A Day to Remember
Exiting the harbour our hopes for the day on the open seas were high.
The ocean swell relaxing us into a lull, the opposite of what was to become a remarkable day.
As the wind picked up and the swell grew, our excitement heightened, anticipating the diverse array of marine life we would encounter.
Dolphin Delight
Our adventure began with the exhilarating sight of common dolphins as they raced alongside our vessel.
Their sleek bodies slicing through the water as they feasted on a bait ball.
Above them, flesh-footed shearwaters swooped and circled, adding to the vibrant spectacle of nature’s bounty.
Curved Fins Sighted
Soon after, we were treated to not one, but two sightings of long-finned pilot whales.
Among them, we marvelled at the presence of oceanic bottlenose dolphins, their playful antics bringing joy to all aboard.
Watching the tender bond between mother and calf reminded us of the interconnectedness and beauty of life beneath the waves.
A Sight for Sore Eyes
Undeterred by the absence of orca activity at our initial hotspot, we set course westward.
Here our patience was soon rewarded with the majestic sight of a sperm whale.
Recognisable from afar by its distinctive bushy blow, the sperm whale’s presence commanded awe and reverence.
As it gracefully dived into the depths, we caught a glimpse of its massive fluke, a testament to the power and grace of these ocean giants.
Day Light Scavenge
Our journey took an unexpected turn as we stumbled upon a scene of frenzied bird activity surrounding the remains of a squid.
Speculating that it might be a colossal squid—a rare and elusive creature.
We observed this as various seabirds scavenged what was left of the colossal cephalopod.
The mystery and intrigue surrounding this elusive species only added to the magic of the moment.
Blows in the Distance
As the afternoon sun began its descent, our hearts raced with anticipation as blows were sighted in the distance.
Drawing closer, we were greeted by members of the Split Tips pod, their playful antics a testament to the intelligence and social bonds of orcas.
The sight of Blackberry, a massive bull orca, left us in awe of the sheer power and majesty of these apex predators.
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more extraordinary.
A massive male sperm whale surfaced mere meters from our vessel, clutching a chunk of squid in its jaws.
End of Day Dramatic Encounter
What ensued was a dramatic encounter between the sperm whale and the surrounding orcas, as they vied for possession of the prized prey.
Witnessing this epic struggle for survival reminded us of the harsh realities of life in the wild, where every meal is a battle against formidable opponents.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and we reluctantly turned homeward, the memories of today’s encounters lingered in our minds.
In the end, it was a day none of us will soon forget, a reminder of the magic that awaits us on the open seas.
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Where to next? Augusta Whale Watching Tours commence May 25
