So last night at about 6:30pm I was sitting at my desk here working. I looked out the window and saw a whale spouting in the distance. It was amazing. This is very rare because it is late July and the whales are typically long gone by now. I am guessing maybe it is because we’ve had some strange weather. The water temp right now is a very cold 55 degrees. Of course I grabbed my Flip to film it. The first few minutes I tell a story about how I got to work with some sick, beached whales back in the Florida Keys. And at about 3:30 into the clip you can (barely) see the whales spray. It was awesome!!
Posted Jul 29, '10
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Going on a kayak tour is a great way to see them up close, but you can only paddle so far in the kayak so there will be some luck needed to see them. Again, the tours will keep you the legal distance from the whales, but the whales may choose to come up to your kayak and often do!
best chance of seeing whales would be by going out on a whale watching boat. They have spotters in airplanes and communicate with each other with radios, so if there are any whales in the area they will know where they are. They are respectful of the whales and keep their distance, but the whales will often choose to come close to the boat, and thats the best thing in them I like the most.
The most important thing to me is getting as close as possible to some whales and getting good photos, and of course, whichever is the best overall experience.
I have gone on whale watching trips in July several times and have had the pleasure of seeing them every time. (July is the best month to go to have the best chance of seeing some). I highly recommend the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor – fascinating information about each of the resident Orca pods and other whales and marine mammals. I’ve included a link with lots more information that I hope will help you plan a fantastic trip!
Riding the ferry is always a chance to see the whales, but not a huge one. Of all the times I’ve been on the ferry and out in the sound and San Juans on my sailboat, I’ve seen Orcas exactly twice in 15 years. The ferries don’t go where you have the best chances to see the orcas.
Ha’apai in the Kingdom of Tonga. August is one of the best months there with plenty of Humpback Whales around. Ha’apai is still largely undiscovered by tourism, so there are no crowds and your chances for getting in the water with the whales are very good. Lots of guesthouses and beach accommodation at affordable rates around, too.