22 Feb
Humpback Whale Watching In Maui
Posted in Hawaii, Locations, Maui, Nature, Photography, Stock Photo, Wildlife by JimSadly it seems like months ago, but only two weeks ago this was my “office” view. Kayaking off the coast of Maui with numerous Humpback whales in the area was awe inspiring. I have to admit one whale came up right behind my wife and I and scared the hell out of us. The loud exhale of this giant animal can do that when you don’t see them coming.
Pictured below is a whale and her calf diving. Before they disappeared they had been casually hanging out and putting on quite a show for roughly 20 minutes. We were very lucky to see such an extended display of mother/calf interaction and I have to admit I’m hooked. The next time I’m in Maui I’ll be quite eager to whale watch via kayak again.
Humpback Whale Tail and Calf Peduncle Arch - Maui, Hawaii
Technorati Tags: Humpback, whale, tail, calf, peduncle arch, Maui, Hawaii, wildlife, photo, photography, stock, whale watch, kayak
Sherri Meyer
on February 22 2008
Sounds like a great trip Jim!
Another great place to kayak with the whales is in the San Juan Islands, Washington.
Ben
on February 22 2008
This is awsome. I’ve done a lot of ocean kyaking, but that is truely astonishing.
Mark
on February 25 2008
I would be tempted to want to swim with them, being so close in a kayak!
Jim
on February 25 2008
@Sherri Meyer Thanks. It was a lot of fun. I’ve been tot he San Juan Islands once, but would like to return for a longer stay to explore the area. Your comment only cements my need to return.
@Ben This was a truly unique experience. Normally they’re on the go quite a bit. It was nice to see them in such proximity for so long. Amazing creatures.
@Mark Since they’re protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 you’re not allowed to get with in 100 yards of them. Although swimming with them may sound attractive it’s in their best interest to be left alone.