4.3.22
30 mile.
The calm sea led us to a spot further than far far away. We ventured through the hotspot and with a sperm whale interaction under our belt, we continued on through.
Out in no mans land, now 30 nautical mile from shore and enjoying the sunshine beaming down on us. We spied a distinctly orca-like blow on one of our usual search patterns. The blow went again, and again, then all of a sudden 6 consecutive blows.
They were orca alright.
Once we got a bit closer we could identify Banjo. A tall adult male. He was with his family pod who we haven’t seen since this time last year!!
We stayed with them all afternoon, as they slowed swam through the blue silky milk like conditions.
One sub-adult became rather intrigued by us and on each surface would bee-line back to our vessel for closer inspection. Delighting passengers and crew alike. It’s always a treat to see orca in calm conditions.
On our way back up the shelf we encountered another sperm whale. This time it was HUGE! Big blows and a thick round back. This sperm whale put on the most perfect interaction.
It breathed at the surface, logging and replenishing its oxygen stores. We sat for a few long minutes at an idle then one slight arch of its back indicated it was about to dive. A second much larger back arch and its tail raised sky high and then slunk back below!
What a way to end our 90 nautical mile expedition around the Bremer Sub-Basin and adjacent areas.
