Maui Snorkeling Trips

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

Photo Courtesy K. Velasquez