11 Jan 2025
We were amazed at the number of people queuing for this cruise which we had booked several months ago . We were unaware that this was the final cruise of the Seasonal migration of Whales to the southern ocean . We were a bit concerned that there would be insufficient seats and also we did not have any great expectations regarding the BBQ lunch . However we boarded with everyone else and we had been worrying over nothing . There was ample seating and the the Lunch was terrific with plenty of delicious food and enough for seconds .
There was a dedicated expert to give us commentary as we cruised through the Harbour as lunch was served .
After lunch service we ventured out into the quite Heavy swell , about 3 mts . Glad we had Lunch inside the Harbour .
We headed south for about an hour with no sign of Whales , however the Skipper received a call from another Boat to say that a Mother & Calf had been spotted near the Heads . We turned and made our way back and we spotted the pair of Whales as they crossed the entrance to the Harbour , occasionally breaching and waving with the huge Flippers . The Calf was especially active as if Mother was encouraging it to perform for us . Suddenly 2 large Males also appeared , so now we had 4 whales in view .
We kept pace with them as they headed south until , sadly , it was time for us to return to the Harbour . As we made our turn the skipper sounded his Horn 3 times and the Whales waved us goodbye with their Flippers , as if they had been trained to do that . What a special Day . We managed to get some good video of the Whales . This will go down as something we will remember .