Find out if you’re the type of person to go whale watching in our definitive guide on what to expect and what not to expect.
Ready for a ‘whale’ of a time? OK, I apologise – but the pun was just begging to be said!
WHAT IS WHALE WATCHING?
You go out on a boat along the coast of Australia, then find and ogle a bemused whale making its annual migration to warmer waters. Think David Attenborough wildlife documentary, but without the close-ups and underwater cameras.
THE PROS
- Speeding across the Pacific Ocean, the wind in your hair, salty spray on your face.
- Feeling smug when your sharp eyes (if you do say so yourself) spot a whale on the horizon before anyone else.
- Keeping pace with cheeky dolphins surfing in the wake of a humpback whale – sometimes you may even be lucky enough to see the elusive sea turtle.
- Having a beer, tea, coffee, or other beverage of choice and watching the sunset – on a boat!
Enjoying the sunset whilst on a whale watching cruise
THE CONS
- Whale watching involves another ‘w’ word… waiting. Waiting to find a whale, waiting for the whale to resurface, waiting for the whale to breach (see below). Just lots of waiting.
- It’s cold! Dress like you’re going to Antarctica, and then some.
- Humpback whales rarely frolic around your boat like friendly puppies. Or ‘breach’: majestically fling themselves out of the water in a perfect photo opportunity.
- After a whale is seen at “3 o’clock”, expect to get trampled by your fellow passengers running to the part of the boat in question.
A ‘breaching’ whale
A ‘surfacing’ whale
TIPS
- Make sure you’re prepared to combat seasickness – there’s nothing worse.
- Keep your eyes peeled – on the ocean, not the small screen of your camera. Otherwise you’ll find yourself getting so intent on getting a brag-worthy picture, that you may miss seeing these majestic creatures with your own eyes (true story!).
Have you been whale watching or are eager to go? Share your thoughts in a comment below!
