Whale Watching - 5 Things You Should Know
Whale watching is the biggest show on earth. With the ocean as
their stage, the spellbinding and entertaining whales put on
daily star performances for the whale watch cruises visiting
their feeding grounds. In this article you’ll discover how to
get the most out of your trip.
Picture this... a warm summer afternoon on a boat in a gentle
rolling ocean. A cooling breeze softly massages your face where
you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away... the
sound of the boat’s engine begins to fade and finally stops.
The boat, like you, is drifting over the waves and following
the breeze. It’s very peaceful and calm and after a stressful
week at work you finally feel in harmony with the world.
Then something explodes... out of the water... and only a few
feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback... the length of a large
house... it breaches... and in another second is gone. And
you’re left in disbelief and wonder. And it’s just the start of
your whale watching!
While whales are scattered throughout the world there’s only a
handful of accessible locations to view them in their natural
environment. The coastal waters of New England and the west
coast of North America are prime locations for whale watching.
Hawaii and South Africa are also superb locations to spot
whales, as are the ocean waters around New Zealand. So if a
vacation or trip takes you to any of these areas make sure you
book a cruise and take in the biggest show on earth.
Here’s five things to remember to ensure you have an enjoyable
whale watch.
PLAN YOUR WHALE WATCHING TRIP
It may seem obvious but book in advance for your trip to avoid
long lines or even disappointment. Usually at least one week
before the trip is recommended. Whale watching cruises can last
anywhere from 3 hours to 41/2 hours, and the length depends on
how long it takes to find the whales. If you’re easily bored
staring at the open ocean then take along a novel or your iPod,
or something to entertain young children if they’re part of your
group. While most boats are equipped with a place to buy food
and drink they don’t usually mind you taking your own pack
lunch or snacks to keep the costs down.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCH CRUISE
I’ve two criteria when I choose a whale watch cruise company.
How long have they been in business and does it have whale
experts on staff? You can usually uncover this information by
checking out their web site or calling them.
Most whale watch boats use sophisticated sonar and
communications equipment to find the whales, but as I’m not an
expert in equipment I look to see if a company has a history of
organizing whale watch trips. Good experience is usually a sign
they’re doing something right and a safe bet. I also like to
see at least one scientist or naturalist on the crew narrating
the tour, as having a knowledgeable authority provides a better
understanding of what you’re seeing.
CHECK FOR A WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE
It happens occasionally you don’t get to see a whale. These
mammals are unpredictable, and while the captain will make
every effort to uncover their location, some days they’re
nowhere to be found. So make sure you book on a cruise that
offers a guarantee sighting or you get to cruise again for
free. Offering a guarantee is another good sign of a confident
and experienced whale watch company.
WHALE WATCHING IS DONE ON THE OPEN OCEAN.
Experienced whale watch cruise companies do not go out in rough
seas, but the whale feeding grounds are normally miles from land
in the open ocean. Even at the height of summer the open sea can
still be choppy, and so if you suffer with motion sickness then
take something about an hour before you board the cruise.
QUICK CHECK OF WHALE WATCHING EQUIPMENT.
Recommended things to bring on your whale watch are a camera
and plenty of film or memory cards. Take or borrow a pair of
binoculars, as whales many times surface yards from the boat,
and having binoculars will provide close up views other
passengers just won’t get.
As for clothing, wear sneakers or something rubber-soled for
good traction on a wet and slippery deck. And take sunscreen,
sunglasses, and if it’s got a tie strap - a hat. Because of the
breeze on open water take a sweatshirt just in case of
temperature drop, especially for a late afternoon trip. The
boats will go out in the rain, so if you’ve got a poncho pack
it as well. I put most of my whale watch necessities in a small
fanny pack.
Whales are mesmerizing mammals that’ve traveled thousands of
miles to feed in their playground coastal waters. They don’t
stay for long so go ahead and book your whale watch adventure
and prepare for the biggest show on earth.