We encounter our first whales about three-quarters of an hour after leaving the dock. There is much excitement on board as we spot our first water spout, which looks like a small cloud of mist above the water. The captain tells us this phenomenon can also be heard if conditions are right. Seconds later we see the whale, emerging from the deep. There is another spout not too far from the first and another of these giants comes into view.
Cameras click as yet another emerges from the sea.
Each of these encounters is as exciting as the last, until one of these curious creatures pops up right beside the ship. His huge head is encrusted with barnacles and we can see one bright eye peering up at us. He is beautiful, with an aura of calm about him. As I stare at this marvelous creature, I am yet again amazed at the bounty of Mother Nature. The whale stays close by for what seems like minutes, but is probably only seconds.