We continue our lucky days, as today we were in the presence of 4 different species! As soon as we were out, our lookouts already knew that we had to head for the whales. So when we found a group of Common dolphins on the way, there was only a 3 minute pause to stop.
Soon after that, we reached our first whale zone, with at least 3 Fin whales. 2 were very large and 1 was smaller, possibly a juvenile belonging to one of the larger individuals. They were extremely calm and taking many slow, short dives. They particularly dove many times on this sighting, because they were not so far from the coast, where we estimated the water to be around 100 meters deep.
Now it was time for some dolphins again, as we stayed with a widely spreaded group of Bottle nose dolphins, just enough time to imagine how they look like. Then, we really had to move on again because mother nature does not wait!
We were already fulfilled after these great moments, but it was not done by far. We speeded even further out, and yes, there was the presence of our first HUMPBACK WHALE! It was a giant, and it was clear to see why they are called “humpback” whales; its back looked like a mountain landscape with so many ups and downs 🙂 Then another giant appeared next to it, and even a third one showed up a bit further away. For a long time, they just kept swimming next to the boat, while taking many short dives. They must have shown their white flukes at least 20 times. Once they even came so close near the boat with their heads out first, that it was possible to see those giant hair follicles on top of their head, of which the adults have between 30 – 100.
On the way back we saw a large fin sticking out of the water, as it was flapping around. At first it seemed to be a shark, but coming up closer it was clearly the statement fin of a Sunfish; the second one we see this week! Sunfish are the largest bony fish on this planet, and funny to know; they spend a lifetime with their mouths open, as they cannot close them due to their jaw structure.
In the afternoon we saw the Finwhales again, and Risso’s, Striped and Common dolphins, that means it was a total of 6 different species today!
Now that baleen whale season has really started, will you join us for a trip? Now is a great time 😀
Your thoughts on this?