Posted on: Saturday, January 20, 2007
Humpbacks are back
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Now’s the time to book a cruise offshore to see ocean leviathans.
Associated Press library photo
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WHALE-WATCHING TIPS AND ADVICE
Dress appropriately. Wear sunscreen, secure hats and garments suitable for breezy on-the-water conditions. Keep cameras ready. With unpredictable whale activity, keep your finger at the ready to snap at a moment's notice. Prepare for flukes. Whales can round out or arch their backs dramatically; this signals a deeper dive to come and a chance to photograph flukes (the tail). Look for other marine life. In addition to the humpbacks, spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, flying fish, green sea turtles and various species of sea birds are commonly spotted. Think safety first. The vessel may turn or a large wave may cause it to roll or pitch, so behave accordingly.Source: Atlantic Navatek Cruises.
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Photo courtesy of Paradise Cruise
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THAR SHE BLOWS!
Atlantis Navatek Whale Lunch Cruise Sails at noon, returns at 2:30 p.m. daily, through April 8 The Navatek I departs from Pier 6, Aloha Tower Marketplace $58 adults, $29 children 2-12; $47 and $23 kama'aina; online discounts available 973-1311, www.atlantisadventures.com
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PARADISE CRUISE PREMIERE WHALE WATCH CRUISE
Sails at 11:30 a.m., returns at 2 p.m. daily, through April 30 The Star of Honolulu departs from Pier 8, Aloha Tower Marketplace $33 adults, $20 children ages 3-11 without meal; $49 adults, $29 children with buffet; $26.40 and $16 without meal, $39.20 and $23.20 with meal for kama'aina and military 983-7827, www.starofhonolulu.com
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Hawai'i's biggest visitors — 40-ton humpback whales that migrate from the seas off Alaska — are here and ready for their photo ops.
Two options await those eager to spot the mammals frolicking off O'ahu:
Atlantis Adventures outings aboard the Navatek 1 continue through April 8.
Paradise Cruise tours aboard the Star of Honolulu are available through April 30.
"Once you see a whale, it's something you really never forget," said Ken Kessler, general manager of Atlantis' Navatek Cruises. "The sight of these majestic mammals is inspiring, especially when they breach or do a chin slap. They're storied — to think they swim to Hawai'i from Alaska and back."
"We get a lot of repeat visitors; the tour is so much fun," said Richard Davison, a Paradise captain. "We have an educational program set up, so kids, in particular, don't know they're learning while they're aboard. ... Like true kama'aina, this is where (the whales) calve, where they eat, where they rest. And then they return home."
Reservations are suggested, both operators said. Both tours offer a return visit guarantee, should you see no whales the first time.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
