Perth Whale Watch wildlife safari it was today as we observed Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, a male Australian Sea Lion and juvenile Hammerhead Shark during a wildlife filled day in the waters off Perth. It is amazing to see what a full day out on the ocean can provide for viewing wildlife as with three departures scheduled we were in for a busy day of documenting the wild creatures we would find during our exploring. The morning tour was spent with two enormous adult Humpback Whales who were both relaxed and in migration mode as they diverted around a few other pods in the area. The rain settled in for a little while and when the rainy fog surrounds you it always makes for a unique experience while cruising with the whales and with no clear horizon in sight we could have been anywhere. Albatross, Sheawarters, Gannets and Terns were also lovely sightings this morning as they foraged on fish this morning.
The rain cleared towards the end of our time with this pod and our final pod for the morning was a very exciting one, our two Southern Right Whales were back and enjoying their morning! How lovely it was to see them and also to know they are enjoying their time in the region as they will be getting close to their departure date soon so every chance to spend with them we will enjoy. The sun had chased the rain away for our midday tour and amongst the turquoise sea a mother whale surfaced with her previous new bub and both looked very healthy. She gently guided her baby away from the area as she had noticed all the commotion as a competition pod was brewing just ahead. Beautiful pec slapping and an enormous breach set off the high energy as the competition pod rumbled through the sightings grounds and it was such a thrill to be amongst all the energy.
Our afternoon tour began with the company of a tiny yearling Humpback Whale, so small and curious who decided to come over and check us out. It is always lovely to meet these youngsters, last years calves all grown up and taking on the big life ahead of them. The local Rotto Bottlenose Dolphin pod approached the area and came over to say hello, they were excitable and happy to see us as they prepared for the late afternoons foraging ahead of them. A cheeky snout then surfaced just ahead of us a short time later and we smiled to see a male Australian Sea Lion popping up to say g’day before continuing on in search for the evening meal. Energy erupted a short distance away with body lunging as seven adult Humpback Whales gathered and an intense competition pod began to unfold. It was a wonderful day out on the water and the final highlight was a late afternoon greeting on our return to the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour by our local Freo Bottlenose Dolphin pod completing a most perfect day.
