Maui Snorkeling Trips

Simply The Best Maui Snorkel Information

Archive for the 'Watching' Category

More Than Whales

Author: reefannie, 3 6th, 2010
Kahalawai Mountain

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

Today’s windy journey to see whales was not uneventful.  Whales were abound and in spite of winds more than 25 mph, we had whales come close and mug us.  This adorable calf breached over and over again, while delighted whale lovers tried their best to get the perfect picture.

From our vantage out on the water nearing the Auau channel (translates to bath water), we were able to look up on the ridge above an area known as Olowalu (many peaks).  There, courtesy of mother nature, is a magnificent bird in red rock, suspended on the mountainside for thousands of years, and probably thousands more to come.  According to Hawaiian legend, she is called Halulu and is a very important leader of migratory birds, showing them the way to southern islands, like Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and more.  At the end of the season, she would lead the way back to Hawaii.  Most of the information about this magnificent rock formation has been lost in time, and the best place to get a really good picture is from the water.  There used to be a very well defined head with beak until a strong earthquake in the early 1970s caused it to break off and fall into the valley below.

Are you an avid photographer?  Do you love wildlife and Hawaiian legends?  Come on out with us.  We would love for you to join us on our next whale watch cruise.  We always have room for one or two more!

Shimmer & Shine

Author: reefannie, 3 5th, 2010

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

“What is that?”  The question was being asked by many passengers who were watching the turquoise glow shimmering in the warm tropical sun.  That color was a humpback white pectoral fin reflecting the sun.  We all waited with great anticipation as the animal rose slowly, took air and began to move away, followed very quickly by a scarred up male who seemed to be patiently standing by.

When on a marine safari in Hawaii it is always wise to remain vigilant and keep a watchful eye in the waters surrounding the vessel.  Our comfortable catamaran affords a wide and spacious upper viewing deck making it very easy to walk from side to side and gaze into the beautiful blue water.

It was a ‘mugging’ today.  The whales chose to come over and spend their valuable time with whale lovers old and young.  The amount of animals in the waters surrounding Maui makes it very easy to find whales to spend time with.  But it is the call of the individual that makes a close encounter one that will never be forgotten.  Can hardly wait for tomorrow!

Wind, Waves & Whales

Author: reefannie, 3 1st, 2010

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

Today’s whale watch was very challenging for the boat captain, but the whales never cease to amaze.  Twice mothers with calves approached the boat to check out the curious whale watchers.  Winds were clipping at 30-35 mph, but hardy passengers wearing jackets and secured hats kept cameras in hand as they clung to the railing.  Even though there is a comfortable and spacious cabin, everyone chose to stay on the upper deck of the comfortable and smooth feeling catamaran in hopes of getting a glimpse of these majestic and popular marine mammals.

Humpback migration season is in full swing with mom/calf groups seeming to dominate the waters around Maui.  Playful calves frolic and learn while sub adults and adult singles mingle in the waters around all islands hoping to mate before having to head back up to northern waters around Canada, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands in search of the fish they love.

Tomorrow we will board and head back out in search of the ‘friendlies’.  Cameras ready, caps off, those memory cards will quickly fill up and so will our hearts.

Dream, Point and Shoot!

Author: reefannie, 2 19th, 2010

breaching calf

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

Every day we hear passengers saying their heartfelt wish is to see whales close up.  For the past 19 days straight we have not been disappointed.  Each day behaviors are logged as are proximity of visits and these animals never cease to amaze.  According to researchers, if this population of North Pacific humpbacks continue to grow, it is very possible they could reach pre-whaling numbers in about 50 years.  A world without whales is simply unthinkable.  It was Jacques Cousteau who said “if we cannot save the whales, how can we save ourselves?”.

We love them.  That is a fact.  People have a fascination of ocean animals, and possibly even more so, animals that are enormous.  Whale watching season in Hawaii is nearly half over.  There are literally hundreds of whales in Hawaiian waters this time of year.  Researchers feel that possibly 4000 animals migrate here.  Coming to Hawaii?  Visiting the islands without going on a whale watch tour should be unthinkable!  See you on board.

Friendly Whales

Author: reefannie, 2 16th, 2010

whale tail, KV, 2.15

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

Some days are just like that.  You start your marine safari with high expectations but when something really amazing happens it takes time to truly digest the gifts that were given.

By gifts, I’m talking about whale visitation.  This is more than a mugging.  This is when whales come over and actually spend time with a vessel and passengers.  Such was the case today.  Twice, with different groups, whales came over and stayed under and around the boat, and each visitation was nearly a half hour.  Startled passengers and crew ran from side-to-side, taking pictures, which was an easy feat today since these animals were in no hurry.

Why would whales approach and hang around like this?  Researchers aren’t really sure.  But when we are allowed precious moments such as these, why doesn’t really matter.  All that matters is that they give us a tremendous gift of their time.

Are you planning on whale watching in Hawaii?  Please do.  Oh, you might want to grab an extra card for the camera.  You may need it!

Maui’s Humpbacks

Author: reefannie, 2 12th, 2010

whale tail, KV

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

People come to Hawaii from all over the world to see the beaches, palm trees, feel the warm sun and relax.  They are on vacation.  Humpback whales come to Hawaii to mate, give birth, and fight.  Okay, the researchers don’t call it fighting, they call it competing, but it amounts to nearly the same thing.  The males body slam, ram, chase each other and are quite physical.  Today’s whale watch offered something different and amazing.

After going offshore about 4 miles we were approached by a mother, her calf, and an escort (male whale).  For nearly a half hour they circled the boat.  When the wind pushed us away from them, they followed and circled over and over again.  Every so often the calf would raise it’s head and look over slightly.  We were wondering, who really watches whom?  In my opinion, we were being handed a gift.  One that many first time whale watchers will never forget, and one that we all know was truly special shared moments between whales and people.

What would cause whales to spend time with humans?  Are they curious?  Do they want to communicate?  These questions are asked over and over by visitors, residents, and researchers.  We really do not know why, but after a day such as we had, none of our passengers really cared.  One visitor, with tears in her eyes, said she will be forever changed by today’s events.  I share her thoughts.

Do they want to spend time with us?  I think so.  This mother whale brought her baby over to a boat and circled constantly for a long time.  The escort was merely following her.  We were privileged to hear their every breath and look down at how very large they are.  We were close enough to see the calf was very silvery and light in color compared to its mother.  The male had many fighting scars on his back and even old entanglement scars on the dorsal fin.

What a special place Maui is.  Wherever your travels take you, coming to Maui during whale season should be top of your list.  Come out with us. We’ll save you a place at the railing!

She’s Mine!

Author: reefannie, 2 5th, 2010

humpback comp

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez

Get out of the way, she’s mine!  That could be what some males say when trying their best to get close to the female and in a better position to mate, should she be interested.  Researchers tell us that many of these males could possibly be feeding buddies in the north, but while in Hawaiian waters, it doesn’t matter.  After all, they have come 3500 miles (some maybe more) to get here to the breeding grounds, and it is breeding that is on their minds.  So, friend or not it doesn’t matter.  Researchers and whale watchers alike know how very violent these competitions can be.  Blood can be drawn, many superficial scratches can be seen all over their bodies and the exhausted ones who give up can be seen moving off to find yet another female to fight for.  The competitive groups can be two males or more than thirty.  It is the females who control these groups, choosing to mate, or not.  Researchers tell us it the biggest animal in the group that most likely will be the winner.  Humpbacks are said to be very promiscuous, the competitive groups are many,  active and very much sought after by boat captains since their behaviors are erratic, unpredictable and possibly spectacular with many above surface behaviors possible.

Whale watching season is in full swing now and there are hundreds of whales in Maui county.  Many visitors choose Maalaea harbor to leave from since it is centrally located and easily accessible, no matter where you are staying or live on the island.  Having an experienced naturalist with many seasons under his or her educational belt is also key.  There is one company on Maui that not only offers a very experienced naturalist, but they also do a wonderful pre-board talk with many props and then offer informative handouts free of charge before you off-load.

Coming to Maui?  Make sure you put whale watching on your to do list.  There is so much to learn from these magnificent animals and their time here is short.  By April most will have left Hawaiian waters for the feeding grounds in the north.  But later this year, maybe as early as late September, it will start all over again.  See you on the water! 

You’ve Been Mugged!

Author: reefannie, 2 1st, 2010

Males approachMugging

Photo Courtesy Katie Velasquez

“You’ve been mugged!” That’s what a naturalist on a whale watch might say when the whales approach a vessel well within the 100 yard approach regulation.  Whale muggings are very special and definitely something the whale lover will never forget.  Since humpback whales breathe at 300 miles per hour, having one exhale close to the boat is an explosive sound that touches people in different ways.

Whale watching is in full swing right now, with peak season several weeks away. Maalaea harbor is centrally located and provides easy access to some of the best whale watching in the world.  Some come from as far as India and Europe to witness these majestic and humbling animals compete for females, travel around the waters looking for a mate, and some whales are tending to their newborn 1 – 2 ton babies.  What a magical place!

If you haven’t planned on it, do consider a trip on the water while visiting Maui! The whales are waiting to capture your heart!

Mamo

Author: reefannie, 1 29th, 2010

mamoIndo Pacific Mamo

Photos Courtesy K. Velasquez

Can you identify the Hawaiian Sergeant Major, or Mamo, as it is called in Hawaiian?  If you were to say the one without the yellow in the pattern, you would be correct.  Stripes are the same, nearly identical, with both species, but the one with yellow on the top is from the Indo-Pacific oceans.  Both fish are very beautiful, curious of humans, and in a balanced reef, prolific.

Snorkeling in Maui waters is always a treat.  Where reefs are healthy, there is much life, colorful corals and sponges to take pictures of and share with family and friends.  Underwater cameras are quite affordable now, and many snorkel companies even offer cameras for sale or rent.  Snorkeling this time of year offers another bonus for visitors and island residents.  Male humpback whales are singing!  Just hold still for a few minutes and you could hear the song of the North Pacific whales who have traveled from as far north as the Bering Sea, for mating and birthing of their young.

Come to Maui and ask about comfortable catamaran vessels, which offer stability and nice open decks and large, spacious cabins for your snorkeling needs.  Some offer fresh water showers and wonderful crews who will take care of your every need.  Maalaea Harbor is the best place to leave from for those who would like to say they snorkeled a ‘tuff cone’, or vent for Haleakala, a dormant volcano, which helped form the island.  This time of year will offer whale watching while you are heading to your snorkel spot.  Don’t delay!  The animals are waiting.

spinnersBottlenose

We are often asked about porpoise and dolphins when we are out on the water during one of our marine safaris.  First, we do not have porpoise in Hawaiian waters.  Porpoise have very blunt rostrums, short, triangular dorsal fins and their teeth are spade shaped.  In the above photos, the triangular-shaped, dark dorsal fin is a spinner dolphin, whose rostrum very long.  They have a black eye-stripe, which flows to the pectoral fin.  Spinners grow 6 or 7 feet and weigh up to 170 pounds, according to research.  They usually rest during the day and feed in the evening hours.  Spinner dolphins can occur in groupings of hundreds, or even in the thousands, and those fortunate enough to come across them will be delighted by their leaping out of the water on their axis, sometimes jumping up to 10 or more times.   

In the other picture, the sickle shaped dorsal fin is that of the bottlenose dolphin.  Their rostrum is much shorter than the spinner dolphin’s.  They can reach a length of 10-14 feet, according to National Geographic, weigh over 1,000 pounds and have been observed leaping out of the water up to 16 feet high, landing on their backs.  They can live up to 50 years.  Bottlenose are usually seen in groups of 10 or less.  In Maui County, we have 137 bottlenose, according to Dr. Robin Baird, who tells us this population have cut themselves off from those of the Big Island and O’ahu.  Researchers tell us they can make up to 1,000 clicks per second, using echolocation, which both species of dolphins do.  Bottlenose are diurnal feeders and are frequently seen traveling with humpback whales.  Sometimes they are seen on top of a whale, apparently playing, but researchers are not sure.  In a past posting, we have a link to a video you can enjoy, if you haven’t seen it already.  Both species have conical shaped teeth.

So, there you have it!  The differences between the two species are distinct, but both are beautiful and really fun to find on any excursion.  As with any marine mammal, while in Hawaii it is illegal to approach to swim with, or interact for any reason.  Just remember to give them their due space and they will give you amazing memories.