Aloha,

We had a great day on the water on Thursday with the Humpbacks. On our 8:00 Breakfast with the Whales, Captain Baker reports that everyone saw 7 pods of whales, 8 breaches and 6 tail lobs. When we deployed our hydrophone, we were astounded by the clarity of the sounds we heard. But the most exciting thing that happened on that trip was when Mom, Baby and Escort decided to check out our boat. Baby swam within about 20 feet from the boat! On our 10:00 Whale Watch we saw 10 different whales and 5 breaches. We encountered a competitive pod of 4 adults and watched them lunge with their bodies and heads. We also saw 8 pectoral slaps, and 4 double pectoral slaps (that’s when the whale is lying on his or her back and hitting the surface of the water with both of his pectoral fins alternately). Our hydrophone broadcast some beautiful sounds to everyone on this boat too.

Join Ocean Sports on a Whale Watch you’ll never forget. Call 886-6666 ext 103 or visit www.hawaiioceansports.com to reserve your adventure today.

Humpback Whale Fact of the Day:  Humpback whales have 52-54 vertebrae, of which 42 are articulating (jointed) and 10 are fused forming the sacrum. Humans usually have 33 vertebrae, of which 24  are articulating and 9 fused forming our sacrums.

Have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be sending out the next whale report on Monday.

Mahalo,

Captain Claire