Whale Watching

Radimersky family, waiting to board the boat (to the right)

 Well, I can finally say I've been Whale watching. We actually went about 4 years ago here in Samana but we didn't have such a great experience. We went in a very small boat and I only got a glimpse of a whale so I don't really count that. When it was suggested that we go whale watching again I had the attitude that I could take it or leave it because of our past experience. But Rebekka had done her research and she assured us that we were going with a professional group and it would be different. They even guaranteed that if we didn't see whales that we could go for  free another time. We went with a group that if run by a very nice woman named Kim Baddall. She is extremely knowledgeable about humpback whales and has a wonderful staff of very educated people that she works with. They gave us a lot of information about the activity of the whales and were excellent at spotting them. They would tell us exactly where to look and would position the boat so that we all could see. The humpback whales migrate to the Samana Bay every winter. This is where they mate and then 12 months later when the female returns, this is where she gives birth. We were able to observe a group of whales that consisted of a mother with her newborn calf and then 2 to 3 males that were escorting her.  The males were competing for her attention. The way they would get her attention was by breaching (jumping out of the water) Which was awesome to see. The baby whale was very active, breaching frequently, at times with it's mouth open. It really was a wonderful morning and we got to see some special things.

 Our camera was not working very well and didn't get many pictures. Richard took a lot of pictures so we're hoping to get some good ones from him. But this one is one of the large whales beginning to breach, the female is in front and you can see a little of her tale out of the water. The male actually came almost completely out of the water, it was an awesome sight.

Many people get sick while out on the boat and this tour provided dramamine tablets for any who wanted them. We did take them before we started but unfortunately both Lorraina and Lucas became a bit sick and an older brother in our group got sick, Doug & I did ok though.

Playita (little beach)

The tour began at 9:30 a.m. and returned at noon. Doug & I decided to drive to a beach we had heard about and chilled out there for the rest of the afternoon.



So, it was a lovely day, back to the preaching work tomorrow!