As we embark on another exciting season exploring the majestic world of Humpback Whales, we’re thrilled to share the highlights of our first week of the 2024 season here in Hervey Bay. It has been a whirlwind of incredible encounters, enthusiastic guests, and memorable events. Here’s a recap of what’s been happening in the Bay with the team at Hervey Bay Whale Watch aboard Quick Cat II...
Our season kicked off with some truly spectacular sightings & encounters. We’ve seen so many behaviours from breaches, pec slaps, tail slaps to our most favourite, muggings! (But don’t worry – the best type of mugging you could imagine!) One of the most exciting moments this week was the rather early appearance of a well known Humpback here in Hervey Bay, Nala. Nala has been visiting here in the Bay for decades although usually sighted later in the season. Nala delighted everyone on board. Her presence is always a highlight, and seeing her so early in the season feels like a good omen for the adventures to come.
Did you know?!
Each individual whale can be identified by their tail (fluke) just like a human fingerprint. Each whale's fluke has distinct patterns, scars, and shapes that make them identifiable. We recognized Nala by the distinctive black marking on the underside of her fluke, a feature that sets her apart from other whales and makes her easily recognizable to our experienced crew!
See photo below of Nala's fluke!
Unfortunately, the weather wasn't our friend for the whole week meaning we had to cancel a couple of trips due to windy weather conditions. While it’s always disappointing to reschedule, the safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We thank everyone for their understanding and flexibility. We are committed to ensuring every trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible for our guests.
We’ve had the pleasure of hosting some fantastic guests this week. Their enthusiasm and excitement have made each trip even more special. Sharing the awe-inspiring experience of whale watching with such engaged and passionate people reminds us why we love what we do. We appreciate everyone who has joined us aboard Quick Cat II so far and look forward to welcoming many more of you throughout the season.
One of the standout events of the week was the Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday July 20th. This annual tradition is a beautiful celebration of our maritime community. The evening was filled with festivities, drawing a large number of visitors to the Great Sandy Straits Marina and to all vessels open on the night. The highlight was the spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and creating a perfect end to a fantastic day. The Blessing of the Fleet is a cherished event for us, symbolizing good fortune and safe journeys for the season ahead. We’re grateful to everyone who came out to join the celebration and made it such a memorable night for all to enjoy.
As we move forward, we’re excited about what the rest of the season will bring. We anticipate many more breathtaking encounters with the gentle giants of the ocean and look forward to sharing these experiences with all of you. Stay tuned to our blog & socials for updates, stories, and more highlights from our whale watching adventures.
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to an amazing 2024 season! Book your Whale Experience today and be a part of the adventure. We look forward to seeing you aboard Quick Cat II.
BOOK YOUR WHALE EXPERIENCE HERE!
