I was in California for a wedding, and we decided to make a trip of it and stay for a few days. I was adamant about going whale watching because I have been obsessed with whales since I was a kid and it is blue whale season, and I was determined to see one.

When we got to the boat, via Newport Coastal Adventure, they had mentioned that they had reported sightings in the area, but the previous two watches that day had only seen Humpbacks and Minke whales. I used to work on a whale watch boat out of Boston, MA so I have already seen my fair share of Humpbacks and Minkes. I was in a new ocean, and determined to see a new species, especially the largest animal on earth! We had to go pretty far out of Newport, I think about 18 miles south if I recall, in order to get to the last known location.

After hanging out for a bit, we saw a spout ahead of us. Sure enough, it was a big beautiful Nlue whale! Amazingly, it had been going down on about 10 minute long dives previously, and had not shown it’s fluke according to other area whale watch boats. However, once we came upon her (a female named Kinko) she logged just under the surface for us for about 10 minutes before taking a deep dive….where she showed us her fluke. It was incredible. What made the trip even more special was that our trip was the first time she had been spotted in the area since 2015! I think it was meant to be! A once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.

-Ashley