What types of whales will I see?
Almost 90% of the whales seen in past seasons have been Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) the next most common are the Southern Right whales ( Eubalaena australis) others much harder to find are Minki, Sperm and Blue whales (normally only seen once a season).
How close will we get?
Legally all vessels (except for research vessels) can approach to within 100 metres of a whale. At times a whale will come closer to the boat, but if they do, they rarely touch the boat or come close enough for someone to reach out and touch them.
What about motion sickness, will it be rough?
We are in the ocean, but the bigger the boat, the less you feel it, that's why we have a choice of cruises (from large to small) so you can choose the most comfortable experience possible. If you are still concerned, we recommend you seek out a preventative remedy that works for you and eat lightly before embarking.
What will the experience be like & what will the whales do?
Because the humpbacks are in their own environment every viewing is different and that adds to the expectation of the cruise. Some days we observe the whales as they continue their travels along the coast, on other occasions we find them resting and often we observe them either jumping, breaching, tail slapping or pectoral fin slapping.
What to look for when Whale Watching?
Blow: The 2-3 metre cloud of vapour above the waterline.
Breach: The 45 tonne body rears out of the water with just a few beats of the tail.
Pectoral Fin Slap:One / both flippers are raised slapping the water.
Fluke Up Dive: The large tail is lifted to show the underside or flukes as it "rounds out" to dive.
Dorsal "Round Out": The back of the whale bends into the classic hump posture as the whale surfaces.
Tail Slap: The whale forcefully slaps the tail in a horizontal or sideways movement.
What are the chances of seeing whales?
Our level of experience will ensure you have the best possibility of sightings. On average the chance of sightings has increased over the last few years as the whale numbers increase. The success rate is about 95%.
We are happy to answer any more questions or queries you may have – please send us an online enquiry or call us today on 02 8296 7266.