28-Aug to 5-Sep-10

We are having the best whale season that we have had in the 13 years that I have been doing this. We have counted up to 30 Southern Right whales in the western area of King George Sound. Today we counted 3 cows and calves, one of which has been attacked by a shark. The first week it was here he was very quiet and did not move far from his mum. Now though he breaches often leaving mum some 400 meters behind and then breach as he headed back to her. The other day he got too far away so mum after getting no response to tail slaps, she went and fetched him and then went over to the shore at Ellen Cove. He stayed for a little while and then left again breaching towards the channel markers. Mum then slapped her pectrol fin on the surface of the water and got the same action in response from the little one. Is this the way they communicate ? I do not know but it sure looked like it.

27-Aug-10

am

Up to 23 whales have been counted in the western end of King George Sound. Today we had several just several hundred meters from our berth. We then headed towards the channel to find 8 whales rolling around in their mating rituals. We move around during our cruise and of-course are some distance from the channel watching a pod of 3 when we get the call from Bernie when the whales start breaching in the channel. When we are a good distance from the whales we were watching we use all of our 720 hp and get to 20 knots to cover the ground quickly. And we are rewarded with a whale breaching very close to us and then spending time swimming around us. 

26-Aug-10

am

10 whales inside Princess Royal Harbour. The whales have been very quiet over the past week. Dose it have any thing to do with the sick humpback that is stranded on a bank in the harbour. We find the cow and calf just off Middleton Beach and i get some good pics of the calves tail that has been attacked by something may be a large shark.

23/25-Aug-10

am

Whales in Princess Royal Harbour and just off Marine Drive. They seem to be a little quiet this week.

22-Aug-10

am

Southerly winds and scattered showers today. We head out and find 2 whales north of Mistaken island but they are very quiet so we head towards Ledge Point. We find 1 pod with 3 whales then head towards Gull Rock Beach. We find 5 southern rights close to the beach. We head towards Middleton Beach on our way home we spot a whale breaching off Marine Drive. We get their just as it stopped but decide to stay around for a while and are rewarded with more breaches. Most passengers get pictures that they are very pleased with.

21-Aug-10

pm

We head out with winds strength increasing and showers. Whales scatterd along Middleton Beach. We count about 12 whales for the afternoon, some are in the fresh water coming from Oyster Harbour. One whale even heading into Oyster Harbour.

21-Aug-10

am

We find 2 whales at the channel entrance but head past them and continue to Basket Bay, we find a pod of 5 whales and stick with them until one comes over and swims with us. 

20-Aug-10

am

We head out of Princess Royal Harbour and see 4 humpbacks charging in towards us. We follow them for some time and then find some southern rights to watch. We end up at Basket Bay. As we are watching several whales we spot 2 whales start to breach. We go over and get some great pictures. Then we spot a whale from where we had just come from. We get close and when this whale finishes breaching he swims to the boat and stays with us for 45 minutes. We arrive back at the jetty at 1pm, a little late but who's complaining:)

19-Aug-10

am

Light winds and calm waters greet us today. Bernie thinks their is about 19 whales between Mistaken Island and Gull Rock, we head out and find 7 just off Middleton Beach. We have a couple come close. We spot more so head off to confirm numbers. We find several over towards Skippy Reef.

13/18-Aug-10

am

Whales have been seen every day I am just a little behind in updates sorry.

12-Aug-10

am

11-Aug-10

am

Although 2 humpbacks were seen early at the outer channel markers and a couple of southern right were seen just before the humpbacks arrived. When we left Princess Royal Harbour even with the help of Bernie the only whales spotted were traveling fast from Seal Rock to Bald Head. We had heard from Andrew Halsell yesterday that several southern right whales incluiding a mother and calf had been seen at Nanarup. So that's where we headed. We firstly came upon a single adult. It became swam up to us as soon as we turned the motors off and drifted down wind. One of our 4 year old passengers commented that the whales breath was smelly. Some thing I can't argue with. When the whale gave up trying to keep up with us because of the strong winds, we headed over to several other whales. We then noticed that the whale closest was not alone, a little calf was seen. We spent some time trying to get some good pictures of the new born. As we followed it slowly to the east we found another lone adult as the cow and calf turned west and swam back along the beach. I have seen mother and calf do very large anti clockwise laps off Middleton Beach at times. I am sure that this is mother getting bub ready for it long journey home towards Antarctica.

10-Aug-10

am

We do not have to go far today. 2 southern right whales found about 200 meters apart as we head out of Princess Royal Harbour. They are very quiet so we head around to find a couple more whales half way along Middleton Beach. We find 4 whales 2 just behind the surf  at Griffith St and 2 more about 1 km east of them. We spent a lot of time with the couple in shore as they were rolling around and I thought were just on the verge of putting on a show for those on-board. About the time I was thinking of heading back to the jetty we had a unexpected visit from 1 of the whales we had seen earlier. Swimming up to us and do a couple of laps on its way to the whales we had been watching. We stayed around for a little while to see if the new boy was going to move in with out any resistance even though we would arrive back at the jetty around 12.30. We witnessed a bit of push and shove but then had to return to the jetty.

9-Aug-10

am

With showers forecast we head out into King George Sound. No whales close  so we head over towards Frenchman Bay to follow up a lead. We round the Twin Sisters and I immediately see several blows over towards the Water Bay Cove. We find 3 large Humpbacks an stay with them as they pass Whale world. and continue towards Bald Head. At times putting on a massive display of the power contained in their tails. We leave them and head back to Seal Rock where we find 2 Southern Rights. We stay with them and they get a little curious. We head home as a heavy shower moves in.

8-Aug-10

am

Word came through from a mate who works on board of one of Albany's tugs that whales were in the channel entrance as a ship was brought in first thing this morning. Describing the actions of one whale as if it was pushing its mate out of the way of the approaching ship and tug.We found 2 humpbacks as they made their way from over towards the Cheynes II. We then traveled between 3 pods of 2 southern rights whales before we found a couple that were interested in coming close to say hello.

7-Aug-10

pm

Went back out this afternoon to find just 6 southern rights in two pods of 3. This of course makes for an entertaining afternoon in-between the showers. It seams that one whale with a small white mark on his belly enjoys our company. He (I use that with some license, might be a girl), spent a lot of time swimming around the boat and then breaching as it headed away, then up to 200 meters away would turn and return to the side of the boat. With a rain shower coming over we head towards Middleton Beach only to find the friendly whale swimming up behind us as we idle away.

7-Aug-10

am

We know there are southern rights off Middleton Beach but Bernie tells me that there are several humpbacks out past the safe water marker. We find 3 pairs some distance from each other. We follow each pod until they head towards Bald Head. We then go find the southern rights and enjoy them at times breathing over all the passengers who are standing on the aft deck. Breaches top off the morning and we all get some pictures we can be proud of. We think we found all the southern right in the area and the count got to 9 for the morning.

6-Aug-10

am

Southern rights off Middleton Beach. several pods numbering from 2 to 4 whales in each pod. We had a whale swim with us for 45 min. We left the genset on today and it made no differance to the whale spending time with us. Over all we count 13 whales.

5-Aug-10

am

Bernie tells me that whales are in Princess Royal Harbour and along Middleton Beach. We find the first pod and turn off the motors. we have a whale swim up to us and I switch off the genset. So we have to wait for coffees. Well it took a while 90 minutes before the whale decides to leave. Oh well. I did not hear any complaints.

4-Aug-10

am

 7am today 10 southern rights were all around the jetty at Middleton Beach according to Bernie. We find them scattered from Gull Rock to the channel entrance. We get to 13 whales today. But Bernie tells me he counted 17. Some were further out that we went. Its pointless to leave a whale that is swimming around the boat to go find another one.

3-Aug-10

am

No cruise today but several Southern Right Whales off Marine Drive

2-Aug-10

am

We find the southern rights just off Marine Drive and Middleton Beach. While watching a pod of 3 a passenger yells breach. I turn to see what looks like a humpback breaching over towards Gull Rock. We head out towards them but only find another pod of 3 southern rights. In all we count 13 whales in total.

1-Aug-10

pm

Back out again this afternoon. We find the whales have not moved far. And although it is now a little overcast passengers enjoy the close up interaction of a pair of southern rights

1-Aug-10

am

With the sun shining and no wind its a great day to go whale watching. We find southern right whales off Marine Drive and Middleton Beach. Bernie said that at 7.00am there were 10 whales very very close to the jetty in Ellen Cove. With their minds on mating we hardly raise any interest from all the whales today. 15 Southern right whales for the morning.

31-July-10

pm

The whales have not moved far. I did not see 19 this afternoon, but we really did not look too far.

31-July-10

am

We find several pods of southern right whales off Marine Drive. The first one we come upon decides to spend over 90 minutes laying along side us. We have turned off the engines and also the genset is off so morning tea will be a little late. More pods scattered from Gull Rock to Mistaken Island. Over 19 southern right whales in the area.

30-July-10

am

I drive to the apex look out on the way to the boat every day and today I find Bernie sitting in his car. Bernie spots whales for us but has been in Perth having some medical treatment over the past month. Good to see him back and looking so fit and healthy.Bernie says that he tried to call me yesterday but got no reply. He said that he saw blows close to the safe water marker. We spot several pods of southern right whales. When we cruise we find 11 whales in total. 1 southern right along side the land back wharf, 1 SR heading that way, 2 humpbacks inside princess royal Harbour, 1 SR just west of Point King and the rest spread along Middleton Beach.Because its the first time we have seen these whales it will take a little while for them to get used to our company. And of course its mating season, so they have other things on their minds.

29-July-10

am

Strong winds but we head out towards Bald head but staying close to the coast to keep things calm. Out to Bald Head and back through the middle of the Sound. No whales seen.

28-July-10

am

We head out towards Bald Head and find several Humpbacks.

27-July-10

am

Today the "Desert Hawks" a aboriginal football team from east of Kalgoorlie have joined us. We find seals, dolphins and a couple of humpbacks. When I asked the guys what is the word in their tongue for whale, after a bit of discussion in their tongue between several of the guys the reply they tell me that they do not have a word for whale. Not surprising since one of the guys had never seen the the ocean before. Just amazing!!

26-July-10

am

Overcast conditions greet us today as we head out towards the Islands. On board we have some of the "Desert Hawks" a group of aboriginal footballers from outer regions of Kalgoorlie. Some of the guys had never seen the ocean before. So when we found the whales you can imagine the excitement on-board. 2 Humpbacks NE of Breaksea Island and we follow on their travels towards Bald Head. We also see several whales further to the east and 1 Southern right very close to Breaksea Island.

25-July-10

pm

We head towards Bald Head and see several blows further east. We head to them and then turn to tag along. We follow to the cove at Bald Head, several more blows so we go to investigate it turns out to be 6 or 7 whales at times swimming around the boat. Calm conditions allow us follow them around Bald Head, at times while we are dead in the water the whales circle around us, it seams that they are chasing each other. They charge off and with in a couple of minutes we are joined by several more whales acting the same. We head east and see several more pods of whales heading our way, we investigate and the total number counted this afternoon  exceeds 15 whales.

25-July-10

am

A beautiful day and as we travel towards the SE corner of Breaksea Island we see the blow we were looking for. As we get close I see a new calf traveling close to mum. :)We travel along side so everyone has a chance to get a couple of photos. Then we spot 2 whales smashing their tails onto the surface with huge splashes visible from some distance. As we get closer the first of many breaches, they slowly head to Bald Head and as they do, 1 whale breaches so many times I lost count but I did take 200 photos. Now I just have to find the time to go through them all and delete the bad ones. At one stage another whale joins the pair, and this causes more action by the group. A tip folks make sure your camera shutter is set to rapid shot then you can delete the ones that do not make the grade.

24-July-10

pm

Quiet this afternoon just a couple of whales out deep and traveling towards Bald Head.

24-July-10

am

Just off Mistaken Island we find 2 humpbacks we follow them for our entire cruise as they come close to the channel entrance, we leave them as the swim past whale world.

23-July-10

am

Beautiful calm conditions so we head towards Limestone Head. We spot a single blow and head over to investigate. We find a lone humpback whale and it comes to us and swims around us taking time investigate us. We sit and finish our morning tea enjoying a close encounter. With the whale losing interest in us we head south east of Breaksea Island and find several whales heading towards Bald Head. They are pretty quiet until they get with in 800 meters of land and then all of a sudden they become very active. Lurching from the water and at times raising their tails high from the sea surface before they dive. A breach from 1 whale and I saw 2 whales lurch from the surface clashing their heads and then pectoral fins wrapping around each other. With no wind and calm waters we take advantage and at times have 8 to 10 whales charging around the boat unsure at which direction they should be traveling. We head for home as the whales disappear around Bald Head. Common dolphins and even some fairy penguins are seen on our cruise home.

22-July-10

am

Light winds and clear skies a great day to be searching for some whales. We spot 5 southern rights NE of Seal Rock. We turn off the motors and sit there to enjoy a cup of coffee, the sun shine, and 5 whales in the midst of mating. Then we spot several breaches out deep. We slowly move away from the southern rights and then head toward the humpback whales as they continue to breach. Of course if you weigh close to 45 tonnes you cant expect to be able to breach continuously. We find several pods in the area and although they did not breach again the film crew from "Destination Downunder" that were onboard were very very pleased with their results. In total about 9 humpbacks for the day.

21-July-10

am

Reports of humpbacks heading in from the islands proved to be correct:) 4 pairs of whales were followed for some time then we headed out to find more whales deeper. 13 humpback whales in all. 1 pair putting on a good show for those on board with breaching, pectoral fin slaps and tail slaps. Seals, albatross and fairy penguins all topped of the days cruise.

20-July-10

am

7 humpbacks in total. Calm waters, whales swimming around the boat as people enjoy filtered coffee and cream biscuits.

19-July-10

am

Calm conditions greet us today. I receive a call from Whale world to tell me the whales are at Seal Rock. We head out and find 2 humpback whales heading towards the mussel lease north of Mistaken Island. We follow these whales for the cruise at times having the whales come over and investigate the boat. "A bird in the hand is better than a bird in the bush"

18-July-10

am

With showers that were forecast greeting us we leave the jetty and head out in to King George Sound. Just after asking Eve to get morning tea ready for our passengers blows were seen about 800 meters ahead. 2 humpbacks are heading towards the mussel lease on the northern side of Mistaken Island. We stay with them as they cruise through Frenchman Bay and as we pass Limestone Head and just after 1 of the whales has finished slapping its tail on the surface we leave them and head out to check out 2 more blows we have been watching for some time. 2 more humpbacks can be added to the tally. We head over to have a look at some seals and then head for home. As we leave another huge splash as a tail smashes to the surface. we stop to see if it will continue but nothing so we head off.

17-July-10

pm

Heavy rain makes visibility, a little hard but after the sighting we had this morning we are confident that we will be successful. We travel to Bald Head and then head towards Break-sea Island. We spot a couple of blows and have a very hard time finding them again, partly because of the rain and also the sea conditions. We head back towards Bald head and find 2 humpbacks in shelter of the coast. After watching for a while we are rewarded with a breach. Only 1 but well worth the time according to all passengers onboard.

17-July-10

am

1 whale spotted but we can not confirm species. Is it another fin whale? We have pics so we hope that Calm can confirm this. We leave it and then find 2 humpbacks we follow for a while until we see whales close to the coast, we head over to find a humpback cow and calf. The calf was rolling around on the surface and at times came close to us. Passengers were in . Then the first humpbacks we saw arrived and the cow and calf bolted very quickly. As we make our way to where they stop we now see more blows. we go to investigate. Its a Southern Right whale now slapping its tail on the surface. More blows are seen east. 5 big humpbacks cruise past. We head off still talking about the friendly calf when passengers yell that their is a breach behind us. Another great day!!

Doug Coghran from CALM has said from the pictures that I forwarded to him, he believes this whale was a minke. 

16-July-10

am

A friend working on the refurbishment of the houses on Break-sea Island and he tells me that several whales are heading between the islands. We meet 2 humpbacks half way across KGS charging towards the coast. We see more a little deeper we head out and are met by 6 humpbacks in pairs travelling head to tail about 40 meters apart. But charging along at 10 knots. We enjoy these whales as they join up split up and join up again.

15-July-10

pm

After the mornings sightings you would think that they would be easy to find this afternoon. We head out towards the Islands and chat to a friend who is working on Break-sea Island. Whales had been seen north east of the island so we head in that direction. With no whales seen we head over towards Nanarup to check if any Southern rights have come in over the past few days. No so we enjoying a coffee and cake and we see a breach out deep, we head back towards Break-sea, thinking that we will meet the whales as they get to the eastern end of the island. We arrive but have not see any blows so far, as we give up and start to head home, yells ring out and as I look around, 2 humpbacks break the surface. We follow them for about 45 minutes and then head home with happy passengers.

15-July-10

am

We head towards Limestone Head to head off the whales we had been told about by a local fishing vessel. Just as coffee arrives at the fly-bridge helm, whales are seen east of us. As we approach we notice that these whales are bigger than the whales we have been seeing lately. Then we note the dorsal fin being larger. At first I think that we are watching 2 blue whales!! Blue whales glide to the surface unlike humpbacks arching their backs as the break the surface. Blue whales are very hard to get a handle on what direction they are travelling, so we leave them to find some humpbacks. Between the Islands we find them 10 all up. Some by them self others in a pod of 4 with 2 more chasing them down at times, the sound of digital cameras shooting at up to 8 fps can be heard and I make the comment that its good town a good digital camera because we could not afford to take so many pictures using film.

Further to the above about blue whales, when I got home I question what whales we did see. After hitting the books I change my mind and think we might have seen 2 fin whales, the first fin whales I have ever seen in 14 years of  operating a whale watching business. To confirm this I am seeking pictures from passengers to send to CALM to confirm this sighting. Doug Coghran confirmed pictures we got from a passenger were infact pics of a fin whale. Many thanks to Sam Kampf a passenger whom forwarded the pics.

14-July-10

pm

Heading towards Limestone Head we spot 2 humpbacks and after close inspection we realise that they are 2 whales we were watching on this mornings cruise. We travel with them to Bald Head.

14-July-10

am

Heading across King George Sound we spot several blows and as we approach the split into 2 pods. 3 whales continue towards Middleton Beach and 2 head towards Mistaken Island. We follow the latter and by the end of our cruise we leave the whales going past Whale world. As we travel towards Mistaken Island we spot the other pod travelling past the eastern end and moving slowly towards whale world.

13-July-10

am

3 Humpbacks seen early in Princess Royal Harbour. We find them heading towards the islands and out past the safe water marker.

12-July-10

am

No cruise today. Gail force winds!!

11-July-10

am

Strong W/NW winds once again. Although we were able to cruise to the norther side of the sound and along Nanarup beach to Black Rock. No whale seen within this area. Breaching whales were seen on the line between Bald Head and Break-sea Island, but with very strong winds and not wishing to turn my passengers off ever cruising on a boat again we chose not to go and investigate.

10-July-10

am

Strong NW winds once again. No whales seen today. We travelled down to Nanarup then out to Michaelmas Island, Break-sea Island seal colony and then to Frenchman Bay, along Goode Beach and then back to the jetty.  Passengers tickets were dated and signed so that they can return free of charge to try again.

9-July-10

am

Leaving Princess Royal Harbour, we spot a couple of blows and join 3 humpbacks as they cruise past Mistaken Island and we leave them just off Whale-world.

8-July-10

am

Strong NW winds forecast for today so we head to Nanarup to find 1 humpback as we cruise past Benderge beach. Then a southern right over to-wards the pool at Nanarup. We stick with it for some time then return to the humpback we saw first. It gets a little curious and comes and swims with us as we drift with the wind. Then its time to head off and we spot 2 more humpbacks over near Michaelmas Island. They are travelling with 30 odd common dolphins. They play for some time as we watch for a while.

7-July-10

am

Once again we head toward the "Humpback Highway" and find several pods about 14 whales in total. On the way home across King George Sound we spot a young humpback messing around. We stop for a while although we are running late. Worth it though we were greeted with several breaches. Topping of a good day!!!!

6-July-10

am

We head towards Bald Head. Whales have been spotted on the line so it dose not take long to find them. All up we get to between 12 to 14 humpbacks in pods from2 whales to 4 or 5. It gets a little hard at times because you are never quite sure if you have counted the last whale first.

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