Saturday, January 15, 2011

1-14 Sunset Whale Watching Cruise

The Pacific Whale Foundation is very big here. They run all sorts of eco-friendly cruises, whale watching, dining, snorkeling and  dolphin excursions.  They are an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales, dolphins, coral reefs and the ocean environment.  We’ve read a lot about them, and they get extremely good reviews from just about everyone.

So, in our research, when we found their sunset cruise – with drinks, snacks and Reggae music – well – we were sold!  We made our reservations online and then also joined the Organization as a member.  What the heck – it’s a great cause and we get extra discounts.  That’s a no brainer.

Tonight’s sunset whale watching cruise is packed.  Literally sold out. And there are tons of locals – which made us feel even better about our choice.  And I’m feeling EXTREMELY happy because the water is flat calm – the guides are even commenting about how odd it is – Ma’alaea harbor is one of the windiest harbors in the world, and tonight – flat calm.  YAY!  No Dramamine for me tonight!!!

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The cruise is great!  I don’t have any seasickness issues (always a huge bonus), the music is fantastic – it’s Reggae, but he’s playing all sorts of different songs, like Walking in Memphis – great rendition – never heard it in Reggae before! As well as all the typical stand bys. Really fun. Beer and wine flowed. Food was great – artichoke dip, rolls, crackers, pork BBQ, meatballs and veggies and dip. That’s dinner!

And the whales? We were so close to a mother and her calf. Maybe 100 yards away, which is the minimum that any ship can approach.  It was totally cool!  Never breached or slapped her tail, but just seeing her out there – she looked like a submarine!  Huge!  And with her calf.  Way cool.

Then the sunset. It was a perfect night – the clouds rolled in – but above the horizon, so we got to watch the sun sink into the ocean. No green flash – but otherwise – a pretty perfect ending to a great cruise!

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