Today’s whale-watching trip was one of the most thrilling experiences of our seventh and best season ever at Jersey Shore Whale Watch.
The afternoon sun was blazing as we set sail from Belmar Beach, NJ. Despite the heat, the ocean breeze offered a refreshing escape as we headed east and then north, eagerly anticipating the sightings of majestic humpback whales. The Jersey Girl was filled with excited passengers, both young and old, all eager to witness the wonders of marine life up close.
Our journey soon rewarded us with a remarkable encounter. As we approached a promising area, we spotted our first humpback whale. This magnificent creature was swimming gracefully, diving, and occasionally showing its tail.
It performed subsurface lunges, indicating its presence by surfacing beyond a bait ball. The sight of fish leaping in an attempt to evade the whale was a vivid reminder of the ocean’s vibrant ecosystem.
The whale showcased its unpredictability by surfacing right next to the left side of the bow, giving us a front-row view of its rostrum, blowholes, dorsal fin, and tail.
Passengers captured incredible photos without the need for zoom, as the whale was so close. The sound of its powerful exhalations was mesmerizing, leaving us all in awe of its presence.
After spending time with this incredible whale, we continued our journey northward, searching for more. Although we couldn’t find another whale in that direction, our persistence paid off as we discovered another humpback off the coast of Asbury Park. This particular whale has been a frequent visitor this summer and is known for its unique behavior.
Unlike the first whale, this one rarely showed its tail but delighted us by raising a flipper, revealing part of its underside. It was a subtle yet fascinating glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures. The excitement on board was palpable, with children and adults alike sharing in the joy of these extraordinary sightings.
-Bill
Photos by Alec
This post was adapted from a blog, read the original here.
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