2013 09-14 SB Channel East
There was nothing but sunny skies and calm seas along the north Channel today. Conditions were ideal for spout spotting and whale enjoyment. We ran to the northeast Channel not far from yesterday's good sightings. Along the way we had the pleasure of the companionship of at least 800 common dolphins, many many were with small calves. They came alongside, rode the bow and surfed the wake waves thrilling all dolphin lovers on board (that's everyone).
Not long after we left the playful dolphins, two spouts were spotted and when we got close enough to see, it was two humpback whales. One was our buddy "Rope," and she had her pal with her. Is this "pal" a male? I'm not sure, but through my eyes I could swear I saw a little attraction between them, and Rope's behavior seemed to feed off the other whale's antics. The main show stoppers today, starring Rope and friend, were one long friendly approach session that lasted almost an hour, and later, a shorter encore performance. There was lots of spy hopping, rolling around, swimming under the boat, a couple of dramatic tail-throws, and the best was an approach off the bow that was so close you could look right down its blowhole....which lots of people did, not expecting a big blast of spout spray to cover them with whale love. The crew had to clean the windows because the spray covered them with water. These are the most friendly whales you could ever expect to see.
A couple of Minke whales were also seen as the boat passed near spots of bird and dolphin feeding activity. Wow. It was a magical day on the Channel.
Click on the "Map This" button to see where we went.
Thank You!
Two giant humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia), one tail throwing, and the other very close to the boat underwater, are photographed by people on the Condor Express. The offshore oil platforms Henry, Houchin and Hogan are in the background
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Cameras click as this humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia) throws its tail and makes a big splash.
A friendly pass by a curious humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia).
A spy hopping humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia) is seen in fairly clear water where the white pectoral flippers can be seen.
Two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia) come by for a close visit. The outer whale is our friend "Rope."
Don't touch the humpback whale tail (Megaptera novaeanglia) !
More spy hopping from this humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia) with its pectoral fins outstretched below the surface. Cameras, iPhones, iPads and various imaging devices are being put to great use immortalizing this friendly beast.
Two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia) approach the Condor Express. The upper left whale is our friend "Rope."
Abstract sea monster? No, it's an extreme close up image of the tip of the head, or rostrum, of a spy hopping humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia) that is sinking back into the ocean. If you look close you can see the hairs on its chin.
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People get a great look at the mighty humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglia) tail.
Again the Condor Express is "mugged" by two very friendly humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia).
