Marghe and Marty Basiszta Website / Homepage / Back

September 3, 2001, whale watching in Hervey Bay

We went Whale watching on September 3, 2001. This was the one year anniversary of Marty's Dad's passing, and we felt this ocean tour would also be a time to remember him. Winston did so love the ocean, fishing and all things water.

Hervey Bay is about 135 Kilometers (about 90 miles) south of Coral Cove. It is a comfortable hour and a half drive to get there. We went to see the whales in the bay, September being the peak season for seeing mother Humpback whales with their calves. At least one male accompanies each baby for protection. The land you see in all the pictures is Fraser Island.
To view all 55 uploaded pictures, we have put them on a new service since GatherRound is closing up shop.
We lunched at the Hervey Bay Marina Lunch was at the marina. A panorama of our lunch spot is available with a "Click" at our album on GatherRound.com. Click photo #6. On the trip itself, 26 miles at sea, we saw Humpbacks, up close and personal. Let me just splash them a bit!
Three adult Humpbacks actually approached our boat and went completely underneath us, checking out we passengers and our powerboat (with all engines shut down, of course). I asked Captain Brian how he managed that, and he said, "Ah mate, it'd be the pictures on the bottom of the boat."
A male with an even larger one trailing approach our boat Large male prepares to pass under the bow Followed by another male guarding two calves In the left and last picture, check out the eye in the lower left corner, looking up at the bow of the boat!
We saw and heard lots of broaching and spouts being blown. It was also very wonderful to hear the very deep trumpeting noises the whales make as they porpoise along the top of the ocean.
Big blow and a large snort to boot! They also seem to like to roll on either of their sides and 'sneak a peek' at the strange people on top of the water.
Big wave with a long pectoral fin
On his back showing both pectoral fins This picture on the left is quite remarkable: the whale is on its back showing both pectoral fins! The picture to the right, and the one right above it, shows how the whales seemed to wave to us.
Seeing them dive and raise their magnificent tails is a wonderful sight at first. But then you learn that this gesture is saying "Bye for now", as it means the animal is taking a deep dive and will not been seen again for a long time.
And the top of the tail to you, too And then the magnificent creature is gone.
Soooooo, you look for another single whale, or better yet, another pod! It was a wonderful trip.
[email protected]
Marghe and Marty Basiszta Life JournalBasiszta Homepage
Last modified September 4, 2001
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1