A few good pictures from the other day. We are seeing whales every cruise and the Southern Right Whales arrived Saturday in numbers. The days count was 11 Southern Rights and 6 Humpbacks.
Showing posts with label King George Sound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King George Sound. Show all posts
Monday, 20 July 2015
Monday, 29 June 2015
Some Days are Diamonds
The season started off a little slow, but over the past 10 days we have enjoyed whales every day we have cruised. Last Saturday with stunning weather conditions we had 3 adult humpbacks swimming around us for about 30 minutes.
But not all days are diamonds.
We have had a couple of days when although we find several pods of young whales they just didn't want to interact or to be watched at all. Sunday 28th we find 5 Southern Right Whales at Breaksea Cove. This is the earliest in 18 years I have seen Southern Rights in King George Sound. May be this will be a big season for these whales.
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Whales and Dolphins
After a stormy day yesterday and not being able to find any whales to watch, although several had been seen from the shore out on the line between Breaksea Island and Bald Head. We were not expecting too much with strong winds forecast for the next few days. How ever I woke to calm conditions, with several groups contacting us to confirm we will be cruising I park up on Marine Drive, to scan King George Sound. At about 0820 I see 2 humpback whales just north of the Mistaken Island mussel lease. I think that the whales will have left the sound by the time we are leaving the marina, but conditions are good so I am pretty confident we will find whales today. As we leave Princess Royal Harbour I chat to Bernie who is now sitting up on Marine Drive and he tells me whales are close to the ship that is at anchor in the Sound. We get there in 10 minutes and find 2 humpbacks. They are pretty quiet so we get Andrew the deckie to crank up the earn and serve morning tea. I am sure the whales know we are in the area but they are in love so don't care about us as long as we do not harass them. After about 45 minutes watching the whales we spot a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins several hundred metres away. I know if they find the whales we could be in for some good photos. We spend about 2 hours with the whales in total, as the dolphins join the whales the whales become more active and at times as they chase the dolphins we are unsure where the whales will surface next. At times swimming very close past the stern of the boat. When its time to leave we have not travelled more than 2 km from where we first caught up with these whales.
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
Pygmy Blue Cow & Calf
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Whales Chasing Common Dolphins
Leaving Princess Royal Harbour we are told that whales have been seen over towards Limestone Head. We head in that direction and find them NE of Seal Rock. Two very quiet young humpbacks.
We stick with them for some time then see dolphins 500 metres away, we go over to them and when they are in our wake we head back to the whales. We watch them play for some time. Spy hopping and fluke slaps as they play / chase the dolphins
We head off to see what else we may find out towards Breaksea Island, after finding the seals on the northern shores, we head to the eastern end and head south. We cruise west along the southern side of Breaksea Island with great visibility off to the south but to no avail. We cruise past a local small boat at the south western end of the island to see if they are having any luck.
Now head towards Bald Head cruising past the dredge as it empties and then continue to Limestone Head along the coast past Discovery Bay, Frenchman Bay, Goode Beach and over the passage at Mistaken Island and back to the marina.
We stick with them for some time then see dolphins 500 metres away, we go over to them and when they are in our wake we head back to the whales. We watch them play for some time. Spy hopping and fluke slaps as they play / chase the dolphins
We head off to see what else we may find out towards Breaksea Island, after finding the seals on the northern shores, we head to the eastern end and head south. We cruise west along the southern side of Breaksea Island with great visibility off to the south but to no avail. We cruise past a local small boat at the south western end of the island to see if they are having any luck.
Now head towards Bald Head cruising past the dredge as it empties and then continue to Limestone Head along the coast past Discovery Bay, Frenchman Bay, Goode Beach and over the passage at Mistaken Island and back to the marina.
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Whales Today Seen in Numbers
We first picked the whales cruising in from out deep as they cruised
towards Seal Rock. We tagged along, enjoying the calm conditions inside
King George Sound. Enjoying morning coffee and trying to capture a
crisp tail shot. The crowds started to gather on Marine Drive and we
contacted the local radio stations to let locals know the first
humpbacks for this season to enter Princess Royal Harbour were on there
way. We continue to follow at times having to pull up as the whales
cruise past our bow. More whales were spotted breaching out on what we
call "The Line" In all we spent over 2 hours cruising with these whales.
It looks like the whale watching season has kicked off after a slow
start over the past weeks.
We had seen 2 small quiet humpbacks on the northern side of Breaksea Island on Mondays cruise but traveled a long way on Tuesday and not found any whale on the cruise. Looking forward to the coming week.
We had seen 2 small quiet humpbacks on the northern side of Breaksea Island on Mondays cruise but traveled a long way on Tuesday and not found any whale on the cruise. Looking forward to the coming week.
Saturday, 6 June 2015
2015 Season Start
Well its that time again.
Although starting a week later this year because of delays caused by the local tammi-lift and a weekend of diving some great sites in King George Sound. We are now looking forward to spend some great time on the water. May be even getting some photos of the amazing Humpbacks as the cruise through the sound on their way north.
We did see several breaching whales while waiting for divers to surface last weekend.
We have heard the whales have been sighted every day buy the crew of a dredge team working in Albany at this time. We at Albany Ocean Adventures believe that if the whales are out we will find them. So if you are in town and wish to fine the whales we are your best option.
Although starting a week later this year because of delays caused by the local tammi-lift and a weekend of diving some great sites in King George Sound. We are now looking forward to spend some great time on the water. May be even getting some photos of the amazing Humpbacks as the cruise through the sound on their way north.
We did see several breaching whales while waiting for divers to surface last weekend.
We have heard the whales have been sighted every day buy the crew of a dredge team working in Albany at this time. We at Albany Ocean Adventures believe that if the whales are out we will find them. So if you are in town and wish to fine the whales we are your best option.
Friday, 1 August 2014
Biggest Swell of the Year
We have had a stop start few days. Strong winds at times have kept us
at the marina and yesterday we could not find the very quiet Southern
Right whales that were seen just off Marine Drive the day before.
With strong winds limiting our desire to leave King George Sound too.
A couple of days ago we found whales in the shelter of the northern side of Breaksea Island. After a fair bit of effort to find them, it was good to see them slapping their tails on the sea surface, until just before the other whale watching vessel got there. Just after I had explained to our passengers the rules regarding distances we must keep from the whales the other operator cruised down our port side until they spotted the whales and then turned towards the island, luffed up and dropped their sail just in front of the whales. The whales dove and went very quiet so we follow until they get past the seal colony and then head for home.
I have contacted Dept Parks and Wildlife and will meet with Peter Hartley some time next week
For the second day we have witnessed one of the biggest swells of the
year. Today we saw The Belches (an offshore reef with 12 metres of water
covering it) breaking. No doubt The Gap, Blow-holes and Natural Bridge
on the south coast would have been very spectacular, with the southerly
swell.
We head out and intend to cruise through Frenchman Bay, past Limestone Head hoping to find a whale in Frenchman Bay which is very protected. Not to be though and just like yesterday we head across King George Sound with the swell helping us on our way.
As we get about half way across Bernie calls to say he has seen blows back towards the ship that is about half way back to Marine Drive.
We spot the blows and head in that direction. We get to the general area, we think the whales are heading towards town so idle in that direction. No sight for over 10 minutes. Whales have a huge lung capacity and it can be longer than 20 minutes between breaths, but like you and I if they are travelling fast that time is a lot shorter. These whales cant have gone far.
The whales surface in about the same place we first saw them and just lay on the surface for some time, much to the joy of some of our passengers.
Now the whales slowly head North West towards Middleton Beach. They are just cruising slow, staying on the surface for several breaths and then travelling just under the surface as they are leaving their foot print on the sea surface, making them easy to follow.
We have been with these whales for some time and are now joined by the other whale watching vessel.
But now the whales turn and head South East. They are now heading in the Bald Head direction. We follow for some time, we have been with the whales for close to 1 hour and its now time to head home.
With strong winds limiting our desire to leave King George Sound too.
A couple of days ago we found whales in the shelter of the northern side of Breaksea Island. After a fair bit of effort to find them, it was good to see them slapping their tails on the sea surface, until just before the other whale watching vessel got there. Just after I had explained to our passengers the rules regarding distances we must keep from the whales the other operator cruised down our port side until they spotted the whales and then turned towards the island, luffed up and dropped their sail just in front of the whales. The whales dove and went very quiet so we follow until they get past the seal colony and then head for home.
I have contacted Dept Parks and Wildlife and will meet with Peter Hartley some time next week
We head out and intend to cruise through Frenchman Bay, past Limestone Head hoping to find a whale in Frenchman Bay which is very protected. Not to be though and just like yesterday we head across King George Sound with the swell helping us on our way.
As we get about half way across Bernie calls to say he has seen blows back towards the ship that is about half way back to Marine Drive.
We spot the blows and head in that direction. We get to the general area, we think the whales are heading towards town so idle in that direction. No sight for over 10 minutes. Whales have a huge lung capacity and it can be longer than 20 minutes between breaths, but like you and I if they are travelling fast that time is a lot shorter. These whales cant have gone far.
The whales surface in about the same place we first saw them and just lay on the surface for some time, much to the joy of some of our passengers.
Now the whales slowly head North West towards Middleton Beach. They are just cruising slow, staying on the surface for several breaths and then travelling just under the surface as they are leaving their foot print on the sea surface, making them easy to follow.
We have been with these whales for some time and are now joined by the other whale watching vessel.
But now the whales turn and head South East. They are now heading in the Bald Head direction. We follow for some time, we have been with the whales for close to 1 hour and its now time to head home.
Thursday, 24 July 2014
8 Humpbacks
Peter
Bell from Discovery Bay, (Whale World) txt's to say whales are at the
dive site HMAS Perth at 0900 hours. We head out and head straight
towards Seal Rock. As we get about half way there Jason has joined me
and straight away says he can see a whale slapping its tail on the water
over towards Limestone Head. It makes sense the whales Peter could be
there no troubles. I increase revs and its not long before we are in the area, but cant find the whales easy. Looking, looking, looking.
There they are, WOW they seam quiet for whales that were slapping their tails on the surface not 10 minutes ago. The 2 humpback whales are small and just cruising toward Bald Head just metres off the coast. We follow at times having to stop and wait as the whales are in no rush.
We follow until the whales head out past Bald Head, We are now out in the Southern Ocean and yes we have a bit of swell out here.
We see blows east so head that way to find 2 whales taking several breaths and then diving.
Ok more blows several hundred metres away towards Breaksea Island, so off we go.
We find 4 Humpbacks spending time on the surface at times lurching out of the water. We follow as these whales head west towards Bald Head. The whales are ahead of us and we stop before we head off to check out the seals. Jason who is scanning the area lets every one know we have now 2 whales heading up behind us.
We watch them cruise past and then head off to the seals for a look before we head back in to King George Sound.
As we cruise past Discovery Bay, (Whale World) Jason comes to the fly bridge and as he sits down I say to him that there are two whales over towards a ship that is at anchor. We think they are travelling towards Goode Beach and we talk about cutting them off at the pass.
"Best laid plans of mice and men are bound to go astray"
We head to mid way along Goode Beach after we have explained to our passengers some of the history of the old whaling station. But we don't see the whales blow again. We are running late so we dont worry too much, cutting between Mistaken Island we still cant spot the whales and now the talk is about the may be them being a cow and calf as the second blow was very small and they are very quiet. I guess we will never know.
There they are, WOW they seam quiet for whales that were slapping their tails on the surface not 10 minutes ago. The 2 humpback whales are small and just cruising toward Bald Head just metres off the coast. We follow at times having to stop and wait as the whales are in no rush.
We follow until the whales head out past Bald Head, We are now out in the Southern Ocean and yes we have a bit of swell out here.
We see blows east so head that way to find 2 whales taking several breaths and then diving.
Ok more blows several hundred metres away towards Breaksea Island, so off we go.
We find 4 Humpbacks spending time on the surface at times lurching out of the water. We follow as these whales head west towards Bald Head. The whales are ahead of us and we stop before we head off to check out the seals. Jason who is scanning the area lets every one know we have now 2 whales heading up behind us.
We watch them cruise past and then head off to the seals for a look before we head back in to King George Sound.
As we cruise past Discovery Bay, (Whale World) Jason comes to the fly bridge and as he sits down I say to him that there are two whales over towards a ship that is at anchor. We think they are travelling towards Goode Beach and we talk about cutting them off at the pass.
"Best laid plans of mice and men are bound to go astray"
We head to mid way along Goode Beach after we have explained to our passengers some of the history of the old whaling station. But we don't see the whales blow again. We are running late so we dont worry too much, cutting between Mistaken Island we still cant spot the whales and now the talk is about the may be them being a cow and calf as the second blow was very small and they are very quiet. I guess we will never know.
Monday, 21 July 2014
Over 10 Whales For Cruise
Strong winds were forecast for Albany this morning but when I arrive at the boat we have very little wind.
We head out and talk to Bernie, who tells us that all the whales are out on the line.
It takes us about 35 minutes to get to where we pick up the first blows. But we see it a couple of times and then its gone. We see blows off towards Breaksea Island and there may be 4-5 whales in this pod so we head in that direction.
As we get closer the pod has broken up. We find 4-5 heading towards Bald Head, 2 whales heading west to Albany, 2 whales several hundred metres north and 3 whales heading south west.
We follow the larger pod as they are charging around with no real direction.
I have the Go-pro mounted on the fly bridge and now recording.
(I am still to go through the footage and see what we captured)
We follow these whales as they slowly head towards Bald Head with many changes in direction.
Now we have one of the other pods join in and the whales become even more active, with whales coming half out of the water or stopping and arching their backs and then diving.
The pod starts to move now faster in any direction. At one point the pod is about 3oo metres from a pod of 3 and there is an all-mighty splash and all the whales have dived. Now foot prints start to appear in the direction of the pod of 3. The whales are charging in that direction just under the surface of the water and when the 2 pods connect the splashes erupt again. It would be amazing to see what happens under the surface at these times. We are now not far from the seals at Bald Head and its about time to head home. We have been watching whales now for about 90 minutes and we all have some photos and video to check to see if we captured any thing we can share with all our friends.
We head home and the wind has increased as forecast wonder what we will have tomorrow.
We head out and talk to Bernie, who tells us that all the whales are out on the line.
It takes us about 35 minutes to get to where we pick up the first blows. But we see it a couple of times and then its gone. We see blows off towards Breaksea Island and there may be 4-5 whales in this pod so we head in that direction.
As we get closer the pod has broken up. We find 4-5 heading towards Bald Head, 2 whales heading west to Albany, 2 whales several hundred metres north and 3 whales heading south west.
We follow the larger pod as they are charging around with no real direction.
I have the Go-pro mounted on the fly bridge and now recording.
(I am still to go through the footage and see what we captured)
We follow these whales as they slowly head towards Bald Head with many changes in direction.
Now we have one of the other pods join in and the whales become even more active, with whales coming half out of the water or stopping and arching their backs and then diving.
The pod starts to move now faster in any direction. At one point the pod is about 3oo metres from a pod of 3 and there is an all-mighty splash and all the whales have dived. Now foot prints start to appear in the direction of the pod of 3. The whales are charging in that direction just under the surface of the water and when the 2 pods connect the splashes erupt again. It would be amazing to see what happens under the surface at these times. We are now not far from the seals at Bald Head and its about time to head home. We have been watching whales now for about 90 minutes and we all have some photos and video to check to see if we captured any thing we can share with all our friends.
We head home and the wind has increased as forecast wonder what we will have tomorrow.
Sunday, 20 July 2014
How Many Whales Today?
Sunday saw a magic day.
Why would you live any where else?
School holidays coming to an end so its not too busy.
We head out towards Bald Head and as we pass Seal Rock while deep in conversation with passengers, blows are spotted off towards Michaelmas Island, about 1km away. We head over and cant find the whales. Ok where did they go.
There they are back there from where we came. What how could they travel so fast. We head back towards Goode Beach. We get close to the foot print and what would you know blows are seen close to where we just left. Ok so we have several whales that are not moving far, but are 700 metres apart.
If they don't want to be watched lets find some that do.
We are now heading east again I spot several blows towards the islands. It look like 4 or 5 whales and they are staying on the surface so we should get a good look. We get closer and now we have several pods. 4-5 here, 3 over there, 2 heading that way and 2 more 200 metres away. Which one's do we follow?
That decision is made easy as the larger pod and breaking the surface constantly. We follow at idle at times having to stop as the whales cut across our bow and then turn and head back in the general direction of Limestone Head.
As we follow these whales ahead we see 600 metres ahead 2 more whales heading west. Our pod slows and change direction and swim around behind the pair that are heading west. They now are close to the land and cruising along the rocks. The other whale watching vessel is very close to the rocks and travelling into King George Sound. The whales dive and go under their boat and continue on their way. We turn and cruise the coast back to the Marina. The wind is light, the sea is flat calm, the sky is blue what a great day for a winters day.
Why would you live any where else?
School holidays coming to an end so its not too busy.
We head out towards Bald Head and as we pass Seal Rock while deep in conversation with passengers, blows are spotted off towards Michaelmas Island, about 1km away. We head over and cant find the whales. Ok where did they go.
There they are back there from where we came. What how could they travel so fast. We head back towards Goode Beach. We get close to the foot print and what would you know blows are seen close to where we just left. Ok so we have several whales that are not moving far, but are 700 metres apart.
If they don't want to be watched lets find some that do.
We are now heading east again I spot several blows towards the islands. It look like 4 or 5 whales and they are staying on the surface so we should get a good look. We get closer and now we have several pods. 4-5 here, 3 over there, 2 heading that way and 2 more 200 metres away. Which one's do we follow?
That decision is made easy as the larger pod and breaking the surface constantly. We follow at idle at times having to stop as the whales cut across our bow and then turn and head back in the general direction of Limestone Head.
As we follow these whales ahead we see 600 metres ahead 2 more whales heading west. Our pod slows and change direction and swim around behind the pair that are heading west. They now are close to the land and cruising along the rocks. The other whale watching vessel is very close to the rocks and travelling into King George Sound. The whales dive and go under their boat and continue on their way. We turn and cruise the coast back to the Marina. The wind is light, the sea is flat calm, the sky is blue what a great day for a winters day.
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Some Hard Days
Well been a bit slack keeping on top of the updates. Had a couple of hard days because of weather and quiet whales.
But yesterday we were heading out to the line when we spotted breaches. The whale was some distance away from us and heading towards Bald Head. We could see the breaches the whale was putting on a good show. As we got closer the whale went quiet. We were about 500 metres away when a whale watching RIB went past us at speed.
The vessel did not slow and I made comment that he had not seen the whale. I hoped that the whale was not in the path of the vessel and then the whale breached between the RIB and the coast. The RIB then slowed and came to a stop.
After that breach the whale dived and we could not find it for some time. We idle along the coast. We thought it would be travelling around Bald Head and continue in a westerly direction. Not to be.
The whale we spot blows behind us and some distance off the land.
But yesterday we were heading out to the line when we spotted breaches. The whale was some distance away from us and heading towards Bald Head. We could see the breaches the whale was putting on a good show. As we got closer the whale went quiet. We were about 500 metres away when a whale watching RIB went past us at speed.
The vessel did not slow and I made comment that he had not seen the whale. I hoped that the whale was not in the path of the vessel and then the whale breached between the RIB and the coast. The RIB then slowed and came to a stop.
After that breach the whale dived and we could not find it for some time. We idle along the coast. We thought it would be travelling around Bald Head and continue in a westerly direction. Not to be.
The whale we spot blows behind us and some distance off the land.
We spot blows 800 metres SE so head in that direction as they are now
tail slapping. The whales dive and when they surface they are heading
west.
We follow for some time and then pick up 2 more whales in the lee of Bald Head.
We cruise in to check out the seals on our way home. As we re-enter King George Sound we find 2 more whale and follow for a little while as they head towards Seal Rock.
Later we have a party on board and we leave the marina at 3pm. As we idle out just north of the channel we are watching a grain ship head out the channel with the aid of the local tugs. We are listening to the two way and hear Nigel tell the pilot that a whale is just off the starboard bow. I look over to see a whale tail just the other side of the ship and think it may be cutting it just a little fine. Cant stop the ship so the whale would loose that fight. The whale pops up behind us and continues towards Middleton Beach. We follow as the whale goes in to Ellen Cove turns and swims toward Mistaken Island.
We leave them and head over to the ship that is now coming into port with the aid of the tugs and pilot. As the ship enters the channel we head back to Ellen Cove where we crank up the BBQ and Mount Barker Chickens enjoy there party.
We follow for some time and then pick up 2 more whales in the lee of Bald Head.
We cruise in to check out the seals on our way home. As we re-enter King George Sound we find 2 more whale and follow for a little while as they head towards Seal Rock.
Later we have a party on board and we leave the marina at 3pm. As we idle out just north of the channel we are watching a grain ship head out the channel with the aid of the local tugs. We are listening to the two way and hear Nigel tell the pilot that a whale is just off the starboard bow. I look over to see a whale tail just the other side of the ship and think it may be cutting it just a little fine. Cant stop the ship so the whale would loose that fight. The whale pops up behind us and continues towards Middleton Beach. We follow as the whale goes in to Ellen Cove turns and swims toward Mistaken Island.
We leave them and head over to the ship that is now coming into port with the aid of the tugs and pilot. As the ship enters the channel we head back to Ellen Cove where we crank up the BBQ and Mount Barker Chickens enjoy there party.
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Double Breach
Well Folks as promised thanks to Peter Woods and Sally Woods here are the pictures of the double breach, we enjoyed on Sunday afternoon.
Check out the west tomorrow too, as Di Sinclair-Thomas Photography, May make the front page with her pictures from Sunday.
Monday, 14 July 2014
Synchronised Breaches
Well folks what a day we had yesterday.
Firstly finding 6 humpbacks in King George Sound on our morning cruise. With 55 people on board and still heaps of room for people to get a good view as the whales cruise in pairs.
Then in the afternoon cruising out deeper to firstly find a large Southern Right whale cruising west outside King George Sound. I suspect it may have been a cow looking for some space to have a baby.
Several Humpbacks were also seen cruising past. We dropped in to the seals and then as we entered the sound breaches were seen over towards Breaksea Island. We made full noise and it did not take long before we were in the area. We find 2 humpbacks and at one time we witness synchronised breaches from both whales. Of course my camera was down stairs and I didn't get it out but, several people on board did get some great shots.
Well done Di :)
And I have just received a call from Sally to arrange to pick up some pictures of the double breach.
Leaving the whales and heading home we find 2 Southern Rights. They are 1 km inside the Sound so we will be looking for these guys along Middleton Beach or over towards Gull rock over the next few days.
No Cruising today because of strong winds. We hope they are gone tomorrow but the forecast is not the best.
Firstly finding 6 humpbacks in King George Sound on our morning cruise. With 55 people on board and still heaps of room for people to get a good view as the whales cruise in pairs.
Then in the afternoon cruising out deeper to firstly find a large Southern Right whale cruising west outside King George Sound. I suspect it may have been a cow looking for some space to have a baby.
Several Humpbacks were also seen cruising past. We dropped in to the seals and then as we entered the sound breaches were seen over towards Breaksea Island. We made full noise and it did not take long before we were in the area. We find 2 humpbacks and at one time we witness synchronised breaches from both whales. Of course my camera was down stairs and I didn't get it out but, several people on board did get some great shots.
Well done Di :)
And I have just received a call from Sally to arrange to pick up some pictures of the double breach.
Leaving the whales and heading home we find 2 Southern Rights. They are 1 km inside the Sound so we will be looking for these guys along Middleton Beach or over towards Gull rock over the next few days.
No Cruising today because of strong winds. We hope they are gone tomorrow but the forecast is not the best.
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Whales Breaching
With strong winds from Sunday to Tuesday then a tour Wednesday and
Thursday strong winds Friday and the chance to cruise Saturday.
We have not got into the swing these school holidays. And the weather is not finished by the look at Mondays forecast.
We head out this morning and there is a bit of yesterdays swell still running. The wind is from the north east and not to strong but to keep things comfortable I head towards Michaelmas Island. We find several pods of dolphins by the time we have reached the Islands and had a look at the Seals.
We think we have seen a blow towards the east of Breaksea but think that we will be better suited to head to the southern side of the island to catch the whale as it heads towards Bald Head.
As we round the western end of the island, Bernie calls us up to say a whale has shown its self over towards Seal Rock. Knowing conditions are better in the sound we head in that direction.
We find 4 humpbacks heading towards the twin sisters. They are starting to become a bit active and at times we see them half out of the water. We follow as they turn and head towards Limestone Head. As we follow the pod, a pod of bottle nose dolphins joins them. This creates more mayhem with the whales as they charge around.
We follow until they reach Limestone Head and then head home. As we cross the sound we spot blows over to the north some thing to look for when we head back out for an afternoon cruise.
We arrive back in time for Jason and I to get a bit of lunch before we head out again with some more keen sailors. We keep a look out for the whales we spotted when we were on our way but don't see any thing until we are close to Limestone Head. We find a small quiet whale. Then we spot more blows out deeper. We spend some time going from one pair of whales to the next, then looking around to find more whales close by.
Problem being the whales were not staying on the surface very long and having 50 metre deep water to play in, it can make our job hard.
That is until whales start breaching around us. Ok now which ones do we go too. Whales are breaching in front of us and when they stop they lay on the surface and slap their pectoral fins on the surface of the water.
Now we have them breaching behind us too. And we are caught half way between. We find several more whales in total about 15 for the afternoon cruise.
We have not got into the swing these school holidays. And the weather is not finished by the look at Mondays forecast.
We head out this morning and there is a bit of yesterdays swell still running. The wind is from the north east and not to strong but to keep things comfortable I head towards Michaelmas Island. We find several pods of dolphins by the time we have reached the Islands and had a look at the Seals.
We think we have seen a blow towards the east of Breaksea but think that we will be better suited to head to the southern side of the island to catch the whale as it heads towards Bald Head.
As we round the western end of the island, Bernie calls us up to say a whale has shown its self over towards Seal Rock. Knowing conditions are better in the sound we head in that direction.
We find 4 humpbacks heading towards the twin sisters. They are starting to become a bit active and at times we see them half out of the water. We follow as they turn and head towards Limestone Head. As we follow the pod, a pod of bottle nose dolphins joins them. This creates more mayhem with the whales as they charge around.
We follow until they reach Limestone Head and then head home. As we cross the sound we spot blows over to the north some thing to look for when we head back out for an afternoon cruise.
We arrive back in time for Jason and I to get a bit of lunch before we head out again with some more keen sailors. We keep a look out for the whales we spotted when we were on our way but don't see any thing until we are close to Limestone Head. We find a small quiet whale. Then we spot more blows out deeper. We spend some time going from one pair of whales to the next, then looking around to find more whales close by.
Problem being the whales were not staying on the surface very long and having 50 metre deep water to play in, it can make our job hard.
That is until whales start breaching around us. Ok now which ones do we go too. Whales are breaching in front of us and when they stop they lay on the surface and slap their pectoral fins on the surface of the water.
Now we have them breaching behind us too. And we are caught half way between. We find several more whales in total about 15 for the afternoon cruise.
Friday, 4 July 2014
How Cold is Today?
How cold is it this morning?
We have a good crowd on and the sky is clear and as yet the winds have not picked up.
I have seen several whales from Marine Drive and when I talk to Bernie he tells me a couple of whales are between "The Perth" and Seal Rock heading east.
I increase revs as I know the wind is forecast to increase and these whales are on their way. Bernie also says there was a whale heading towards Goode Beach.
We have a good crowd on and the sky is clear and as yet the winds have not picked up.
I have seen several whales from Marine Drive and when I talk to Bernie he tells me a couple of whales are between "The Perth" and Seal Rock heading east.
I increase revs as I know the wind is forecast to increase and these whales are on their way. Bernie also says there was a whale heading towards Goode Beach.
We find the whales close to Limestone Head, they are about 500 metres
away I reduce revs and head in the general area they have lifted their
tails and dived. We cruise for a while at idle and then I see the whales
just off our bow heading up to the surface to take a breath. I take the
boat out of gear and the whales swim past our bow. Take two breaths and
dive again.
We follow but these whales are spending a lot of time travelling deep and we have spotted several blows deeper.
In all we see about 4 different pods of whales travelling on the line.
The first pod we find has 6 whales in it and they are spending time on the surface as they travel. Some good tail shots are captured but it can be harder than first thought to capture that great shot. Some people standing with me on the fly bridge have decided to just store it in "the memory bank"
These whales head off around Bald head and there are several pods behind us.
We go into the seal cove to check out some New Zealand Fur seals.
We leave the seals and as we do the whales that we first saw are cruising past us. We watch them go and head to a pod coming from Breaksea Island. There are 2 in this pod. These whales dive so we head to the next pod. its a single whale heading out of King George Sound towards Breaksea.
The winds are picking up so I head into the Sound and we find a very small humpback with no particular place to go, we follow for some time but he is hard to track.
Its now 1135hours so we head for the marina.
Most have headed down stars to the warm cabin but Ill continue to drive from the fly bridge as it gives better visibility.
But its still Very cold:)
We follow but these whales are spending a lot of time travelling deep and we have spotted several blows deeper.
In all we see about 4 different pods of whales travelling on the line.
The first pod we find has 6 whales in it and they are spending time on the surface as they travel. Some good tail shots are captured but it can be harder than first thought to capture that great shot. Some people standing with me on the fly bridge have decided to just store it in "the memory bank"
These whales head off around Bald head and there are several pods behind us.
We go into the seal cove to check out some New Zealand Fur seals.
We leave the seals and as we do the whales that we first saw are cruising past us. We watch them go and head to a pod coming from Breaksea Island. There are 2 in this pod. These whales dive so we head to the next pod. its a single whale heading out of King George Sound towards Breaksea.
The winds are picking up so I head into the Sound and we find a very small humpback with no particular place to go, we follow for some time but he is hard to track.
Its now 1135hours so we head for the marina.
Most have headed down stars to the warm cabin but Ill continue to drive from the fly bridge as it gives better visibility.
But its still Very cold:)
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Get The Go-Pro Out
We are joined by some brave souls knowing that we were going to be
picking up 35 Dardanup primary school children from Camp Quaranup.
We leave Princess Royal Harbour and Bernie is on the radio saying that 2 whales east of Mistaken Island and heading towards Goode Beach and 2 whales had already gone in that direction and they must be close to the beach as he had not seen them for a while.
We find 2 large humpbacks and tag along with screams of joy and surprise from lots of the year sevens. Conditions are very calm quite a surprise after yesterdays Gail Warning. We spot the whales over close to Water Bay Cove and as the whales we are with turn and head towards Seal Rock we go to check the others and find a young whale with a heap of Bottlenose dolphins swimming near by.
We follow as they cruise past Whale World. We sit off Flat Rock and watch as the whales heads between the rock and shore. The whale turns and heads out towards us. I ask Jason to turn off the motors and the whale swims past us. Then turns and swims back to the boat. Standing on the fly bridge it is easy to watch the whale swim around the boat. The kids are going from one side to the other, bow to stern and back to the bow . Spy hoping and laying along side us at times.
"Oh I love it when a plan comes together."
Jason suggests I break out the gopro so I head down stairs to set it up on a boat hook. Now I am asking those upstairs where the whale is. It seems he is swimming to the bow and then heading off a hundred metres and then turning and coming back to the bow. I don't get any video.
Mental note to self " Get Go-Pro set up every day before we leave the marina and start to use as soon as the whale comes close to the boat"
We leave Princess Royal Harbour and Bernie is on the radio saying that 2 whales east of Mistaken Island and heading towards Goode Beach and 2 whales had already gone in that direction and they must be close to the beach as he had not seen them for a while.
We find 2 large humpbacks and tag along with screams of joy and surprise from lots of the year sevens. Conditions are very calm quite a surprise after yesterdays Gail Warning. We spot the whales over close to Water Bay Cove and as the whales we are with turn and head towards Seal Rock we go to check the others and find a young whale with a heap of Bottlenose dolphins swimming near by.
We follow as they cruise past Whale World. We sit off Flat Rock and watch as the whales heads between the rock and shore. The whale turns and heads out towards us. I ask Jason to turn off the motors and the whale swims past us. Then turns and swims back to the boat. Standing on the fly bridge it is easy to watch the whale swim around the boat. The kids are going from one side to the other, bow to stern and back to the bow . Spy hoping and laying along side us at times.
"Oh I love it when a plan comes together."
Jason suggests I break out the gopro so I head down stairs to set it up on a boat hook. Now I am asking those upstairs where the whale is. It seems he is swimming to the bow and then heading off a hundred metres and then turning and coming back to the bow. I don't get any video.
Mental note to self " Get Go-Pro set up every day before we leave the marina and start to use as soon as the whale comes close to the boat"
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Diving Today
Well No whale watching today as we have St Mary's School down from Perth for 2 days diving.
We head out to the HMAS Perth for 2 dives and after the girls have finished their first dive as I am walking around the boat I look up to see blows North North East of us over 1 km away.
The girls do a second dive and on our way home I keep a lookout and find 2 Humpbacks in the channel to Princess Royal Harbour.
We head out to the HMAS Perth for 2 dives and after the girls have finished their first dive as I am walking around the boat I look up to see blows North North East of us over 1 km away.
The girls do a second dive and on our way home I keep a lookout and find 2 Humpbacks in the channel to Princess Royal Harbour.
Saturday, 28 June 2014
2 Hours with The Whales
After 2 days of strong winds the fans were turned down today,
allowing us to head out towards Limestone Head I spot a some white water
over towards Goode Beach, some 600 metres away. I don't see it again,
but ask Jason who has joined me on the fly bridge with a coffee to keep a
look out in that direction as we continue on.
"BREACH" is the cry from Jason and with out looking I start turning in the direction of Goode Beach.
Bernie calls over the radio asking what we have seen as the breach was very close to the beach and out of Bernie's field of view.
We arrive to find 2 humpbacks heading out from the beach now. We loose them for a while and then foot prints appear just astern of us. The whales have swum under us and pop up on our port side and are heading into the mussel lease.
The other whale watching vessel has heard our radio conversation with Bernie and is now in the area too, although they have no idea where the whales are. They leave but we follow the whales around the Twin Sisters and towards Outer Brambles. The whales head towards Marine Drive and now the car parks are filling and people are out of their cars as the whales get to Whale Head Rock and pass 2 snorkellers. They head into Ellen Cove turn and then head towards Gull Rock.
We leave them after spending 2 hours slowly cruising with them, getting back to the marina after 1215 hours.
Ok we have only seen 2 whales but they were cruising and not in the 5 metre swell that is running outside King George Sound, We have missed the rain and at times whales have been very close to us.
Over all a pretty good day.
"BREACH" is the cry from Jason and with out looking I start turning in the direction of Goode Beach.
Bernie calls over the radio asking what we have seen as the breach was very close to the beach and out of Bernie's field of view.
We arrive to find 2 humpbacks heading out from the beach now. We loose them for a while and then foot prints appear just astern of us. The whales have swum under us and pop up on our port side and are heading into the mussel lease.
The other whale watching vessel has heard our radio conversation with Bernie and is now in the area too, although they have no idea where the whales are. They leave but we follow the whales around the Twin Sisters and towards Outer Brambles. The whales head towards Marine Drive and now the car parks are filling and people are out of their cars as the whales get to Whale Head Rock and pass 2 snorkellers. They head into Ellen Cove turn and then head towards Gull Rock.
We leave them after spending 2 hours slowly cruising with them, getting back to the marina after 1215 hours.
Ok we have only seen 2 whales but they were cruising and not in the 5 metre swell that is running outside King George Sound, We have missed the rain and at times whales have been very close to us.
Over all a pretty good day.
Tuesday, 24 June 2014
Sheltered whales
We
leave Princess Royal Harbour and Bernie tells me that 2 whales are out
by the ship at anchor. We head in that direction and find the whales
heading towards Michaelmas Island slowly. They are joined by 10 to 15
Bottle nose dolphins. Chasing them as they do giving some good photos.
With the help of Dora and Boots, steering the boat, a couple of soft K9 toys that are along for the ride. We follow enjoying morning tea as we are in King George Sound and sheltered from the 4.5 metre swell that has been forecast out side.
The whales are cruising towards Herald Reef. We leave them and cruise the northern side of Michaelmas, spotting a breach further east.
We find 2 humpbacks heading towards the eastern end of Breaksea Island and 3 whales back between the islands about level with the light house.
Then as they head around the east end of the island, we head back to shelter between the islands. More whales north east of Breaksea and then when we head back towards home we find 2 more humpbacks heading between the island.
Home by 1230 and the kids are giving me high fives for finding whales and letting the dogs have a drive.
With the help of Dora and Boots, steering the boat, a couple of soft K9 toys that are along for the ride. We follow enjoying morning tea as we are in King George Sound and sheltered from the 4.5 metre swell that has been forecast out side.
The whales are cruising towards Herald Reef. We leave them and cruise the northern side of Michaelmas, spotting a breach further east.
We find 2 humpbacks heading towards the eastern end of Breaksea Island and 3 whales back between the islands about level with the light house.
Then as they head around the east end of the island, we head back to shelter between the islands. More whales north east of Breaksea and then when we head back towards home we find 2 more humpbacks heading between the island.
Home by 1230 and the kids are giving me high fives for finding whales and letting the dogs have a drive.
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