It was so unexpected.  As we left the harbor today, 26 unsure passengers in rain gear, borrowed ponchos, and even large trash bags with cut out holes for heads and arms huddled out on the bow looking around in earnest for any signs of whales.  We were barely out of the harbor when two bottlenose dolphin greeted us and stayed around for about 10 minutes.  Heading out about five miles we came across a trio of males competing for the above animal pictures, a friendly female.

There were times when we, although delighted by her visits and obvious curiosity, began to wonder if she were really aware of these 3 big males pushing and shoving as they traveled around us.  She approached us three times for a close up look.  The rest of the time she was about 50 feet down next to our port side.  Sometimes she was belly up and sometimes head down, and always she was nearly motionless.  Two of our passengers were honeymooners and they said this trip more than exceeded their expectations of maybe seeing a couple of blows and maybe a tail or two.  Another passenger was fearful when the female approached, wondering if we could get hurt.  We explained that these 'gentle giants' were often curious of people, and have never hurt a human intentionally.  We also shared a wonderful story of an underwater photographer who was gently lifted to the surface by a large male humpback, who had left others to do so and returned to the group of males afterward.

In spite of the on and off again rain, we feel this could possibly be the whale watch of the season!  I never tire of these animals.  Having my heart taken over 20 years ago, I know I will love these animals as long as I live.  After today's marine safari, 26 passengers all heartily agree.

Katie Grove-Velasquez is a marine naturalist, lecturer, writer, and amateur photographer working in the Hawaiian Islands.  She can be reached at:  reefannie@hotmail.com