Whale Diary

11:00 - This morning we had overcast but dry skies, so we hauled on our layers and headed out! Not far from port we stopped to admire one harbor porpoise. This individual gave us a nice surface sequence before it swam off and so then we continued. A bit further out into the bay we then spotted the backs of 2 solitary minke whales. Conditions were nice and calm which allowed to easily track these minkes as they surfaced. One individual then started to lunge feed! It is always so impressive when we get to see their face above the surface of the water. After multiple surface sequences, we decided to leave them to it and headed further out into the bay. That was when we spotted the back's of two more solitary minke whales. These minkes were a bit more elusive and so after a couple of surface sequences we continued onward. After a bit of a drive we spotted a blow and when to investigate. As we approached we realized we had found a pair of humpback whales! These individuals were very relaxed and then became very curious of us. They then proceeded to give us a boat inspection that lasted half an hour! It was endless spy hopping and swimming under and around our boat. It is a truly unique experience to have these individuals become as interested in us as we were in them. After such a special time, we unfortunately had to wave goodbye and head back. On our way back we also spotted 5 harbor porpoises that gave us a nice surface sequence before continuing on. What an excellent way to start the day!

Crew: Captain Pedro & Guide Knut

14:00 - We went out again, and this time the for had cleared up. As soon as we got around the islands, we were out in sunshine and on flat calm seas. We had to search quite a bit until we found our first of around 6 minke whales that we spotted here and there during the tour. It was traveling fast and most likely in search of food. We stayed with him for a short time to get a good look but continued the search further out. As we spotted some dorsal fins and went closer to investigate, it turned out to be a large group of white-beaked dolphins. It was not easy to estimate their numbers but it was at least 20 of them all around our boat. Again we spend some time with them and they came really close to investigate our boat. In the calm clear water we were able to see them passing below and looking up to us. On our way back we enjoyed the great view and the sun. Another great tour on the bay! 

Crew: Captain Pedro & Guide Knut