check out the story here. Girl Power!  As for the whales, we identified several humpbacks including Owl, Badge, Clamp, Satula, Spoon, Chromosome and Sword.

The afternoon trip started with a bang that just couldn’t be beaten. We saw a pair of humpback whales dive quickly on our way into the area where whales have been seen. Our captain said, “Get your camera ready. They are gonna breach”. I pulled out my camera, took off the lens cap, turned it on, and while I meandered over toward the open window to get ready for the predicted magical breach (that never actually happens), lo and behold; the pair jumped from the water in unison! A double breach! It was magical! 

Captain Jonathan has a lot of years of watching whale behavior and predicted this amazing event! I was happily surprised and even happier when I learned that our mate Molly got a photo of it! The pair turned out to be Spoon and Chromosome. Spoon is notorious for being a sleepy, lazy whale, which added even more shock to the rare event. Right after the effort-filled breaches, the pair took a nap while we floated silently (engines off) nearby, watching the sleeping beauties. Other whales seen during the trip included Satula, Clamp, Jawa, Sword, and Frost! Jawa, who was seen checking out our boat a couple of weeks ago, surfaced close to us a couple of times. A minke whale was also spotted in the distance. 

July 19-20, 2021

On Monday's trips there were plenty of whales to look at. Each trip provided whales nearby as well as out in the distance. Seven humpback whales were sighted on both trips. In the morning, we had a 'surprise' visitor; a fin whale! It's been weeks since the last time a fin whale has been sighted, which is odd when you think about the fact that fin whales eat similar food that humpback whales eat! A welcome whale for sure.

Fin whale

Three minke whales were also sighted among humpback whales Wigwam, Sedge, Clamp, Badge, Owl, Quill and Satula.

Sedge at the surface

Badge

Yikes, too close for my eyes!

During the afternoon trip on Monday, in addition to the numerous humpback whales, a small pod of Atlantic white-sided dolphins were seen, an ocean sunfish and our first turtle sighting of a season- a loggerhead! Unfortunately, the turtle was shy and slipped under the surface quickly but what a fun find to come across.

Dolphin!

Ocean sunfish

Afternoon humpback whales included Clamp's 2016 calf, Satula, Quill, Quote and Clamp.

Whale diving

Satula

Quote

The ocean was flat calm all day on Tuesday- perfect for sighting whales! Once again, both trips provided ample sightings near and far. In the morning, seven humpback whales were sighted and a few minke whales.

Morning Minke whale

On the afternoon trip, eight humpback whales were sighted. Sometimes the whales would circle around near the boat. During other instances, the whales would scatter making it interesting to decide which direction to go next. Nonetheless, gorgeous scenery to be surrounded by. Morning whales included Sedge, Wigwam, Badge, Quill, Jawa and Owl. Afternoon whales included Wigwam, Owl, Clamp, Quote, Jawa, Satula and Badge.

Great shearwater meandering past us

July 17-18, 2021

Saturday, July 17, 2021 

Saturday morning’s trip, we headed out to where we have been seeing whales lately. The first of several humpback whales we found was one named Wigwam. We also saw Owl, Clamp, and Satula! These whales were all moving in various directions, apparently feeding on herring. Humpback whales don’t travel in pods but often times we will see several in an area when the baitfish (like herring) are plentiful. Several tuna-fishing boats were also in the area. Bluefin tuna also feed on small baitfish- the same fish that the humpback whales like to eat! A couple of minke whales passed by and we got a beautiful look at the unique markings of one of these little (25-foot!) whales. 

Humpback, Satula, diving

Minke whale

Humpback whale, Owl, showing large, healed injury on her back.

Humpback whale, Wigwam

Humpback diving

Saturday afternoon, we headed back to the same area where we found whales on our morning trip. But well before we got there, we found a pair of ocean sunfish just a couple of miles from the harbor! Further offshore we found some humpback whales including Clamp, Satula, Quill, and Owl! A couple of minke whales were darting around as well. 

Ocean Sunfish

Humpback showing white flippers underwater

Sunday, July 18, 2021. As we were boarding for our morning trip, a few small showers passed by giving the boat (and us) a quick freshwater rinse. Fortunately, the rain stopped, but as we left the harbor, the wind and waves were tossing a different type of water our way. Saltwater. We knew we would experience some rain and leftover chop from the early morning storms, but the forecast was for it to quiet down quickly with little to no wind by late morning. We all know that weather forecasts and reality are two completely different things. Today was the prime example of that. The ocean gave us several “kisses” as we headed out to an area where whales have been seen recently. Upon arrival, we five or so humpback whales all spread out. One whale, named Satula, tail-breached a few times, while another whale in the close distance fully breached from the water! Owl, another humpback whale surfaced alongside Wigwam for a brief moment before heading off on her own. 

Satula diving

Owl and Wigwam

The Sunday afternoon trip was still on the choppy side but we maneuvered the boat to make the trek out to the whales as comfortable as possible. Satula and Wigwam were seen again, as well as Clamp! Owl was still in the area but not observed close by. A minke whale jumped in the distance but that was all we saw of that animal. Even with less than perfect weather conditions, the whales are still here and they don’t seem to mind the rainy days at all!

Coast Guard cutter, "Finback" passing through!

Humpback diving near tuna boat