Wednesday December 3, 2008

Passengers aboard Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise received a bonus today sighting a mother & calf within Twofold Bay. This pair mugged the boat delighting the passengers. The pair were the same pod which have been in the bay since Monday, evidently giving the calf a chance to rest before the long journey south.

Tuesday December 2, 2008

Cat Balou encountered two mother/calf pods within Twofold Bay today. At times the calves were quite active. One pair was a resight of two of the whales seen yesterday. Near Honeysuckle Bay Bottlenose Dolphins were sighted.

Monday December 1, 2008

Although the whale season has officially ended, a number of whales were sighted in Twofold Bay today. Cat Balou sighted 4 mother/calf pods in close proximity to The Lookout with some spectacular breaching by a couple of calves.

Cat Balou report having a 100% success rate in sighting whales this season on all whale watching cruises.

Tuesday November 25, 2008

Having cancelled cruises over the past three days due to inclement weather Cat Balou was back in action today. A mother/calf pod were picked up off The Pinnacles and Cat Balou watched them for an hour and a half, following them to North Head. Many Australian Fur Seals were sighted throughout the trip and in East Boyd a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were found. The bow was a popular spot for passengers who had a birds eye view of the playful dolphins as they escorted Cat Balou.

Friday November 21, 2008

Cat Balou was back whale watching today after cancelling cruises yesterday due to rough sea conditions. We always put the safety & comfort of passengers first. With two pods spotted from shore before leaving the Eden wharf it was looking good for the eager passengers. It wasn't long before a mother/calf pod were found mid bay. This pod was heading towards the chipmill. After watching them for half an hour Cat Balou headed to another mother/calf pod in the bay. The calf proved to be an inquisitive one and kept circling Cat Balou. With the motors cut, passenegers witnessed one of the most incredible experiences that the owners have ever experienced since they began whale watching in Eden in 1990. The calf positioned itself above the mother and they lay beside Cat Balou for 10 minutes, only a metre from the side of the boat. The hydrophone again picked up a whale singing clearly. Just outside Twofold Bay a pod of 4 adult Humpbacks were seen with some good fluke ups. Near the whales a bait ball had Common Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals in a frenzy. Heading home the two mother/calf pods were again sighted still in Twofold Bay. A second trip located one of the pods and the calf was quite playful with a number of breaches and peduncle throws.

Wednesday November 19, 2008
Although not whale watching today, passengers aboard Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise received a bonus when a mother & calf were spotted between The Lookout and Chipmill.

Tuesday November 18, 2008

With a freshening NE wind today Cat Balou headed north. Near North Head a whale was sighted but dived and wasn't seen again, evidently in a hurry heading to Antarctica. Off The Pinnacles another blow was seen, but again proved elusive. A pod of Common Dolphins were in the area and accompanied Cat Balou as they continued north as Cat Balou joined True Blue off Pambula where two mother/calf pods were. It looked as if these whales were also going to play hide and seek when suddenly they surfaced under the bow of Cat Balou taking everyone by surprise. What followed was a spectacular display of tail slapping as well as peduncle throws by the mother whilst the calf breached and head lunged in the windy conditions.

Monday November 17, 2008

It was a magical day on the water with perfect conditions. Cat Balou spotted their first pod only minutes after leaving which was a mother, calf and 3 escorts - rather unusual. This pod of five slowly cruised around historic Twofold Bay with one of the adults giving a couple of spy hops. Mid bay the pod split with two adults heading out of the bay whilst the mother, calf & primary eascort lingered in the bay. Near South Head the escort gave a number of huge spy hops. Singing was picked up on the hydrophone which is rather unusual to hear at this time of the season. Outside the bay a pod of Common Dolphins excited passenegers as they raced towards Cat Balou. A number of Australian Fur Seals were also seen. Another two adults were sighted with good fluke ups.

Sunday November 16, 2008

Cat Balou sighted two pods of whales today. A mother, calf & escort were found near Leonards Island and Cat Balou followed this trio for an hour with the calf spending a lot of time on the surface. The escort had a very distinctive patterned fluke. Later another mother and calf were seen near Haycock Point with the calf breaching once.

Saturday November 15, 2008

After cancelling cruises yesterday due to rough conditions on the water Cat Balou was back out with the whales today. A pod of two adults were found off South Head and gave some good fluke ups and encounters inbetween fairly long down times. Heading north a pod of Coommon Dolphins and some seals were spotted. Later a mother/calf pod off Pambula provided excellent whale watching with the calf giving an amazing display of breaching and pec slapping.  An afternoon trip located this same pod odd North Head with the super active calf breaching non stop for an hour. Common Dolphins and seals were also sighted.

Thursday November 13, 2008

Cat Balou found a mother/calf & escort  not long after leaving on their whale watching cruises today. After watching them for half an hour heavy fog rolled in, with visibility reduced to 100 metres. When the fog lifted Cat Balou headed north and found an active calf and its mother near The Pinnacles. The calf breadhed and breached much to the delight of passengers which comprised of many foreigners.

Wednesday November 12, 2008

Whales, dolphins & seals! It was an action packed morning for passengers aboard Cat Balou. The day began when a mother & calf were spotted mid bay. Although quiet at first, the pair surfaced frequently and then out of the blue the calf surprised everyone, including the skipper it launched itself out of the water with a perfect breach less than 5 meters from the bow! Cat Balou watched this pair for an hour as they headed towards South Head. Near North wall a large pod of Common Dolphins raced towards Cat Balou, leaping clear out of the water. At Leonards Island another mother/calf Humpback were found and this pair provided excellent whale watching for the excited passengers. The calf breached continuously for 45 minutes and was still breaching when Cat Balou headed towards home. The mother gave some elegant extended tail flukes whilst the calf played. Seals were also seen at the Eden breakwall.

Tuesday November 11, 2008

Cat Balou sighted 5 humpbacks at close range today. The first pod was a mother & calf just outside Twofold Bay which were hard to follow. With a freshening NE wind the skipper decided to head north and off The Pinnacles the next whales were sighted. Cat Balou watched a pod of three adults and could see another pod a little to the east. One of the animals breached and all three fliked up  - one had a distinctive black fluke. Reports from Hervey Bay indicate that the season will continue for another couple of weeks as whales were still in that area last week.

Monday November 10, 2008

The President of the Pacific Whale Foundation, Mr Greg Kaufman from Hawaii joined Cat Balou on their whale watching trip today. Gregs Research Team, Erin and Ashley have been with Cat Balou for the past couple of months and will head back to Hawaii next week. In this period they have taken almost 14,000 photographs of the whales sighted from Cat Balou for identification.There were a lot of whales about today.  A mother & calf were spotted logging on the surface near the chipmill. Around from South Head a number of other mother/calf pods were all slowly heading south. Two sub adults did a bit of pec slapping and another mother,calf & escort near North Head tail slapped. The highlight of the day was when three mother/calf pods affilliated near South Head later in the day. It was playtime for these six whales with a calf breaching, peduncle throws and more tail slapping from the adults & calves.

Sunday November 9, 2008

It was a perfect day on the water and Cat Balou sighted 9 Humpbacks on the morning cruise - three mother/calf pods and a pod of 3 adults. Good singing was heard as the hydrophone was placed in the ocean. A bait ball with lots of activity from Gannets, Shearwaters, a hundred or more Common Dolphins excited passengers. With conditions so calm Cat Balou cruised south to Greencape and detoured into beautiful Bittangabee Bay, showcasing the beauty of the Ben Boyd National Park.

Saturday November 8, 2008

Cat Balou report having another successful day with the whales at Eden. Conditions were a bit uncomfortable at first resulting from the NE which developed overnight, however they improved during the morning when the  SW change flattened out the sea. The mother/calf pods again put on a number of displays of breaching, pec & tail slapping with five pods in Twofold Bay on the morning trip and another three pods seen on the shorter afternoon trip.

Friday November 7, 2008

Conditions were ideal for whale watching today and there were plenty of whales to watch in and around Twofold Bay. Cat Balou sighted the first pod only 2 minutes after leaving the wharf, just off the western side of The Lookout. This was a resight of the massive mother seen yesterday resting with her calf. Concerned residents had reported this whale fearing she was sick as she was spending so much time logging on the surface, however the whale was fine and gave a brilliant display along with the calf of breaching & head lunging. Leter the mother pec slapped and began feeding the calf with her tail suspended out of the water. Another mother/calf pod were also seen near Whale Spit. Bottlenose dolphins were found near South Head and shortly after a competition pod of 5 adult Humpbacks. Off Leonards several more pods were found and Common dolphins also sighted. The afternoon trip also sighted 5 mother/calf pods with the last pod breaching mid bay.

Thursday November 6, 2008

Twofold Bay at Eden was a popular gathering place for the whales today. Cat Balou on their morning trip sighted three mother/calf pods resting in the bay with one of the mothers a massive size. Another pod was found near Leonards Island with the mother showing a distinctiver black flke. Two adults were also sighted near South Head. On an afternoon cruise six mother/pods were found in the bay. Three pods had affilliated near the Naval Wharf and gave a brilliant display of tail slapping, pec slapping and breaching. Mid bay another two pods were also active whilst the massive mother seen on the morning trip was still resting with her calf near Quarantine Bay.

Wednesday November 5, 2008

On the morning cruise Cat Balou sighted 4 pods of Humpbacks - three mother/calf pods and 2 adults. The whales were in Twofold Bay and close to the coast between North Head & The Pinnacles. All whales were rather quiet, slowly heading south. Although the whales weren't active it is still great to experience these animals in their natural environment, remembering that they were hunted to the point of extinction, and wonderfult to see their numbers increasing. An afternoon trip saw 11 whales in Twofold Bay, one pod of two mothers and their calves interacting with some playful Fur Seals.

Tuesday November 4, 2008

Cat Balou found the first whales of the day near South Head. There were two pods who affilliated with three friendly Humpbacks giving passengers a good look as they cruised around on the surface, not in a hurry to migrate south. After spending an hour with them Cat Balou headed north and picked up a mother & calf near North Head. This pod moved into Twofold Bay. Numerous seals and a few dolphins were also seen on the morning trip. Later in the day Cat Balou conducted two Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises and on both trips whales were seen. Two separate mother/pods were sighted near the heads of Twofold Bay.

Monday November 3, 2008

After the strong wind experienced on Sunday conditions were not the best for whale watching, however they did improve as the morning progressed. Cat Balou sighted their first pod near South Head but the whales were quiet and not surfacing for long. Another pod could be seen to the SE. It was decided to head north and along the way Australian Fur Seals and a large pod of Common Dolphins sighted. Cat Balou spent over an hour with a mother & calf off The Pinnacles who entertained passengers as the calf played with a seal. It rolled around, spy hopped and at one stage swam under the bow of Cat Balou. The adult gave some good fluke ups. More Common Dolphins were seen as Cat Balou returned to Eden.

Sunday November 2, 2008

As Cat Balou departed on their morning whale watch the wind picked up from the NE. Several pods has been spotted from shore before leaving and the first pod was sighted in the middle of Twofold Bay by one of the passengers. This was a mother & calf who headed to the southern side of the bay. Suddenly the calf began breaching which always thrills the passengers. Heading to the north another pod was seen breaching near North Head which turned out to be another mother & calf who very obligingly headed into the bay. Near The Lookout the pair became very active with both animals breaching and a brilliant display of head lunging by the mother. Conditions deteriorated mid morning as the forecast NE wind freshened and the afternoon cruise was cancelled taking into consideration the comfort and safety of passengers.

Saturday November 1, 2008

With the Eden Whale Festival in full swing the whales put on a great display today for passengers aboard Cat Balou. During the first trip there were at least 5 pods in Twofold Bay giving passengers aboard Cat Balou, along with shore based whale watchers a chance to view these amazing creatures. After watching a few pods Cat Balou followed three mothers and their calves travelling together. They were about to leave the whales when the whales decided it was play time with a number of breaches. Later a pod was sighted outside Twofold Bay and more whales seen on the return trip. The second trip resighted two pods of the mornings whales with plenty of action from the adults - peduncle thrusts, tail slapping and breaching. The third trip also sighted 5 pods with breaching. Bottlenose Dolphins were seen on the return trip to Eden. 

Friday October 31, 2008

Cat Balou sighted a number of whales today. On the morning trip most pods were mothers and calves with the first pod seen just near the heads of Twofold Bay and the others towards Murwaree. Later in the morning a pod of six adults were found near South Head with some pec slapping and great fluke ups. The afternoon trip also sighted a mother & calf just south of South Head.

Thursday October 30, 2008

The whales revelled in the windy weather experienced on the South Coast today.  Cat Balou had spotted several pods in Twofold Bay from shore before the cruise and it was only several minutes into the cruise that the first blows were seen towards the woodchip mill. There were two mother/calf pods so passengers could pick which pod to watch. Within Twofold Bay a number of other whales were seen and as the morning progressed the whales became active with numerous breaches from both calves and adults. Tail slapping and pec slapping were also seen.

Wednesday October 29, 2008

The first whales sighted today by Cat Balou was a pod of 5 adults south of Eden. All whales gave a number of fluke ups, one animal had both ends of its fluke missing and Killer Whale rake marks on it. A couple of travelling pods were sighted as Cat Balou headed north before finding two mother/calf pods near North Head. The whales split up and one calf gave a number of breaches as well as a spectacular breach by mum. A coach group on and afternoon Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise also sighted two pods in Twofold Bay.

Tuesday October 28, 2008

The rare sight of Killer Whales (Orca) was a memorable experience for passengers aboard Cat Balou today. A research vessel first sighted this pod off Murwaree and they were heading north. Prior to this sighting two adult Humpbacks were sighted just outside Twofold Bay with long down times. Later in the morning breaching whales were spotted east of The Pinnacles. There were 4 pods in the general area and Cat Balou followed two adults with some good fluke ups. Common Dolphins were also seen.

Monday October 27, 2008

Sloppy conditions on the water today with a confused swell. Cat Balou located their first pod today a mother & calf with the mother executing a perfect breach. After watching this pod Cat Balou headed north, accompanied by an active pod of Common Dolphins. Near North Head several more pods of whales were found close to shore. One pod had a playful calf which breached and head lunged many times. The researchers on board were able to tell the sex from photographs they obtained when the calf breached - a baby girl! The last pod sighted was a mother & calf just inside South Head, again the calf was seen breaching.

Sunday October 26, 2008

Cat Balou sighted their first whales today just south of South Head. This was an active mother/calf pod with both animals breaching. At one stage they breached simultaneously - something rarely seen. There were a number of other pods in the area between South Head & Murwaree. Amazing singing was heard when the hydrophone lowered into the sea. Following another pod later in the morning, one adult breached without warning less than 30 metres off the bow, taking everyone by surprise. Another two mother/calf pods were also sighted in Twofold Bay as Cat Balou returned to port.

Saturday October 25, 2008

Heading due east of Eden today Cat Balou sighted two mother/calf pods. One of the mothers gave a number of slow fluke ups. A mother, calf and escort were later sighted near The Pinnacles slowly cruising south and had a few close encounters with the boat. The second trip located another mother & calf near The Pinnacles and Bottlenose Dolphins off Aslings Beach. Seals were seen on both trips.

Friday October 24, 2008

Cat Balou began today sighting a quiet mother & calf in Twofold Bay. A Dwarf Minke which was very friendly, circling the boat a number of times was found near North Head. Heading east a mother & calf Humpback were milling around and did a bit of feeding. Several more pods were sighted just to the south. Two pods affilliated a a couple of peduncle thrusts were witnessed. A large pod of Common Dolphins were also seen along with several seals. Another mother & calf were sighted just inside South Head as Cat Balou entered Twofold Bay.

Thursday October 23, 2008
The ocean was very busy today with Cat Balou sighting whales, Common Dolphins, seals and hundreds of Shearwaters and many Albatross. The first mother/calf pod were sighted just outside Twofold Bay and mother had en entirely black fluke which is quite unusual. A large pod of Common Dolphins appeared and Cat Balou decided to leave the whales and watch the dolphins. Over a hundred Common Dolphins delighted passengers as they leapt out of the water, racing the boat. A mother, calf & escort were found near North Head and this trio played with the dolphins and a large number of Australian Fur Seals as Albatross and Shearwaters flew overhead. A few other pods were sighted but a freshening SE swell made it difficult to track these whales.

Wednesday October 22, 2008

Cat Balou cancelled todays whale watching due to a gale warning for coastal waters.

Tuesday October 21, 2008

Cat Balou found their first whales today just inside South Head - a mother & calf. The calf breached as Cat Balou was approaching and this pod slowly cruised in past the woodchip mill with the mother fluking up several times. Leaving them Cat Balou sighted another pod near South Head but they were in travel mode. Sighting the tall ship 'Young Endeavour' under sail Cat Balou detoured to give passengers a close look. Three more pods, all mothers & calves were sighted off The Pinnacles as they slowly cruises south. Faint singing was heard on the hydrophone. Two coach groups on afternoon bay cruises also sighted whales in Twofold Bay with Bottlenose Dolphins also sighted on the 2nd trip.

Monday October 20, 2008

Cat Balou located their first whales near Murwaree today - several mother/calf pods travelling in close proximity of each other. The hydrophone picked up clear singing. Later a sub adult was seen lateral lunge feeding. A tail slapping whale was seen close by and there were a number of other pods in the area. Heading home more whales were found near North Head and a mother, calf & escort thrilled passengers as they circled Cat Balou at very close range. A coach group on an afternoon bay cruise received a bonus with two pods sighted, including a breaching calf.

Sunday October 19, 2008

The whales today were not as plentiful as they have been in recent weeks and Cat Balou covered quite a few miles searching for them. A pod was sighted off The Pinnacles but they were in travel mode. Cat Balou joined whale watching boats from Merimbula who had a mother, calf and two esorts which waere later joined by another adult. The pod did a bit of feeding and surfaced frequently close to Cat Balou. Two other pods were pased on the return trip. A super active calf on the afternoon trip kept passengers entertained with numerous breaches.

Saturday October 18, 2008

Cat Balou began today with a tail slapping whale east of Eden. There were several more pods in the area and one sub adult gave a good display of lateral lunge feeding. There were a few patches of bait fish on the surface and it appeared to be after these fish. Two lage Humpbacks later took a fancy to Cat Balou and kept surfacing only metres from the boat. The whales also performed peduncle thrusts and there were a couple of breaches. Many Albatross & Shearwaters were about.

Friday October 17, 2008

Cat Balou began the day sighting a mother/calf pod within Twofold Bay and another two Mother/calf pods near North Head - great start to a perfect day on the water. An active sub adult later thrilled passengers with a breaching and head lunging display. Heading east Cat Balou sighted many more pods during the mornings cruise. The hydrophone picked up clear singing. A second trip also sighted three mother/calf pods with one of the calves very playful in the fresh SE wind that developed. It breached a number of times.

Thursday October 16, 2008

The whales were very active today, delighting passengers aboard Cat Balou. Almost all activities that whales can perform were witnessed including a calf which breached, an adult who pec slapped for over 20 minutes, a couple of whales tail slapping and another pod lateral lunge feeding.  Again when the hydrophone was lowered into the ocean avery clear singing was heard. Bottlenose Dolphins were also seen as Cat Balou rounded The Lookout on the trip out.

Wednesday October 15, 2008

The Humpback highway off the coast of Eden today was very busy with Cat Balou sighting numerous pods on both trips. The first pod consisted of 7 whales including a mother & calf. Two mother/calf pods travelling together saw the calves playing. Most other pods were sub adults and adults all lateral lunge feeding. On both trips the hydrophone picked up loud, clear singing. It was an excellent day on the water.

Tuesday October 14, 2008

Although conditions were very cold today, the whales put on a great display. Cat Balou were out on the water three times and whales sighted on all trips. The day started with a mother & calf in Twofold Bay, followed by a very friendly mother & calf found between South Head & Murwaree who interacted with Cat Balou. Heading east, quite a few pods were sighted with great feeding & peduncle thrusts . The second whale watch also sighted whales within Twofold Bay and later hungry Humpbacks and breaching. A bonus on the 3rd trip for a coach group on a Twofold Bay Cruise who saw 5 Humpbacks.

Monday October 13, 2008

Cat Balou sighted several pods of whales today. The first sighting was a single sub adult feeding east of Eden. With a freshening NE wind it was decided to head north and another pod of two sighted. This pod was in travel mode heading south. A couple more whales were also sighted, again travelling. The last whales seen were two Humpbacks who gave a good display of lateral lunge feeding.

Sunday October 12, 2008

Eden was blanketed in fog this morning making whale watching difficult. After delaying the departure 30 mins, Cat Balou headed south with visibility reduced at times to several hundred metres. A mother & calf had been reported near Saltwater, so Cat Balou headed towards shore where the fog had lifted and found this pair who were fairly elusive. Heading east, blows were sighted and this was a pack of four Killer Whales - a rare sighting. This pod headed north and included one male who had a huge dorsal fin. A little to the north two pods of Humpbacks were seen in close proximity of each other, but they too were elusive, possibly because of the Killers in the area. The fog closed in again making it hard for spotting whales.The last whale seen was a juvenillle Humpback a couple of miles off South Head.

Saturday October 11, 2008

There were heaps of whales sighted off the coast at Eden today. Cat Balou departed at 8am and picked up Common Dolphins. The first whales were found east of Murwaree Point and this pair were lateral lunge feeding which is always great to observe with their massive mouths wide open, lunging through the water. Some singing was heard on the hydrophone. There were a number of other pods in this same area all feeding. Later Cat Balou headed east and found many more pods of Humpbacks all still feeding. The afternoon cruises resighted the first pod seen on the morning trip, still feeding. Nearby an active tail slapping whale put on an impressive display. Several more pods in the area were also tail slapping. 

Friday October 10, 2008

Cat Balou sighted several mother/calf pods today. The first pair were sighted off Leatherjacket Bay with the calf breaching several times. This pair were later joined by another adult and engaged in feeding, including the calf which is very unusual. Another mother, calf & escort were found later in the morning with calf also breaching. Brilliant singing was picked up on the hydrophone. The afternoon trip began with Common Dolphins picked up in Twofold Bay. Near Leonards Island to the north of Eden a mother, calf and escort were found. One of the adults performed a magical breach. The pod became inquisitive at one stage, swimming around the boat at very close range.

Thursday October 9, 2008

Conditions today were perfect for whale watching and Cat Balou began the day by sighting a Dwarf Minke whale just inside Twofold Bay. Heading out to 'the patch' a lot of birdlife was seen. The Humpback highway was again very busy with many pods of whales observed on both trips. All pods were seen lateral lunge feeding and a male gave a brilliant display of pec slapping. Common Dolphins excited passengers and seals were also seen. This season has begun as the best Ros & Gordon Butt, owner/operators of Cat Balou Cruises have seen since they commenced whale watching at Eden in 1990.

Wednesday October 8, 2008

The whales revelled in the windy conditions that prevailed throughout the morning from the SW. The highlight of the morning was a spectacular display from a pod of two Humpbacks who tail slapped in unison numerous times. Common Dolphins joined in the fun, swimming with whales . Many pods were sighted between Eden and The Pinnacles.Today was the first time for a couple of weeks that no feeding was see during the morning trip. The afternoon cruise found a couple of feeding whales just outside Twofold Bay and Bottlenose Dolphins were sighted.

Tuesday October 7, 2008

There were numerous pods of whales sighted off the coast at Eden today by Cat Balou. The morning trip witnessed feeding and a great display of tail slapping. Common Dolphins escorted the boat several times and a few seals also seen. Large rafts of Australasian Gannets fed on bait balls. Two afternoon trips also saw great feeding as the whales lunged around Cat Balou. For the second day in a row the whales in the afternoon could be heard singing without a hydrophone which was later lowered and a male sang brilliantly.

Monday October 6, 2008

Whale watchers today aboard Cat Balou were again treated to another spectacular day with many pos of whales off the coast at Eden. Hungry Humpbacks were again prevalent with many close encounters on both the morning and afternoon trips. Perhaps the highlight of the morning trip was amazing singing from a whale, heard through the hull of Cat Balou even without the hydrophone in the water. Once the hydrophone was lowered into the ocean the most beautiful singing was heard - a moving experience for passengers. A breaching, pec slapping whale was seen in the same area as the singing whale. Passengers on the afternoon trip also heard singing and three whales mugged Cat Balou.

Sunday October 5, 2008

The ocean was alive today and showcased nature at its best. The morning trip on Cat Balou started with whales, seals, dolphins and birds in a frenzy with a bait ball. The hydrophone was lowered and singing whales and the dolphins heard clearly. A number of pods of Humpbacks were seen during the trip with many whales feeding - always a great spectacle. One of the whales seen was believed to have a pec missing, according to the PWF reseracher aboard Cat Balou. The afternoon trip also proved to very successful with hungry Humpbacks entertaining passengers. On the return trip a pod of over 300 Common Dolphins were seen.

Saturday October 4, 2008

Although conditions today were very cold, light rain and reduced visability, Cat Balou got off to a great start finding four Humpbacks within Twofoold Bay only 10 minutes into their crusie. This was a mother, calf pod with escort and secondary escort who slowly cruised southwards giving some good fluke ups. Another pod was seen to the SE and this was three entertaining whale which breached, gave a great spy hop, fed and head lunged. The later trip also had excellent sightings with a mother/calf sighted just around South Head and another 2 mother/calf pods travelling together with a number of breaches by the calves. Later the pod seen on the morning trip was resighed and another adult seen travelling north. Faint singing was heard via the hydrophone on the morning trip. 

Friday October 3, 2008

Passengers aboard Cat Balou are amazed at the number of whales being sighted at present. Today over 50 whales were seen during the morning cruise. Again a lot of feeding was taking place as well as several whales that breached, some pec slapping and mother and calf. Wherever you looked there were more whales! As Cat Balou was about to leave the last pod when an adult gave a brilliant spy hop beside the vessel. On the return trip a pod over over 100 Common Dolphins were sighted as well as quite a lot of seals.

Thursday October 2, 2008

Cat Balou sighted their first mother/calf pod of the season today. This pair were travelling with an escort and the calf berached once. Again many pods were sighted on the morning cruise providing excellent viewing of feeding and a number of close encounters. The afternoon trip found a pod of 7 Humpbacks, again feeding and surfacing frequently in the windy conditions which developed.

Wednesday October 1, 2008

Todays whale watching cruise on Cat Balou was one of the best days that owner/operators Ros & Gordon Butt have experienced since commencing these cruises in 1990. Six adult Humpbacks were the highlight of the day and the first pod they encountered. For almost an hour this pod mugged them,swimming beside and under Cat Balou with the whales spy hopping all around the boat as camers clicked madly. Another pod gave an impressive display of lunge feeding, others tail slapped and more whales breached in the area. Unfortunately the afternoon trip had to be cancelled due to strong winds.

Tuesday September 30, 2008

After the strong winds experiences over the past couple of days, conditions today were perfect and so were the whales. Cat Balou sighted numerous pods again today off the coast at Eden. Feeding, breaches, close encounters, tail slapping and on the first cruise an amazing display of spy hopping- whales watching the passengers on Cat Balou as passengers photograped them. Bottlenose Dolphins were seen on two of the cruises and on the first trip approximately 1000 Short Tail Shearwaters were seen rafted on the ocean before flying off. It is great to see many passengers returning to do repeat business with Cat Balou as each trip provides an unique experience.

Monday September 29, 2008

A very cold day out on the water but the whales were wonderful. Cat Balou sighted six different pods on their morning trip ( again too many whales to count) with one whale mugging the boat for an hour. It kept swimming in circles around only metres from the boat and at times swam right under it.  Some of the other whales were feeding, another gave a good display of tail slapping and several breaches seen. Common Dolphins joined in the action as well as a couple of seals. The afternoon trip also had great sightings with lots of hungry Humpbacks, seals and an amazing amount of birdlife. The Australasian Gannents bombed the area that the whales were feeding in and a large patch of krill seen.

Sunday September 28, 2008

A strong SW change arrived at Eden just as Cat Balou headed out whale watching today. Heading south the first whales were sighted to the south of Twofold Bay near Murwaree. This turned out to be a mother & baby DWARF MINKE WHALE. The pair were heading south, surfacing frequently. Leaving this pod, Cat Balou headed to 'the patch' where the whales have been sighted over the past week, only to have the wind make conditions impossible for spotting and were on the verge of aborting the cruise when the wind eased. It was decided to give it one more shot and this move certainly paid off as a pod of very friendly Humpbacks were found 2 miles east of North Head. They rolled about Cat Balou, swam under it and generally played up to the happy customers. A little feeding was also observed.

Saturday September 27, 2008

Some days there are just too many to count and today was one of them! Even the Pacific Whale Researches lost count after seeing at least 16 in one area. Tail slapping, feeding. very close encounters called 'mugging', whales with bad breath, breaching and head lunging, peduncle thrusts all were observed by the passengers aboard the two trips Cat Balou conducted.The afternoon trip also had passengers excited as Common Dolphins raced the vessel on the trip home.

Friday September 26, 2008

Although conditions on the water were not as good as the previous few days, the whales continued to put on an amazing display. One of the passengers aboard CAT BALOU sighted the first pod, which turned out to be a super active sub adult, joined briefly by another whale. This whale captivated the passengers aboard CAT BALOU as it breached over 40 times , pec spapped and did a little feeding. So, sometimes one whale can  more entertaining than seeing many whales. Heading north with the NE wind freshemning Cat Balou passed several more pods befor coming across apod of 10 Humpbacks. These whales split into several pods, heading south. The last pod of three that Cat Balou observed again excited passengers with one distinctive animal with both sides of the pec flipper totally white giving an amazing pec slapping display whilst another whale peduncle slapped.

Thursday September 25, 2008

The whales gave another impressive display for passengers aboard Cat Balou today.  Many pods were sighted east of Eden, again giving passengers a thrill as they lunged around the vessel feeding. At one stage two pods affilliated and a total of seven Humpbacks surrounded Cat Balou. The whales tail slapped and did a number of peduncle thrusts, showing off their powerful bodies. The birdlife was also plentiful.  Later in the day a number of active whales were visible from shore breaching as the NE wind freshened.

Wednesday September 24, 2008

Perfect conditions prevailed for todays two cruises and there were again plenty of whales sighted off the coast at Eden by Cat Balou. Most pods were observed lateral lunge feeding and some whales had very bad breath! With the motors cut on the morning trip one very friendly Humpback lay beside Cat Balou at very close range and extended its pec above the water, almost close enough for passengers to touch. There were many Shearwaters, Gannets and Albatross and Fur Seals seen on both trips. A great days whale watching.

Tuesday September 23, 2008

The Humpback highway off the coast at Eden was very busy today with Cat Balou sighting over 20 whales on their two cruises. Most pods were lateral lunge feeding and the first pod also gave a few spy hops. Bottlenose Dolphins seals and many species of sea Birds were observed on both trips with many delighted customers.

Sunday September 21, 2008

Again today there were plenty of whales off the coast at Eden. Cat Balou found their first pod a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay a pod of 2 Humpbacks who later affilliated with another pod. To the east several more pods were sighted with most whales doing some lateral lunge feeding and cruising very close to Cat Balou. A couple of peduncle thrusts and good fluke ups kept passengers happy. The Shearwaters have arrived and other birdlife sighted were Albatross and Australasian Gannets. Several Australian Fur Seals were also seen. Two researchers from the Pacific Whale Foundation in Hawaii have joined Cat Balou and will be aboard most trips until mid November. They were amazed at the feeding .This is so uncommon and one of the few places in the world that they feed on their migratory route.

Saturday September 20, 2008

The fist whale sighted by Cat Balou today was a juvenile Humpback just outside Twofold Bay, but it was elusive. The skipper decided to leave it and headed east which proved to be a good move as there were a number of pods about. One whale breached as Cat Balou approached, others pec spapped and gave a few spy hops and later they began lateral lunge feeding.

Cat Balou have commenced their whale watching cruises on a daily basis fom today and will continue until late November. Bookings are advised .

Thursday September 18, 2008

Cat Balou sighted 8 Humpbacks today. The whales were in two pods in a similar position to yesterday. The first pod were 2 sub adults who were milling around and did a little feeding. Not far to the north another pod was sighted. This was a pod of six who thrilled passengers with close encounters and also fed. Later the whales appeared to be a competition pod - presumably males chasing a female. One whale breached twice giving passengers at the back of the boat a great thrill. A number of Albatross & Gannets were about and 4 Fur Seals sighted at the Eden breakwall.

Wednesday September 17, 2008

Whale watchers today aboard Cat Balou had an exciting morning sighting 4 Humpbacks, Bottlenose Dolphins, Seals and Albatross. The whales were in close proximity to Twofold Bay and conditions perfect. Two adult whales were first sighted and entertained pasengers with a number of spy hops - were we watching them or were they watching us! Later another pod was sighted less than a kilometer to the east and they affilliated. The four whales began feeding and had passengers  mesmerised as they lunged around Cat Balou.

Friday September 12, 2008
It took a while to locate whales today, however once found the whales put on a great show. A single sub adult was later joined by anothe four whales east of Saltwater. The pod entertained passengers with great fluke ups, close encounters, a number of spy hops and pec slaps. Returning to Eden a pod of Common Dolphins raced Cat Balou and six Fur Seals who have taken up residence on the breakwall kept cameras clicking.

Thursday September 11, 2008

Cat Balou sighted 8 whales today. The first whale seen appeared to be a Minke with a large dorsal, but was only seen briefly. East of Saltwater a pod of two Humpbacks were found but hard to track. Skipper Gordon found another pod to the east and these were 5 Humpbacks who spent a lot of time on the surface and mugged Cat Balou on a number of occassions.

Wednesday September 10, 2008

Cat Balou was out whale watching today and sighted whales east of Eden. Two pods each with two Humpbacks were sighted at close range and other blows were sighted in the area. Some great feeding was observed.

Sunday September 7, 2008

Cat Balou headed out on a whale watching cruise today. Conditions weren't the best with a lazy easterly swell. Whales were sghted at almost the same location as yesterday, sighting a total of 5 Humpbacks. One of the whales had suffered severe scaring, evidently from a large ships propellor, with masssive grooves cut into the blubber on the left hand side of the body and fluke. It is believed to be an animal named 'Bladerunner' which was first sighted off Sydney in 2001. This whale was also seen in Qld this year at the end of July.

Saturday September 6, 2008

Students from the Canberra ANU were abaord Cat Balou on a field study excursion. They received a bonus sighting whales east of Eden. Some of the whales were feeding, whilst others mugged the boat.

Wednesday September 3, 2008

Cat Balou sighted around 20 Humpbacks today! Spectacular feeding kept passengers enthralled as the whales lunged around Cat Balou about 5 miles east of Eden. The season has got off to a great start and hopefully the feeding frenzy will contines for some time.

Tuesday September 2, 2008
A number of pods of whales were sighted of Eden today. Cat Balou found a pod of 2 sub adults near the head, both feeding. Later in the morning a Southern Right whale was sighted less than 200mt of Boydtown Beach.

Monday September 1, 2008

Cat Balou sighted 6 Humpbacks 5 miles east of Eden today. The whales gave an excellent display of lunge feeding as well as tail slapping. This is one of the few places in the world that the Humpbacks feed on their migratory route.

Saturday August 30, 2008

Passengers aboard Cat Balou on a bay cruise received a bonus today when whales were sighted a mile east of Twofold Bay. A total of 4 Humpbacks were seen and good whales to watch as they surfaced frequently.  

Wednesday August 27, 2008

Two Humpback whales were sighted in Twofold Bay early today. Cat Balou caught up with pod south of South Head as they headed south.

Thursday August 14, 2008

Several pods of whales have been sighted at Eden over the last two days. Eden Coastal Patrol sighted a pod near South Head yesterday and another pod was seen further out of Twofold Bay heading south. Today a pod was sighted from shore at 7.30am and were still in the same area several hours later. Unfortunately strong SW winds prevented a cruise today.

Monday July 21, 2008

Two adult Southern Right whales were sighted in Twofold Bay, Eden today. The pair were first seen several hundred metres off The Lookout and moved north and were last seen at the northern end of Aslings Beach.

Thursday July 17, 2008

Cat Balou sighted another whale in Twofold Bay today. Rounding The Lookout a sub adult was sighted. This animal was not in a hurry to leave the bay and mugged Cat Balou for 20 minutes, delighting passengers. A large pod of approximately 35 Bottlenose Dolphins were also sighted off Aslings Beach along with a seal and many Little Penguins.

Tuesday July 15, 2008

Passengers aboard Cat Balou  on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise today sighted three Humpback whales. The whales were spotted by Eden Coastal Patrol who notified Cat Balou. A pod of three adults were sighed  heading north near North Head in Twofold Bay and Cat Balou followed them towards Leonard's Island. One of the whales had a distinct fluke which appeared to have been chopped off by a propeller.

With the whale season approaching Cat Balou advise early bookings. Bookings are being taken from 20th September until 24th November with whale watching cruises operating daily during that period. The Pacific Whale Foundation will have two of their researchers aboard Cat Balou for most of the season.

Friday July 4, 2008

Over the past couple of weeks a number of Humpbacks have been seen heading north past Eden.  This year the whales have been observed closer to shore than in past years. Cat Balou did a whale watching trip today and found three Humpbacks east of Eden. Common Dolphins and a few seals were also sighted.

Researchers are excited that the Killer Whales sighted and photographed by Cat Balou on 21st March 2008 were Type C Antarctic Killer Whales and this is the first time this type has been recorded in Australian waters. 

Friday March 21, 2008

Cat Balou Cruises received a call today, notifying them that a pack of Killer Whales had been sighted off the coast at Eden by local boats game fishing. As it is quite rare to see Orca, the owners of Cat Balou gathered a few friends and headed out to see if they could find them. A couple of miles outside Twofold Bay they were sighted - a pack of betwwen 25 & 30 animals. There were a number of males with huge dorsal fins, females and one very small baby. Cat Balou followed them for 45 minutes as they headed southwards.

Wednesday December 5, 2007

Wednesday 5th December  Wonderful news! One of the two mother/calf pods that Cat Balou spotted on their final whale watching cruise for 2007 on 26th November was the whale that the town of Eden adopted as their icon whale, Jarnder. Photographs of her fluke taken by Ros Butt proved this and Cat Balou also sighted her at Eden on 5th November 2005. Jarnder was also sighted this year in Hervey Bay on 19th October with her calf.

Monday November 26, 2007

Monday 26th November Cat Balou did their final Budget Whale Watching Cruise today and found two mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay near South Head.  The four whales rounded South Head on their way to Antarctica and split into two pods. One pod gave passengers some close encounters, popping up beside Cat Balou. Cat Balou later headed to Saltwater and picked up the four whales who had affilliated again near Murwaree. Both adults fluked up. Common Dolphins, seals, penguins and flying fish were also sighted, capping off an excellent season with Cat Balou sighting whales on 100% of their budget whale cruises this year.

Saturday November 24, 2007

Saturday 24th November  Cat Balou did their final half day whale watching tour for this season today and finished on a high note sighting 4 different mother/calf pods, dolphins and seals. The first whales were found as Cat Balou rounded The Lookout, a huge mother and her calf resting on the surface. After 20 minutes they came to life and mum gave several fluke ups but were not in any hurry to leave the area. Off The Pinnacles two more mother/calf pods were sight and they affilliated for a while before tracking south. Another pod was sighted near North Head. Many Common Dolphins escorted Cat Balou across Twofold Bay. Four more whales were sighted by passengers on a Twofold Bay cruise, both mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay. Cat Balou report sighting whales on every whale watching cruise they conducted this year!

Friday November 23, 2007

Friday 23rd November  Cat Balou was back on the water today and sighted 7 Humpbacks during their two cruises.  The morning Twofold Bay Cruise passengers sighted a mother & calf. This mother had the left side of her fluke missing and was an animal Cat Balou have sighted in previous seasons. A whale watching trip found a different mother/calf pod along with another pod of three adults.

Wednesday November 21, 2007

Wednesday 21st November   An easterly swell prevailed today after the strong winds yesterday making conditions hard for whale watching. On a day when we needed active whales the only pod sighed was a mother & calf who surfaced near North Head. The mother fluked up and wasn't seen again. Common Dolphins kept passengers entertained as the escorted Cat Balou on several occassions during the cruise.

Tuesday November 20, 2007

Tuesday 20th November  Cat Balou was not whale watching today. Several coached did their Twofold Bay Cruise with Bottlenose dolphins seen on the second trip. A strong NE wind developed during the day.

Monday November 19, 2007

Monday 19th November  Cat Balou sighted 10 Humpback whales this morning. The first whales were sighted at Murwaree Point and this pod was a mother & calf with two escorts, rather unusual. One of the escorts had a slpit dorsal and deep scar on the right hand of its body and Ros Butt recognized this unusual animal as one Cat Balou had sighted before. On checking her photo ID this whale was sighted off the coast of Eden on 25th November 2006! These were good whales to watch in sloppy conditions with some good fluke ups and close encounters. Three more mother/calf pods were sighted at the heads of Twofold Bay.

Sunday November 18, 2007

Sunday 18th November  Cat Balou found their first whales just around fro South Head very close to shore. This was a mother & calf who were later joined by a pod of dolphins.  The second moter/calf pod were to the SE and the mother fluked up a number of times. Near Murwaree another three mother/calf pods were seen with one of the calves breaching once. One of the mothers had a very distinct mottled pattern on her body which should be an animal the researchers will easily identify. There were reports of a pack of Killer Whales in the area, seen by several fishermen.

Saturday November 17, 2007

Saturday 17th November  For the first time in many days no whales were sighted within Twofold Bay. Cat Balou headed north with a freshening NE wind forecast. A Sunfish and a number of Flying Fish were sighted near Leonards island. The first whales were seen near Haycock Point but proved elusive. Cat Balou headed to a pod of two adults which True Blue had found and they were slowly heading south. Another mother & calf were in the same area. South of Haycock the two adults were resighted and Cat Balou followed them to The Pinnacles with the whales surfing the NE swell.

Friday November 16, 2007

Friday 16th November  It was another busy day on the water at Eden with Cat Balou sighting whales on three cruises they conducted. The day began with a mother & calf sighted near South Head with the pair playing with seaweed and spending a lot of time on the surface. Heading north another mother & calf were found and this pair gave passengers some very close encounters several times, mugging Cat Balou, along with some great fluke ups.  Near Leonards Island another three mother/calf pods were sighted with a very active calf breaching. Back in Twofold Bay another pod were sighted. Bottlenose Dolphins were also seen at Aslings Beach. A coach group on a Bay Cruise witnessed an awesome display with three mother/calf pods together in the middle of Twofold Bay all tail slapping and breaching - what a show!  Another coach group later also received a bonus when a mother & calf were sighted near Honeysuckle Bay.

Thursday November 15, 2007

Thursday 15th November  The Humpback highway off Eden was busy today with Cat Balou sighting 9 mother/calf pods at close range during their two whale watching trips. The morning began when a breaching calf was spotted in the middle of Twofold Bay.This turned out two be a pod of four with two playful calves. Another mother & calf were found near the heads and an escort appeared briefly. The hydrophone picked up some great singing with one overseas passeneger declaring it to be the most amazing thing she had ever heard!  Later a mother, calf & escort were found near Leonards Island the mother had a distinct fluke with many Killer Whale rake marks on it. There was also another pod neraby. A second trip resighted the previous pod in Twofold Bay with another pod heading into the bay close to South Head.  Cat Balou cruises south sighting several more pods with one adult giving a few peduncle thrusts.

Wednesday November 14, 2007

Wednesday 14th November  Cat Balou headed out with a freshening NE wind making conditions a bit lumpy. Near South Head the first whales were sighted, a mother, calf and escort who headed into Twofold Bay. Cat Balou left them near Aslings Beach and headed east where another whale was spotted. This animal proved elusive after fluking up once. Heading north breaching  whales were spotted off The Pinnacles. They breached a number of times as Cat Balou approached and the calf did a few tail slaps. East of North Head skipper Gordon spotted a double breach and there were several adult whales in the area. One head lunged whilst another gave a spectacular tail slapping exhibition. Common Dolphins were in the same area and they were heard on the hydrophone. A bay cruise later found a mother and calf between The lookout and woodchip mill with the calf breaching a number of times.

Tuesday November 13, 2007

Tuesday 13th November Cat Balou sighted a total of 9 mother/calf pods plus three adults on their two cruises today. The morning trip began when two mother/calf pods were sighted within 5 minutes after Cat Balou left the Eden wharf. Off Leatherjacket Bay another mother & calf plus three adults were entertaining to watch as they swam with a large pod of Common Dolphins. Again clear singing was picked up whaen the hydrophone was put into the ocean. Cat Balou did a coastal run to Bitangabee Bay, sighting another three mother/calf pods heading south. The second trip sighted another three mother/calf pods, one in Twofold Bay and the other two near Leonards Island. Common Dolphins were also sighted on the return trip.

Monday November 12, 2007

Monday 12th November   Perfect conditions on the water today and Cat Balou had an excellent morning, first sighting a mother & calf east of South Head. These whales frollicked with many Common Dolphins and seals, the dolphins appeared to be chasing the whales. Brilliant singing was heard on the hydrophone. More whales were sighted to the SE -  another active calf with the mother and  more dolphins. The calf tail slapped many times.  Leaving these whales the first mother/calf pod were found with the calf playfully breaching. Near The Pinnacles a pod of four adults were sighted, breaching as Cat Balou approached and one did some pec slapping. Birdlife included many Shearwaters and a juvenile Wandering Albatross

Sunday November 11, 2007

Sunday 11th November  Cat Balou had another successful day  sighting whales, dolphins, seals and a sunfish. The morning began when a calf was seen breaching in Calle Calle Bay only minutes after Cat Balou left the Eden wharf. This was a mother & calf who swam towards The Lookout. Several more pods were seen just outside Twofold Bay with two mother/calf pods affilliating with Common Dolphins swimming with the whales. A Sunfish created much interest with the passengers. Another mother & calf were sighted later in the morning.

Saturday November 10, 2007

Saturday 10th November  Cat Balou headed south today having sighted a pod of whales in Twofold Bay before leaving. This mother & calf were located near Leatherjacket Bay and were slowly heading south. Later a pod of two adults and another pod of three adults were sighted a mile south east of South Head. These whales gave good fluke ups and a few close encounters. Later two more mother/calf pods were sighted just outside Twofold Bay and another pod near North Head.  A second trip found a mother and calf east of The Pinnacles and two adults later affilliated with this pod. The calf was active with a number of breaches.  Common Dolphins and seals were seen on both trips.

Friday November 9, 2007

Friday 9th November Cat Balou headed out this morning with poor visibility and light rain. A pod of whales had been sighted from shore before leaving and Cat Balou found this mother & calf on the southern side of South Head, very close to shore. This pair were rather shy with long down times, so Cat Balou decided to leave them as they slowly headed south. Near Leonards Island a mother & calf Southern Right were spotted. This is only the second sightings of Southern Rights Cat Balou has made this season. The adult frequently fluked up showing her magnificent black fluke. A little further north a mother, calf and escort Humpback were found with the calf breaching several times. Common Dolphins were also seen along with Australian Fur Seals. Not far away another mother & calf were sighted. A second trip resighted the mother, calf and escort and a mile east an active pod was seen. This was three adults which breached and head lunged. Many Common Dolphins were near the whales.

Thursday November 8, 2007

Thursday 8th November Cat Balou sighted a number of adult Humpbacks today east of The Pinnacles. There were several pods in the area, all adults. Passengers witnessed a number of spectacular breaches, head lunges and pec slapping. At times the pods affilliated. On the return trip a mother & calf were sighted near South Head but appeared to be resting.

Wednesday November 7, 2007

Wednesday 7th November Cat Balou picked up a pod of four adult Humpbacks near South Head today. This pod was heading south and all whales fluked up at close range. Cat Balou followed them for about an hour and left them near Murwaree. Several pods of Common Dolphins were seen as Cat Balou headed north to Haycock, looking for more whales. A swell from the SE made conditions difficult for spotting and despite covering a wide area, no other whales were seen.

Tuesday November 6, 2007

Tuesday 6th November Cat Balou was back on the water today and sighted whales on each of the three trips. The morning whale watch got off to a good start with a mother & calf within Twofold Bay.  Near South Head a second mother & calf appeared and it was a very entertaining calf who breached many times as they slowly cruised southwards close to the shoreline. Later another mother & calf were found just inside North Head with the mother giving some good fluke ups and a peduncle slap. The other two trips Cat Balou did were cruises around Twofold Bay for Coach Groups visiting Eden and Merimbula and on both trips passenegers were thrilled to see whales near South Head.

Monday November 5, 2007

Monday 5th November   Big seas over the past two days have prevented Cat Balou doing their whale watching cruises. It is hoped that conditions will be better tomorrow. There are still a lot of whales passing Eden and Cat Balou will continue their whale watching until 24th November

Saturday November 3, 2007

Saturday 3rd November With the Eden Whale Festival in full swing Cat Balou headed out whale watching twice today. There were plenty of whales about, mostly mother/calf pods sighted between North Head and Saltwater. One calf breached a number of times on the first trip and some faint singing was picked up on the hydrophone. Common dolphins were also sighted on the early trip and Australian Fur Seals seen both trips.

Friday November 2, 2007

Friday 2nd November

Cat Balou sighted their first whales near South Head, a mother/calf pod  quite close to shore. The pair slowly headed south with the mother giving some nice fluke ups. Just east of Eden the second pod were sighted - another mother & calf who were heading north.  Nearby a competition pod headed into Twofold Bay. The fourth pod was another mother & calf who cruised right in towards Eden and gave Cat Balou some very close encounters. This pod were resighted a bit later in the morning and very active with the calf breaching a number of times and both the mother & calf tail and peduncle slapping as they headed towards Honeysuckle Bay.

 

Thursday November 1, 2007

Thursday 1st November  Cat Balou Cruises sighted a number of mother/calf pods today. The first whales were sighted within 5 minutes of leaving when an active calf and the mother were sighted mid bay with the calf breaching.  This pod slowly moved into Nullica Bay and Cat Balou left them after half an hour. Between South Head and Murwaree Point another two pods were found quite close to shore. One calf was inquisitive and gave passengers a close encounter. East of Eden another two pods were sighted, both making their way south. A number of Australian Fur Seals were seen during the cruise. A coach group form SA on a bay cruise also sighted whales with a mother & calf resting just inside South Head.

Wednesday October 31, 2007

Wednesday 31st October The month of October ended with Cat Balou having another good day with the whales and report having seen whales on every trip this season with only one day lost to bad weather. A boat fishing off Murwaree called up Cat Balou reporting whales off the point and as Cat Balou arrived the calf put on an exciting breaching display. Another mother & calf joined this pair and later another mother & calf were just a couple off metres off the rocks south of Saltwater slowly heading south. Another pod was sighted just inside Twofold Bay but only surfaced a couple of times. No singing was heard on the hydrophone today. The cruise finished with two pods of Bottlenose Dolphins, one at Aslings Beach and another at the Eden Wharf.  A private charter in the afternoon saw another two mother/calf pods, one at North Head and another near the chipmill.  Both calves breached several times.

Tuesday October 30, 2007

Tuesday 30th October Cat Balou headed north today and found a pod off whales east of The Pinnacles. This was a mother and calf with two other adults. This pod provided good viewing as they were frequently on the surface. It appeared the two adults were pursuing the mother and some peduncle thrusts and tail slaps were quite spectaular. Very clear singing was picked up on the hydrophone. Many fluke ups gave photographers a chance to get good photos. Dolphins & seals were also seen. A second trip found the same whales just outside Twofold Bay with an adults breaching as Cat Balou approached. Common Dolphins were with the whales who slowly continued the southern migration. Singing was again heard  on the hydrophone.

Monday October 29, 2007

Monday 29th October Shortly after Cat Balou departed on their whale watching trip today a mother & calf were spotted 800 metres off The Lookout. The calf spent a lot of time on the surface rollong about and a couple of spy hops. South of South Head another pod was spotted very close to shore, but were hard to track in the easterly swell. Near North Head more whales were found and this was a mother, calf & escort which Cat Balou followed to South Head. The escort gave a few pec slaps. Just inside South Head another mother & calf were sighted heading around the point. Seals were also sighted along with quite a few Shearwaters and Albatross.

Sunday October 28, 2007

Sunday 28 October, A mother and calf were spotted shortly after Merimbula Marina's True Blue left the wharf this morning, another pod of 2 humpbacks were sighted east of Merimbula Bay, breaching, tail slapping having a ball. At the moment there are heaps and heaps of whales coming through. The sub adults & adult whales have been very active, thousands of common dolphins and millions of birds, bait fish and krill. The afternoon cruise sighted a mother and calf off Haystack Rock breaching head lunging and splashing about. This season is continueing to be outstanding and there are still more whales swimming south from their breeding ground in the north.

Saturday October 27, 2007

Saturday 27th October A heavy fog blanketed much of the area today but Cat Balou had an excellent morning on the water sighting a mother & calf just inside Twofold Bay and this pair was joined shortly after by another mother & calf. The two pairs moved into the middle of the bay with both calves quite active. Several small Fur Seals frollicked with the whales. After watching them for over an hour Cat Balou headed NE and with clearer conditions found another mother & calf near Leonards Island. The hydrophone was lowered into the water and excellent singing heard. Heading home Common Dolphins & more seals were sighted. The highlight of the morning was perhaps multiple breaches by a mother & calf towards the Chipmill. Heading out on a second trip Cat Balou spotted four different mother/calf pods within Twofold Bay which included a resight of one of the pods seen in the bay on the earlier cruise.

Thursday October 25, 2007

Thursday 25th October There are still plenty of whalesoff the coast at eden with Cat Balou Cruises reporting one of their best seasons ever with whales sighted on every trip so far this season. Today started with the sighting of a mother & calf within Twofold Bay, a very inquisitive pair who mugged Cat Balou. With the boat motors off, the whales approached Cat Balou on a number of occassions, within metres of the boat. Next was a pod of five sub adults just south of South Head, less than 500 metres off the coast. They surfaced frequently with great fluke ups as they made their way south. Also in the same area was a mother & calf. Heading to the NE another mother & calf were sighted. This calf had a damaged fluke which appeared to have been recently bitten by a shark. The PWF Researchers aboard Cat Balou managed to get a good photo of the damaged fluke. The calf appeared to be healthy despite its injuries. Dolphins swam with this pair. Off North Head another three mother/calf pods were seen with one calf breaching.

Wednesday October 24, 2007

Wednesday 24th October Cat Balou Cruises sighted 12 Humpbacks on the morning trip. Just outside Twofold Bay a mother/calf pod was spotted. This pair were moving quite quickly south. To the east another active pod was sighted so Cat Balou headed out to them. It was a pod of 4 sub adults frollicking together, along with a few Australian Fur Seals and another pod of two later affilliated with this pod. Heading north a large pod of Common Dolphins joined Cat Balou, delighting passengers as they launched themselves out of the water, racing to the boat.Later a mother & calf were found towards Haycock with the calf breaching and rolling around. Another mother & calf were close to the shoreline off Leonards Island. An afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise also found a mother & calf near South Head and also sighted seals and Bottlenose Dolphins. The season is in full swing and should continue until late November as there are still a number of mother/calf pods in Hervey Bay this week.

Monday October 22, 2007

Monday 22nd October The whales were a little quiet today but Cat Balou sighted a mother, calf & escort mid bay and followed them to South Head. Two other pods were sighted off the Pinnacles but had long down times. Near North Head another Mother & calf were spotted and the calf gave passengers a couple of breaches and peduncle thrusts whilst the mother showed a distinctive marked fluke as she fluked up several times.

Sunday October 21, 2007

Sunday 21st October Cat Balou sighted whales shortly after departing on their cruise today with two mother/calf pods only several hundred metres off the eastern side of The Lookout. Two other mother/calf pods were also sighted inside Twofold Bay with the pods resting. Common Dolphins were also seen near the whales. Several other whale sightings were made during the morning and singing picked up on the hydrophone. The special part of the day was a pod of two inquisitive HUmpbacks which were found east of North Head. They had mugged a small craft and did the same to Cat Balou. Numerous spy hops delighted passengers who were almost able to touch the whales heads as they kept surfacing beside the boat. They would disappear for 5 minutes then resurface and spy hop again. A magical experience. Several mother/calf pods were sighted on a later trip.

Tuesday October 16, 2007

Tuesday October 16
True Blue cruised out today in good conditions, the skipper commented that it was back to whale school, the mothers were teaching their calves to breach and after this the passengers witnessed the calves feeding, being warm blooded, air breathing marine mammals they possess mammary glands to suckle their young. Another special whale watching cruise for Merimbula's visitors. No two days are ever the same so come and experience the magic of whale watching. Book now!!

Monday October 15, 2007

Monday October 15
Today Merimbula Marina's True Blue sighted a total of 10 whales during the morning trip with their first humpbacks swimming south from Tura Beach. At 9.15 a Southern Right whale and her calf were spotted just off Tura also. The humpbacks are known as the acrobats of the sea but its also a thrill to see other varieties of these gentle giants. The sea conditions were flat with no swell, perfect for sighting the blow or spout of the humpback. The afternoon cruise sighting their first pod 2 miles East of Merimbula Bay. 2 sub adults playing and obviously in no hurry, pectoral fin slapping, tail lobbing and a dual breach was sighted in the distance. Plenty of whales reported from our Sydney office still on their way south.

Saturday October 13, 2007

Saturday 13th October It was a cold day on the water but this didn't worry the whales with Cat Balou Cruises out of Eden sighting a number of pods of Humpbacks just off the coast at Eden. About a mile outside Twofold Bay the first whales were spotted a pod of two milling around. Closer to shore another pod was sighted and these three sub adults gave passengers a thrill when they approached Cat Balou, rolling around at close proximity and one female lay on her back with her pectoral fins extended under the boat for several minutes. Another single animal plus a pod of three more were also seen. There was a report of a mother & calf near Leatherjacket Bay and Cat Balou cruised close to the coast south to Bittangabee Bay but failed to find them. On the return trip they were sighted near Saltwater Creek and another mother & calf plus two more pods seen in the area.

Friday October 12, 2007

Friday 12th October It was a bleak morning as Cat Balou headed out whale watching today with light rain and low visibility, but it cleared before long and passengers were rewarded with a great morning sighting a number number of Humpbacks. The first pod was four adults which stayed with Cat Balou for almost an hour, surprising passengers as they surfaced beside the boat. Pasengers on the back deck witnessed a couple of great spy hops at close range.The hydrophone picked up some singing. More whales were sighted to the east, a pod of two in travel mode. The last pod were active with some peduncle thrusts, tail slapping and a breach. At East Boyd a pod od Bottlenose Dolphins wre spotted with a couple bow riding

Thursday October 11, 2007

Thursday, 11 October Merimbula Marina's True Blue took her passengers out on the morning cruise in good conditions, a light breeze emerged mid cruise and this actually increases the whale activity. A mother and calf were sighted 3 miles off Long Point as we followed them the calf performed spectacular breaching and the other humpbacks that had joined the pod were very playful, tail lobbing, and tails throws from these huge creatues is a sight to be seen. Close encounters were witnessed by the afternoon passengers, the wind had increased and the friendly humpbacks were happily rolling on their backs, with 6 Australian Fur Seals coming along to join in and a pod of Common Dolphins. A calf breaching 15 times near the boat was the highlight of the day.

Thursday October 11, 2007

Thursday 11th October Heading out from Eden today Cat Balou picked up a pod of Common Dolphins in Twofold Bay and also sighted several seals rafted on the surface. The first whales sighted were a mother, calf & escort. Four other pods were sighted throughout the cruise and it was the first time for several weeks that no feeding was observed although the water was thick with plankton. Most whales were large adults and one took everyone by surprise as it breached at cloase range in front of Cat Balou. The whales were heard clearly singing when the hydrophone was lowered into the ocean.

Wednesday October 10, 2007

Wednesday 10th October Plenty of whales were sighted by Cat Balou today with most pods of hungry Humpbacks again seen feeding. Most sightings were just north of Eden. The whales provided good viewing with many close encounters as they lunged around Cat Balou with their massive mouths open showing their baleen & palate. A spy hop, pec slaps and several breaches were seen. Excellent singing was heard through the hydrophone.

Tuesday October 9, 2007

Tuesday The whale season seems to be getting better & better! Cat Balou from Eden report seeing pods of whales everywhere just east of Eden. Most pods were feeding. It appers that the same whales are staying in the area whilst the food is around and not continuing with their southern migration. Again singing was picked up on the hydrophone. The morning trip finished with one humpback giving a magnificent pec slapping display as it lay on its back close to Cat Balou, while another vied for the attention of passengers by tail slapping. A second trip saw a mother & calf right in Twofold Bay. After watching them, Cat Balou decided to head to where the whales were earlier. With a freshening SE wind the whales went crazy, breaching and tail slapping. Heading home a juvenille was sighted near the heads and it gave one of the most amazing displays of tail and peduncle slapping that Ros & Gordon (owner/operators) of Cat Balou Cruises for the past 20 years have witnessed. Only metres from the boat it continued this spectacular display for 20 minutes. The third trip which was a bay cruises saw the mother & calf seen earlier still in Twofold Bay towards the chipmill with both in a playful mood.

Monday October 8, 2007

Monday Another great day on the water and Edens' Cat Balou sighted a number of whales throughout the day. The first whals seen were a mother & calf slowly moving south, just outside Twofold Bay. More whales were sighted to the north and several pods affilliated and gave another wonderful display of lunge feeding, right beside Cat Balou. A sub adult delighted passengers with an energetic tail slapping display for about 20 minutes. Another whale joined up with this Humpback. Singing was heard on the hydrophone. During the trip a large pod of Common dolphins were sighted. An afternoon coach group from Avoca Beach also received a bonus sighting a pod of Humpbacks.

Monday October 8, 2007

Monday, Merimbula Marina's skipper John remarked that the cruise today was just "amazing", Everywhere True Blue turned there were whales, lunge feeding, mothers and calves with over 50 whales sighted on the morning cruise. 30 bottle nosed dolphins came to join in the feeding frenzy and the sea birds were out today as well. Gannets & Albatross fed on the bait balls. The afternoon cruise went out in perfect conditions sighting 100's of dolphins playing with the humpbacks that were feeding on the large bait balls. "It is the season that I've witnessed" remarked John. Cruises run until end of November don't delay book today.

Sunday October 7, 2007

Sunday Weather conditions were much better today and Cat Balou report seeing a number of pods of whales today. The first sighting was a single animal which appeared to be looking for food and later began feeding. To the north an active whale could be seen breaching and Cat Balou headed to it. It put on the best display of breaching seen this season, whilst slowly swimming south. It breached over 30 times giving passengers plenty of photo opportunities. Later a yearling was seen and later two adults joined up with it. They surprised passengers with a few close encounters and several spy hops right beside Cat Balou. Another single Humpback was seen heading north towards a pod off The Pinnacles.

Friday October 5, 2007

Friday, The morning cruise saw 5 humpback whales lunge feeding and the passengers experiencing close encounters only 3 miles off Short Point. The weather was perfect for cruising and the afternoon cruise saw True Blue's passengers witness a pod of whales lunge feeding whilst following the vessel for nearly 2 hours.

Thursday October 4, 2007

Thursday, Today True Blue took her passengers out in much more stable conditions, 13 humpback whales were sighted within metres of the vessel lunge feeding. Breaching whales were sighted further out and 100 common dolphins and Australian Fur Seals joined in the feeding frenzy. The afternoon cruise sighted 2 pods feeding and an active sub adult continuously pectoral slapping for over 15 mins. Amazing sights. Join our cruise to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

Thursday October 4, 2007

Thursday Cat Balou started today cruise sighting a Southern Right whale only a couple of hundred mertres off Edens' Aslings Beach. At first it was thought it may be the whale sighted earlier in the week north of Tathra, entangled in rope, however after a close look it appeared to be okay. Many pods of humpbacks were sighted throughot the morning cruise, all pods feeding. Common Dolphins were frollicking with one pod of whales. The second cruise also saw many Humpbacks seen off the coast at Eden and the weather conditions were perfect. Not as much feedinfg as seen on the earlier trip, but some peduncle slaps and great flukes were seen, along with many close encounters as the whales mugged Cat Balou. Later in the afternoon many shore based whale watches were excited to see the Southern Right whale very close to Aslings Beach giving a good pec slapping display. Good news about the entangled Southern Right with a report that it was freed of the ropes near Tathra.

Wednesday October 3, 2007

Wednesday Cat Balou picked up a pod of Common Dolphins as they headed across Twofold Bay. With a freshening NE wind the swell picked up but Cat Balou was directed to a pod of whales by their shore based spotter. As Cat Balou approached they were tail slapping. It was a mother & baby Humpback. The calf was active and a number of breaches seen. After watching them for an hour Cat Balou headed into the sheltered area of Twofold Bay and three Australian Fur Seals were spotted on the Naval wharf in East Boyd.

Tuesday October 2, 2007

Tuesday Cat Balou headed out three times today and each trip sighted whales. Excellent feeding took place by the hungry Humpbacks on the first trip with several pods sighted not far outside Twofold Bay. Heading to more whales the crew and passengers were amazed to see two Blue Whales! It apperaed to be a mother & calf which surfaced at regular intervals. It has been several years since Cat Balou sighted Blues, the largest creature in the world. Heading out on the 2nd trip more hungry humpbacks were found as well as some tail slapping whales. Two coach groups on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises also received a bonus. After sighting Bottlenose Dolphins as they departed the Eden Wharf, one adult Humpback was sighted just outside south head and gave a magnificent fluke up.

Monday October 1, 2007

Monday Heading out from eden, Cat Balou sighted a pod of Common Dolphins and quite a few seals. Around from South Head the f