This time, years later, I took off from southern Maine.  We were assured that we would get to see some whales during feeding time.  The tour guides kept their word.

Out in the ocean

We headed out to an open ocean area where just a little activity was noticeable.  Suddenly, whales started surfacing, along with an entourage of seabirds.  The birds were scavengers – a dead giveaway that they were after the fish that the whales missed.

Whales surface

Talk about feeding frenzy!  Several whales were visible surfacing, diving and resurfacing again.  The birds were everywhere, helping themselves as they snapped up fish.

Feeding frenzy for whales and scavengers

We could see details on the whales’ tails and evidence that these were veterans, elders who had been around a while.The view and activity was so exciting that several people forgot they were out in the sun.  Their souvenir was a massive sunburn!  (Note: Sunblock and hats are a very good idea out on the water.  The reflection can really make you burn!)

Another whale tail

Although it seemed just a few minutes, the feeding subsided and the tour guides announced, much to our disappointment, that we were heading back.

But, to quote a Star Trek character, “Thar be whales!”

Getting ready to leave - a whale tail

We loved our visit with our distant (very distant) cousins, the whales.

Since we think everyone who can go would find this experience amazing, we offer the following companies and locations as places where whale watches are offered.  We do not necessarily endorse these companies, as we have not used all of them.

Some suggestions

You will definitely want to know whether everyone in your party is good at sea.  If not or you are not sure, motion seasickness pills before you leave are a must. (Generic or the brand name Dramamine.)  Why ruin a good experience by not being prepared.

As I mentioned earlier, hats and sunblock are also a great idea.  Plus, lots of camera space  and batteries (for digital cameras) and film for those with SLR or one-use cameras.  Take water and snacks/food.  Typically, the tour boats have you as a captive audience.  The prices on snacks and drinks reflect that.

Whale watching companies

The following article offers some valid suggestions on criteria for finding a tour company for the best whale watching experience.

http://marinelife.about.com/od/whaleanddolphinwatching/tp/FindaWhaleWatch.htm

We definitely agree that you should research and book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.  What species you want to see will definitely change depending on what location you choose.

(Rates shown were the most recent published.)

East Coast US:

Humpback whales are prominent.

The originators on the East Coast:

Massachusetts

Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown (which even has a coupon and offers a naturalist to provide solid information,)

http://www.whalewatch.com/dolphinfleet/

Rates for adults, $39, children 12 and under, $31, under 5 years – free.  This is a 3-4 hour tour.

In Maine:

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company

http://www.barharborwhales.com/

Rates for adults are $56 for a 3 ½ hour whale watch, $28 for ages 6-14 and $8 for children under 6.

West Coast:

Different species are visible during different months – check out which months are the best for your sightings.  Gray whales are very prominent.

California:

Aquarium of the Pacific

Along with an admission to the aquarium, you can purchase a 2-2 ½ hour tour for $42.95 for adults, $28.95 for children ages 3-11 and $39.95 for seniors 62+.

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/education/programdetails/gray_whale_watch/

Oregon:

Marine Discovery Tours –

They offer a 2-hour “Marine Discovery Tour” that varies where they go depending on the time of year.  You might be inland if the sea is rough.  They do have naturalists on board.  Fee for Adults – $35, children 4-13 – $17, under 3 – free, seniors – $33.

http://www.marinediscovery.com/SLC.html

Vancouver

Tours in Canada tend to offer longer charter tours, as opposed to mass group tours, thus they are pricier.  The one we located that is three hours is: Springtide Charters.  The price was $95 (Canadian) for adults, $75 (Canadian) for 13-18, children 3-12, $65 (Canadian).

http://www.springtidecharters.com/rates.htmhours

As we said – official disclaimer – we do not endorse any of the above companies.  Please check out all of the details for whatever companies you decide to consider.

We found whale watching an enthralling experience.  Someday, we hope you have the opportunity to see the whales, too!

Next week: We visit Mexico.

There are many locations from which you can experience a whale watch. There are whale sightings on the east and west coasts of North America (US and Canada), and Ireland noted on the Web.

Why watch a whale? As a species, humans tend to be very self-involved.  By watching whales, we can see them up close as they venture near to see us.  We become aware of another life, another way of looking at the world.  Also, with the current concerns about global warming, it can give us ocean creatures’ perspective on life.

First whale watch

My first whale watch left from Provincetown, Massachusetts at the tip of Cape Cod.  After what seemed like a very short time, we were in the open water in a large day boat that held dozens.  Major amenities were available with an inside cabin, always a plus.

Anyone who tends to get seasick probably needed to take a motion sickness pill before we ever left the pier, but most people seemed to be weathering the jouncing up and down with the waves.

Before we knew it, we saw dolphins and then, – “Thar she blows!”  We saw whales “breeching,” so they could breathe out of the water.  Some began to come close to our boat.

A whale tail

Several of us were trying to get photos of the experience, but the whales were too fast for us.  Back in the water they went – with only a tail to show for our incredible view.

Coming right up to the boat to check us out, they sensed how interested in them we were.  They would come up multiple times before getting bored with us.We could hear sounds, noises, which our tour director told us was the whales’ communication.  It is amazing to think that these creatures weigh over 20 tons (over 40,000 pounds!) and they have a grace about them as they skim through the water and dive.

Multiple times the whales came up to visit us near the boat.  I was enthralled.

A distinctive humpback whale tail -

We could see that each whale’s tail was distinctive.  Some looked weathered, as they had been around a long time.  The director told us they had names for some of the whales that they were tracking, that they had seen before.

Come back on Friday for more photos and tour details.

A whale watch is a rare and exciting experience that provides views of our fellow mammal, the whale. In Alaska, The whale watch tour we took began in Auke Bay at the marina and traveled through the Saginaw Channel to the Lynn Canal, the main summer feeding waters of the humpback whale. You are always assured of seeing at least one whale, and seeing just one is a rarity.

At times you can spot a group of whales “bubble-netting” a school of fish, bunching the fish together to ensure easy pickings for the whale. They swiftly rise from the bottom to breech above the surface to take their fill and to take turns feeding. Humpback whales can consume as much as a ton of krill and small fish per day in the summer. They migrate to the nutrient-rich waters of Southeast Alaska in the summer after having fasted all winter and then returning to the warm waters of Hawaii and Mexico in the winter to breed.

In Alaska, outside of Juneau, we chose Allen’s Marine with their fleet of catamarans, specially designed to navigate Southeast Alaska’s passages for our whale watching adventure. They are equipped with water jets and are fast, but stable. Large wraparound windows allow for maximum visibility and the large cabin keeps you toasty warm and comfortable while you are watching for the wildlife that lives in the water in and around Alaska. You can capture wildlife on film from inside the cabin or you can go up to the top deck, which is open for easy viewing from all sides.

Sea Lions sunning Photo by George Bradshaw

Along the way are picturesque lighthouses, such as the one at Point Retreat. Watch the buoys as you go by as they are a favorite places for sea lions to sun themselves. They are also a favorite perch for bald eagles as they scan the water for their prey of fish. The eagles’ nests can be spotted in the tall trees along the shoreline.

North Pass, between Lincoln and Shelter Islands is a favorite hangout for the Orca (killer whale) and they like to prey on the sea lions. The Orca is hard to spot because all that is usually showing above the water is their tall, thin dorsal fin. A sharp eye is required to spot them. You can also find Harbor Seals and Dall’s Porpoises in this area.

The whale and wildlife quest tour lasts about three hours and is well worth the money and time. We have taken the tour twice and have not been disappointed either time.

Tomorrow – A Trip in Time to Skagway, Alaska