Quote of the day: 

[the whale groans]

Dory: Okay, he either said, “move to the back of the throat,” or he “wants a root beer float”.

— Finding Nemo

Whale Watch

Humpback Whale – one of the largest creatures of the oceans

I went on a whale-watching cruise over on the Kona side on Tuesday. We gathered before sunrise at the dock. The light was amazing as morning began to awaken. There were about 25 of us on the boat. We went in search of humpback whales which winter in the warm waters off the coast of Hawaii. They come from the cold waters of Alaska every year, usually from the months of December through March.

Whale Watch

Early Morning Light in the Harbor

As we got underway I marveled at the beauty of the light in the sky and on the water. I got to see the sunrise over the Kona hills shortly after we embarked.

Whale Watch

Our Whale-watching boat

We headed out to waters over 1000 feet deep but then reached a 200-400 foot deep shelf along the coast north of the airport where humpback whales hang out a lot. The photos I got were not great as when you’re on a moving boat with over 20 other people also jostling to get the shot, shots are limited, but I was there primarily to see and experience these wonderful creatures in the wild, not to photograph them.

Whale Watch

Early Morning Sky and Sea

First we saw a couple of spouts and tails appear in the distance. We stopped and waited for them to surface again. It was a 17 minute wait – our captain informed us that when whales are resting, it can be up to 30 minutes between breaths.

Whale Watch

Sunrise over the Kona Hills

We continued heading north and ran across a group of humpbacks that were surfacing frequently. Our guide (Captain Dan McSweeney, a whale researcher) suggested that it was a group of 3 males competing for the attentions of 1 female.

Whale Watch

The day brightens

The humpback whales are magnificent and as large as a bus. We didn’t see any breach the water fully but got lots of views of the mid-body, tails, and one head. I could have watched them all day.

Whale Watch

First SIghting

As we headed back, we were surrounded by spinner dolphins – swimming and frolicking around the boat. They too, are amazing creatures.

Whale Watch

Spouting Whale

Whale Watch

Another whale tail and the remains of a spout to its right

Whale Watch

This one was pretty close to the boat

Whale Watch

Another view

Whale Watch

Tail action

Whale Watch

The head of a whale above water

Whale Watch

Two whales close together

Whale Watch

Another view

Whale Watch

Spinner dolphins beside boat

Whale Watch

Spinner dolphin

Whale Watch

Manta ray near the surface

Whale Watch

A view of the coast and the vog (smog caused by the volcano) over the entire area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Marilyn

Photographer sharing beauty, grace & joy in photographs and blog posts. I live in the Twin Cites in Minnesota, the land of lakes, trees, and wonderful nature.

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