Whale watching in the fog is obviously much more challenging than on a clear, sunny day as we can’t really rely on our eye sight to watch for the blows or splashes in the distance. Instead, we use our sense of hearing – and sometimes smell if we catch a whiff of whale breath. With that said, some of my best trips have been in the fog and I never let it deter me from an offshore adventure.
Today’s morning trip was one of the coolest trips I’ve been on. We left the harbor in very thick fog which never let up throughout our travels to the feeding grounds. As we were cruising along, one of the deckhands aboard the Hurricane II saw a flukeprint at the surface which indicated that a whale was nearby. Our captain slowed the boat down and we drifted quietly as we listened for the loud exhale from whatever species of whale was in the area. It actually reminded me of playing Marco Polo in the water when I was younger.
Eventually we could hear the blows from not one, but at least two different individuals! Everyone on the boat was doing their part to listen and point in the direction of what they heard. Finally, everyone’s hard work paid off and we got eyes on a large Fin Whale and while watching that individual, a Humpback Whale also popped up nearby!
She was quickly identified as Owl. We did our best to keep tabs on both whales and managed to get some incredible looks at both of them. Owl treated us to some spectacular surface feeding and one of the Fin Whales (if there was more than one) surprised us all by popping up just feet from the bow of the boat which made everyone scream in excitement!
This is my 24th season on the water and there was something about this trip that’ll stick with me for a very, very long time. Just watching how everyone on the boat came together to listen and point out where the sounds came from to find the whales was really awesome. Then the loud cheers and yells of excitement when we finally laid eyes on the whales! It was just a really special experience!
Photographed 7/6/24 aboard the Hurricane II with Cape Ann Whale Watch out of Gloucester, MA.
-Mandy
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