Whale watchers off Dana Point on Wednesday experienced a thrilling humpback whale performance that lasted nearly two minutes -- and fortunately someone was filming the episode (see below).
Humpback whales can be gregarious and often will approach vessels, but this particular whale repeatedly slapped its tail very close to cheering kids aboard the Dana Pride, which operates from Dana Wharf Whale Watching.
Toward the end of the show it waved for several moments with one of its pectoral fins.
This is an exciting time of season for Southern California whale watchers, even without the occasional humpback showing, as it's when mother gray whales and calves begin to show in large numbers, as the migrate from Baja California to Arctic home waters. That show ought to peak during the next couple of weeks.
Wonderful video, thanks! My wife and I with some friends just returned from Baja, Mexico where we spent a few days in the company of Gray Whales. The whales came up to the boat and even brought their calves to the boat to the point of direct contact! It was an amazing adventure. And you must have the experience of a large whale's eye looking at you from less than three feet away! You can see my initial trailer which you will enjoy http://www.vimeo.com/21141934.
Again, thanks for sharing the video!
Posted by: Jon Soeder | Apr 13, 2011 at 11:22 PM