Despite the chilly temperatures those who sailed with us this month were able to experience some fantastic tours. June, July and August really are great months to come whale watching. The sperm whales we have feeding in the area tend to feed closer inshore and also it is the annual migration run for the humpback whales who have to pass right by our door step as they head north for winter!
We had two of our residents sighted during June; Manu (Birdy) and Tutu. We would expect to see them both here this time of the year being frequent visitors during our winter months.
There was plenty of humpback activity this month, as mentioned earlier this is the time of the year that we often get to see them on our tours as they pass through. Passengers who sailed with us on the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 21st and 27th all got to see these majestic creatures on their voyage north.
Passengers on the 4th & 8th of June were also in for a great treat as they were fortunate enough to see Orca on their tour. It is not that common to see Orca at this time of the year, it is more common to see them between the months of Nov-Mar.
On the dolphin front there were two species sighted on our tours: dusky dolphins and hectors dolphins. Dusky dolphin numbers ranged between 100 to 400 individuals which is a truly amazing sight.
Winter time is an amazing time to see marine birds off our coastline as well, with many different species being seen such as: wandering & royal albatross, various species of mollymawks, cape petrels, northern giant petrels & flesh footed shearwaters just to name a few.
If you are planning on visiting us sometime soon be sure to let us know if you have any questions at all. Also if you have visited us recently and have some great photos or comments you want to share please visit our facebook page, we would love to hear your feedback.
Hope you are all keeping warm.
Lisa Bond
Captain @ Whale Watch Kaikoura
