Experience Nature’s Giants Up Close On A Whale Watching Tour!
The ocean is home to some of the most colossal creatures on our planet… among these creatures are over 90 species of whales. Observing these magnificent giants in their natural habitat can evoke a mix of emotions. Today’s blog post is about the world of whale watching– a way to foster connection with nature. Let’s start by discussing the magnificence and significance of whales.
Whales: Interesting Facts
There is something special about these majestic creatures that has amazed humans since time immemorial. You would be surprised to know that the ancestors of the whales that roam today’s oceans were terrestrial mammals. They underwent a lot of transformations over millions of years and evolved to adapt to an aquatic lifestyle. Whales belong to the order Cetacea– which is further divided into two suborders namely Mysticeti or baleen whales and Odontceti or toothed whales. Baleen whales like humpback whales essentially filter feeders that feed on small marine organisms such as tiny phytoplanktons and zooplanktons. Whereas, toothed whales feed on fish and squid.
If you are opting for a whale watching tour, you are presenting yourself with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these enormous creatures up close. You can use the occasion to gain a unique perspective on their behavior and ecology.
Tips to Choose the Right Whale Watching Tour
Selecting the right tour operator is the key to enjoying a safe, memorable, and ethical whale watching adventure. It is therefore important that you pay special attention when choosing your tour operator. Listed below are a few things that you should keep in mind while doing so.
Location & seasonality
When it comes to whale watching- location and timing matters the most. Whales are migratory creatures- renowned for undertaking long migrations- covering thousands of miles each year. Humpback whales, for example, migrate to polar waters during the summer months to feed extensively and build up their fat reserves. As winter arrives, they travel to the warmer waters of the equator to breed and raise their calves. If you want to watch humpback whales in their natural habitats during the winter months, you should choose one of the Hawaiian Islands- Maui in particular.
Reputation
Choose a tour operator following thorough research on its past track records. Find out what its past customers have to say about its service by visiting sites such as Yelp, Google Business, Tripadvisor, and other reputed review sites. While reading the reviews, take note of important stuffs such as the condition of the vessel and the staff’s behavior toward the tour participants. Hiring a well-regarded tour operator can make your whale watching experience memorable. So, do everything you can to find out a tour operator whom you can trust.
Sustainability practices
Whale watching is a great way to have fun… no one is arguing this but it should be done responsibly. The tour operator should adhere to the rules and regulations put forth by the government and wildlife conservation authorities. Not just the tour operators… participants should also educate themselves about whale conservation efforts before embarking on a whale watching adventure. It is important to note that participants planning to swim with these majestic creatures should adhere to ethical practices for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Here’s What to Expect During the Tour
Safety briefing
As soon as you step on the vessel, you will be encouraged to attain a mandatory safety briefing. At the briefing you will be taught guidelines of whale watching, including things that you should refrain from doing during your stay on the vessel. The briefing might also shed light on whale behavior and other similar subjects.
The whale’s natural habitat
The best part of opting for a whale-watching tour is that you get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe whales in their natural habitat, where they raise their calves. There is nothing more rewarding than encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Book Your Whale Watching Cruise At Kona Ocean Adventures
If you are in Kona, Hawaii, and looking 
for a whale watching cruise, look no further. Contact Kona Ocean Adventures to watch these enormous creatures in their natural habitat. Humpback whales migrate to Kona during the winter months to breed and nurse their young- the perfect opportunity to experience the wonder of humpback whales in their native environment. Visit our website or call us at (808) 930-9861 to book your slot.