Saturday November 26, 2011
Today marks the end of our 2011 whale season for CAT BALOU CRUISES. We decided that the whales are few and far between and with bad weather forcast for the weekend, yesterday was our last whale trip for the year. The season, our 22nd year of whale watching at EDEN will be remembered as the year we saw more mother/calf pods than in previous years - a great sign for the future, however the feeding this year was not as good as in previous years. Gordon & I would like to thank our passengers for supporting our business this season and we hope you enjoyed your cruises with us. It is always great to see many of 'our regulars' returning year after year - you have become part of our whale watching family. We wish everyone a very happy Christmas and look forward to a great 2012 whale season. Cheers Ros xx
Friday November 25, 2011
This morning we spotted a mother & calf breaching east of North Head before we departed. CAT BALOU headed to that area but the whales had had their fun and did not want to be seen. We picked up Common Dolphins which entertained passengers whilst we searched for the whales. We opted to head north having reports from True Blue that there were whales at Haycock and joined them watching two Humpbacks which stopped every so often and did some peduncle throws. More Common Dolphins were in the same area as the whales and appeared to be mating. During the morning we also saw a number of Australian Fur Seals.
Thursday November 24, 2011
CAT BALOU had a great morning today and saw five Humpback Whales. We spotted the first pod near South Head and this was a mother & calf.. Not long after we found them the calf beached close to us - a great thrill for passenegers. Later we were treated to more breaches from the calf and one from the mother which was just spectacular! Later in the morning we found a single adult off Leonards Island which gave some good flukes and back in Twofold Bay another mother & calf topped off a good morning. Several seals and some penguins were also seen.
Wednesday November 23, 2011
CAT BALOU were not whale watching yesterday and stayed within Twofold Bay with coach groups, however they were back out looking for whales today. With nothing seen from shore before departing we opted to head north and for some time it was not looking promising as we, as well as other vessels out on the water hadn't seen any whales. The Common Dolphins kept passengers amused while we scanned the water between Eden & Merimbula and just as we had turned to head back towards Eden spotted two Bryde's Whales. We spent about 40 minutes with them as they cruised around, not heading in any set pattern, however they surfaced frequently. As we left them we picked up more Common Dolphins who prpbably outshone the whales today. All passengers were offered a return free trip tomorrow and hopefully we can show them some of the last Humpback whales of the season heading south.
Monday November 21, 2011
CAT BALOU began the morning finding a large pod of Common Dolphins in Twofold Bay. We stayed with them for some time as they enjoyed playing with the boat. As we had reports of whales to the north we headed that way finding two more pods of dolphins and lots of Little Penguins as well as seeing some Australian Fur Seals. We joined True Blue and watched a mother & calf with the calf breaching not long after we arrived, however they were content in slowly heading south in the sunny, calm conditions. Having seen some active whales to the south we went in search of them, but they went quiet and we could not find them. In the area that we thought they were we put the hydrophone overboard and picked up a singing Humpback quite clearly. A couple more pods of Dolphins were seen on the trip home and as we were almost home we came across another mother/calf pod not far off the Eden Lookout.
Sunday November 20, 2011
Despite covering a large area today looking for whales CAT BALOU did not see any. We managed to find a couple of pods of Common Dolphins, seals and Little Penguins which our passengers enjoyed.
Saturday November 19, 2011
Today was the first morning this year that CAT BALOU did not see any whales. The weather was the main reason as we had to contend with thick fog reducing visibility to a couple of hundred metres at times. Also we had rough conditions on the water with the NE swell from yesterday. Taking into consideration the safety and comfort of passengers we ended up cutting the trip short and giving passengers a full refund with some able to return tomorrow. We did however have a great encounter with Common Dolphins in Twofold Bay and a lone Bottlenose Dolphin at the breakwall as we returned.
Friday November 18, 2011
CAT BALOU owners had spotted two pods of whales in Twofold Bay before the cruise departed. As we headed across the bay we could see one of these pods towards South Head. We watched this mother & calf for some time and to the south more blows were seen. With the wind picking up from the NE we opted to leave the whales and head north and this move paid off. It wasn't long before we picked up over 100 Common Dolphins near the heads which our passengers loved. Near Leonards Island we found two mother/calf pods together and what fantastic whales they were. It was an action packed morning with both calves peduncle throwing, one giving some spy hops and lots and lots of breaching! One of the mothers kept fluking up, however the other was more modest, not showing hers. The pods split and as we were about to leave one of the mothers decided it was time for her to show the calf how she could breach and head lunge. What a show we had and they were still performing as we headed home.
Thursday November 17, 2011
Before CAT BALOU departed the Eden wharf this morning, our passenegrs had seen two seals swimming around th Co-op jetty and dolphins swimming past the wharves. We picked up about 20 Bottlenose dolphins at the end of the breakwall and took them for a ride. With no whales seen in Twofold Bay we headed north and off The Pinnacles found Common Dolphins and a mother & calf Humpback. This pair were quiet so we left them in peace and headed further north. We had spotted a pod off Pambula Beach which we were heading to when a pod of three - a mother, calf and escort appeared. We followed this trio for over an hour as they were on the surface all the time, cruising slowly south in the calm water with the escort frequently fluking up. On the return trip we spotted Little Penguins and two more pods of Common Dolphins.
Wednesday November 16, 2011
CAT BALOU began their day sighting a pod of Common Dolphins near the heads of Twofold Bay. While we were watching the dolphins we spotted our first whales which was a mother/calf pod. The mother gave some good flukes as they very slowly headed south. Towards North Head we found our second mother/calf pod and had a very close encounter with the inquisitive calf. Off The Pinnacles we found another three pods and the highlight of the trip was when we saw two breaches from an adult. A coach group in the afternoon on a bay cruise were thrilled to see two mother/calf pods travelling together just outside Twofold Bay. There were not as many seals at the breakwall today as we have been seeing in recent weeks.
Tuesday November 15, 2011
A SW chang e overnight had flattened the swell from yesterday and CAT BALOU began the morning sighting a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins in Twofold Bay and later a pod of Common Dolphins. Off Leonards Island the first pod of whales spotted - a mother & calf. To the north there were several more mother/calf pods and although fairly quiet we had some close encounters with several pods. Later we picked up more Common Dolphins and a pod of two adults. The last whales seen were just east of Twofold Bay where we spotted a pec slapping calf. This baby began tail slapping and swam right under the boat at one stage, finishing the morning on a high note. Only one seal was seen on the breakwall today.
Monday November 14, 2011
Today was a breaching whale day at Eden. Within 10 minutes of leaving the Eden wharf our passengers had seen seals, Common Dolphins and breaching whales - what a start to a day! There was a mother & calf towards Whale Beach and the calf was full of engery, breaching a number of times and playing with a large pod of Common Dolphins. We spent an hour with them as they slowly headed to South Head. A mile outside North Head we encountered another two pods of breaching whales and also saw a mother pec slapping and a calf spy hopping. The NE wind picked up during the morning so we headed back into Twofold Bay, picking up more dolphins and seeing a large area of krill.
Sunday November 13, 2011
One of our passengers was the first person to spot whales today aboard CAT BALOU with a mother & calf found just outside Twofold Bay. These were good whales to watch spending quite a bit of time on the surface and we had some very close encounters from them. The mother was a Type 2 Humpback which made seeing her underwater easy with her white sides. With the NE wind picking up we headed north finding another mother & calf east of Eden. They had 10 minute down times but we saw some nice flukes from them. Off The Pinnacles we picked up Bottlenose Dolphins which our passengers loved as they swam beside and in front of CAT BALOU in the pristine water. While we were watching them we spotted another mother & calf which we followed south. On the return trip we picked up Common Dolphins which escorted us for some time. The seals at the breakwall were seen as we departed and also as we returned to the Eden wharf.
Saturday November 12, 2011
CAT BALOU had the first whales shortly after leaving on their whale watching cruise with a mother & calf in Twofold Bay. They were fairly quiet so we head south and picked up two more pods just south of South Head. One pod consisted of three adults whilst a mother, calf and escort were cruising very close to shore. We had some close encounters with both pods and good flukes. We later found a Type 3 mother & calf and ended the morning with another two adults near North Head with one animal breaching close to us. We put the hydrophone overboard twice throughout the morning but no singing was heard. Several seals were seen during the trip and we had four hauled out on the breakwall rocks.
Friday November 11, 2011
The 11/11/11 will certainly a day to remember for passengers aboar CAT BALOU. In contrast to yesterdays weather we had calm seas and sunny conditions. The day began sighting our seal colony and picking up Common Dolphins early in the trip. Quite a few pods of Humpbacks were sighted throughout the morning with some having long down times - teasing us as they surfaced and fluked up before diving. We decided to try the hydrophone and brilliant singing was heard so we stopped and listened to this for 10 minutes. Later a competition pod of four adults gave us some close encounters and after leaving them we found a mother & calf . The calf had distinctive pigmentation on its body. Off Leonards Island a Bryde's Whales was located which we got a good look at. As we left this whale we picked up a large pod of Common Dolphins who had passengers amazed as they leapt clear out of the ocean. During the trip we also saw Little Penguins and a Sunfish!
Thursday November 10, 2011
CAT BALOU departed this morning with light rain falling, reducing visibility. After checking out the seals we found Common Dolphins mid bay. No whales were see until we were east of The Pinnacles where we two pods found close to shore. One pod was two mothers & their calves travelling together and what a show we had! We lost count of how many breaches the calves performed - well over 50 and they were still breaching when we decided to head back to port with heavy rain and a strong SW wind making conditions unpleasant. All passenegers were offered a return free trip despite them having a great mornings viewing. Conditions abaited after we returned to port and we were able to head back out on a Twofold Bay Cruise for a Coach group holidaying in Merimbula. The skies cleared during the trip and we found them three mother/calf pods near South Head. Again the calves were active with breaches and head lunges.
Wednesday November 9, 2011
Calm conditions prevailed throughout the day and CAT BALOU was kept busy with three cruises. The day began viewing our seal colony at the breakwall and just 10 minutes after leaving the Eden wharf a mother,calf & escort were found in Twofold Bay and another pod nearby. Later we did a loop of the southern side of Twofold Bay and near the heads more whales found. Throughout the morning we saw over 12 whales, most slowly heading south but giving good flukes. The highlight of the morning was our last mother/calf pod with an active calf seen breaching and an energetic pec slapping
display. The later whale watching trip sighted a mother & calf just south of South Head and we saw several breaches from this calf. A school group from Gundagai on the third trip had a ball with seals, Common Dolphins and a whale as well as the navy vessel 'DARWIN' all seen in just one and a half hours.
Tuesday November 8, 2011
It was a day when CAT BALOU did not venture outside Twofold Bay and had amazing whales! As we departed the NE wind picked up making conditions on the water fairly rough. It wasn't long before we spotted whales and picked up a mother & calf off Honeysuckle Point. This was an active pod with the calf breaching, peduncle throwing and tail slapping - all good fun to watch. We had also spotted more whales closer into the bay so with the conditions becoming more difficult, we headed into the calmer part of Twofold Bay. A mother, calf & escort provided non stop entertainment for well over an hour. There was mega tail slapping, pec slapping and just when we thought they must be exhausted the breaching began from both the calf and an adult. It was a memorable morning with some of the best action we have experienced this season.
Monday November 7, 2011
There was a constant stream of Humpbacks in Twofold Bay and south to Murwaree today and CAT BALOU gave up counting the number of whales seen. Mid bay the first whale was spotted and at the same time a pod of Common Dolphins. We took the dolphins for a ride as they are always crowd pleasers, then headed to a breaching whale near the heads. Two more pods affilliated with this mother & calf. We observed numerous pods throughout the morning with most of them mother/calf pods but we did see a pod of four adults who gave good fluke ups. There were quite a few Little Penguins about, along with seals. Returning home we found more Common Dolphins which was a good finale for the morning. On an afternoonTwofold Bay Cruise aboard CAT BALOU a coach group holidaying at Merimbula were ever so happy to sight two pods of whales in Twofold Bay. Common Dolphins joined the whales and the calf was interacting with them.
Sunday November 6, 2011
This morning Eden was blanketed in a thick fog limiting visibility to several hundred metres so we were not able to do any whale spotting before we departed. Amazingly we spotted a mother and calf just minutes after leaving! This was a quiet pod so we left them in peace. With the fog lifting we travelled north and spotted a breaching whale off Haycock Point. Although it stopped breaching we found several pods in that area. The water was very clear and we had some special sights of a mother & calf swimming just below the surface close to us. Another pod had a mother with a distinctive black fluke. Most whales were quiet, enjoying the warm, calm conditions. We found more whales on the return trip including a pod in Twofold Bay. This pair were inquisitive and we had some very close encounters with them with passengers on the back deck almost able to touch them. During the morning we saw Little Penguins and seals.
Saturday November 5, 2011
It was an action packed day for passengers aboard CAT BALOU today - a busy day with three cruises. The morning trip sighted 10 whales - all mother/calf pods with some very active whales with many breaches and peduncle throws. With a freshening wind it was good that we did not have to venture far outside Twofold Bay. The second trip found one mother & calf at North Head and they headed right into Twofold Bay and for over an hour it was non stop action with both animals breaching, tail slapping, pec slapping and head lunging, proving that it is not how many whales you see on a trip - just one or two can be as amazing as seeing heaps. The third trip was for a coach group from SA holidaying at Merimbula and they too had breaching whales near South Head. The wind had decreased as the day progressed and passengers on all trips had a great day. No dolphins today however our colony of seals at the Eden breakwall were still out & about.
Friday November 4, 2011
What a great day! Calm seas and plenty of whales at Eden. CAT BALOU had another easy day sighting a breaching whale as they rounded the Eden Lookout and there were also two other mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay. Although the whale stopped breaching the mother gave some good flukes. A mile or so outside the bay another two pods were seen with one whale pec slapping. In this area we also picked up Common Dolphins. To the north more whales were sighted which was a competition pod consisting mother/calf/escort plus four adults. Passengers were amazed just how close to the rocks off North Head the whales were with the mother appearing to be getting the calf away from the agressive males. One whale had a deformed fluke which is an animal we believe we saw here a few years ago. The fluke also had killer whale teeth marks on it. The pod of four adults finally broke away from the mother and we moved on to them. It was spectacular viewing with many close encounters with three adults surfacing right beside CAT BALOU. We were treated to some huge spy hops and the whales rolling on their backs. We think a bit of 'hanky panky' was taking place, but our passengers loved the action and close encounters. More whales were seen in Twofold Bay as we returned to port. The cruise ended as it began sighting the Australian Fur Seals at the breakwall.
Thursday November 3, 2011
CAT BALOU were with their first whales shortly after leaving this morning with a mother & calf within Twofold Bay. The adult had a chopped off dorsal and appeared to have scars behind her dorsal. We later picked up another mother & calf which turned out to be the pair we have also sighted last Saturday, Sunday & Tuesday - they evidently like Eden. Out of the blue they began breaching - what a spectacular sight! Another whale joined up with them, along with a large pod of Common Dolphins. We later headed north to get out of the wind and found a mother & calf near Leonards Island. More active whales were seen to the SE where headed, finding our fourth mother/calf pod. Just inside Twofold Bay another mother & calf were seen. A coach group this afternoon on a bay cruise scored the trifecta with four whales, Common Dolphins & seals. Certainly a bonus considering it wasn't a whale watching cruise.
Wednesday November 2, 2011
Lots of whales and lots of action this morning for CAT BALOU passengers. The day began well as we had sighted several pods in Twofold Bay before departing. As we rounded the Eden breakwall we spotted whales only 700 metres in front of us. We had three mother/calf pods who moved towards Quarantine Bay with the calves active with many peduncle throws. After watching them for some time we did a loop of the southern side of the bay, taking a close look at the tall ship 'Young Endeavour'. Near the heads we found another mother & calf, both active Humpbacks. The mother had a large chunk missing in front of her dorsal, an old injury which had healed, but it shoud be easily identified from the photos we have sent to the Pacific Whale Foundation. We could see more activity to the south and found two more pods with tail & pec slapping.
As we came back towards Eden the SW wind freshened and the whales became super active. We could see four pods all breaching and head lunging. Adults as well as calves all launching themselves out of the water - action plus!! The whales do seem to revel in windy conditions and our passengers were thrilled with their morning, even if it was rather chilly.
Tuesday November 1, 2011
CAT BALOU began the day sighting a mother & calf near the heads of Twofold Bay. This was a fairly quiet pod so we left them to do their own thing and headed east where we could see more whales. We picked up a pod of two adults which were cruising southwards but stopping to do some tail slapping, peduncle throws and one breached. Throughout the morning we saw several more pods of adults including a Type 1 whale with very white sides. The hydrophone picked up a whale singing. Common Dolphins were also in the same area as these whales and passengers enjoyed their active behaviour. Quite a few Albatross were seen, along with Shearwaters & Australasian Gannets. As we headed home we picked up another mother/calf pod just outside the bay and two more mother/calf pods in Calle Calle Bay. One of these whales was a resight of a mother/calf pod we had seen last Saturday & Sunday. A coach group on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise were amazed to see three mother/calf pods on their afternoon trip with one of the calves breaching several times.
Monday October 31, 2011
Another day at Eden when CAT BALOU had plenty of whales and could choose which whales to watch - a 'pick a pod day!' The day began as we sighted whales only minutes after leaving the Eden wharf and we had three mother & calf pods in close proximity off Whale Beach. One calf was exteremely inquisitive and came within a metre of the back deck delighting passengers. Throughout the morning we watched several more pods, with Humpbacks breaching, peduncle throwing & generally having a great timel within Twofold Bay - all great whales to watch. We also had Common Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals. The second trip also had active whales which members of the Merimbula Probus Club enjoyed, watching a number of mother/calf pods and again the whales were full of enery with breaching, peduncle throwing and one calf chasing the dolphins. The SW wind prevailed throughout the day with good conditions for whale watching.
Sunday October 30, 2011
Today was a day when we had everything - too much action in a day!! CAT BALOU conducted three whale watching trips and it was action plus on all cruises. All cruises witnessed breaching whales, tail slapping whales, pec slapping whales, Common Dolphins and seals. There were too many whales to count, either within Twofold Bay or in close proximity of Twofold Bay - all mother & calf pods full of energy. What a fantastic finish for the Eden Whale Festival.
Saturday October 29, 2011
The whales were on cue for the Eden Whale Festival weekend with numerous pods of mothers & calves in Twofold Bay throughout the day. CAT BALOU conducted two trips and didn't have to venture outside Twofold Bay. We saw some playful calves and on both trips including some breaching. The Common Dolphins were also seen on both trips as were Australian Fur Seals. The weather could have been kinder with a drizzley morning and reduced visibility, but everyone braved the elements and enjoyed seeing so many whales.
Friday October 28, 2011
CAT BALOU were with their first whales within 10 minutes of departing the Eden wharf. This was a resight of a mother/calf pod we had in Twofold Bay yesterday. They were fairly quiet so we decided to head north as the wind was starting to pick up from the NE. We found a single adult heading north and further up the coast a lot of breaching was observed so we headed to that pod. This was a mother & calf with breaches fom both animals. The calf was quite playful as they slowly headed south. A large pod of Common Dolphins were with the whales and entertained passengers throughout the morning, We spotted another two pods as we headed south with two super active adults breaching and head lunging. A school group on a later bay cruise were also fortunate to see whales within Twofold Bay.
Thursday October 27, 2011
Several pods were spotted from shore before CAT BALOU headed out this morning and as we crossed Twofold Bay we could see whales a couple of miles outside the heads and a pod close to South Head which we opted to watch. This was a Type 2 Humpback mother with a calf and a third whale was with them, a yearling. During the morning we saw many whales with a number of pods heading north, however most whales were not spending too much time on the surface which was quite strange. Near North Head we picked up another mother & calf which we hadn't seen until they surfaced only metres in front of CAT BALOU. We did a run up north before heading back into Twofold Bay where we found a calf which breached several times. During the afternoon the whales were very active with passengers on a Twofold Bay Cruise seeing a breaching adult plus three mother/calf pods together right in Twofold Bay with the calves very playful. On both cruises passengers were able to see the tall ship 'Young Endeavour' which has been in Twofold Bay for the past couple of days. The seals were hauled out on the rocks at the Eden breakwall plus quite a few swimming around.
Wednesday October 26, 2011
The weather improved from yesterday although still overcast. CAT BALOU picked up a mother & calf just inside South Head at Eden. We had an unexpected close encounter with the mother who fluked up only metres in front of CAT BALOU. After following this rather quiet par for half an hour we left this pod and headed north finding another mother/calf south of Leonards Island. Another pod was in very close to the shoreline. We followed one pod back to Twofold Bay with the whales on the surface frequently and also had a breach from the calf. We stopped CAT BALOU and put the hydrophone into the ocean and great singing was heard. Anothe mother & calf were seen near the heads of Twofold Bay and we had a close look at this pair. School children on the afternoon trip had a memorable experience with a very active Humpback - an adult who breached on a number of occasions, head lunged and pec slapped. Several other pods were also in the area, just outside Twofold Bay. No dolphins were seen on either trips but plenty of seals.
Tuesday October 25, 2011
It was a bleak day out on the water with grey skies, showers and a SE swell which developed during the morning. The weather didn't deter many passengers and during the morning we found three pods of whales. The first sighting was a mother & calf just east of South Head. While we were watching this pair lots of Common Dolphins joined us and stayed with us for most of the morning, accompanying CAT BALOU north after we left the first pod of whales. Two adult Humpbacks were found off Leonards Island but the conditions had deteriorated, making it hard to track them. As we were heading back to Twofold Bay we saw a whale breach. We picked up what appeared to be a yearling and it breached close to us. A coach group on an afternoon bay cruise were thrilled to find three whales in Twofold Bay with the calf breaching several times.
Monday October 24, 2011
Another day when ther were lots of whales around the Twofold Bay area and plenty of action. CAT BALOU were with a mother & calf just inside North Head early into their trip, however Skipper Gordon decided to head south to an active pod which was a mother, calf and two other adults. The calf was active with a number of peduncle throws and we watched this pod at close range for some time. With a freshening NE wind we motored north and found a couple of pods near Leonards Island. Two mother/calf pods travelling together provided great entertainment with both calves breaching a number of times. The second trip didn't have to travel far befor whales were spotted in Twofold Bay. We watched a quiet mother & calf but left them as we could see a lot of tail slapping towards South Head. An adult gave an impressive display of tail slapping and a mother & calf cruised nearby. In Honeysuckle Bay we found another mother & calf and this calf was one which has been traced travelling down the eastern Australian coast, a distinctive animal with a fluke which is white on the topside. No dolphins today but the seals wre still at the breakwall.
Sunday October 23, 2011
CAT BALOU today sighted whales, whales and more whales! The morning trip began sighting whales minutes after leaving the Eden wharf with a mother, calf & sub adult close to Aslings Beach. The calf was very active on the surface with lots of photo opportunities. Several more pods were within Twofold Bay along with quite a few Common Dolphins. We found a breaching adult near the heads who launched itself out of the water several times - an impressive sight. Many more whales were seen as CAT BALOU headed east and one of the more unusual whales was a Type 1 Humpback with the back & side section of the body white. Throughout the trip we saw tail slapping and pec slapping with most pods active. When we put the hydrophone overboard we could hear a whale singing. The second trip didn't get outside Twofold Bay as we had plenty of whales close by. One mother had a very distinctive fluke and we she gave lots of fluke ups. This calf plus another calf who was travelling with three adults were very active and breached on a number of occasions. Great viewing on both trips.
Saturday October 22, 2011
The 'Humpback Highway' off Eden today was very busy with CAT BALOU sighting numerous whales throughout the day. The morning began with a sighting of two adults who had long down times however we had our eyes on another three pods in Calle Calle Bay so a decision by crew was made to go to these whales. A good decision as we had several mother/calf pods together with the calves quite active. One of these whales had shocking breath which caused amusement amongst the passengers. The pod finally split and we headed outside Twofold Bay sighting two more pods. We could see lots of birdlife and dolphins a kilometre away and with perfect sea conditions headed out to a huge pod of Common Dolphins. Quite a few more whales were also in this area and we spotted several breaching whales near Leonards Island. Back in Twofold Bay we picked up more Common Dolphins as well as a pod of three adults and a calf. A coach group on an afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise were also in luck sighting several pods including a mother & calf who cruised close to CAT BALOU much to the delight of the passengers. The seals were hauled out on the breakwall along with some swimming were also seen on both trips. Today was a special day day for members for Boyd Family from Queanbeyan and we as operators of Cat Balou remember this special lady who came whale watching on one of our first years of watching many years ago.
October 21, 2011
CAT BALOU had a frustrating start to their whale watching today. We hadn't been on the water long before we spotted a breaching whale a couple of miles away. As we reached the area where the whale had been seen we spotted at least four pods of whales, however they were all in a strange mode - blowing, surfacing and then disappearing. We put the hydrophone overboard and picked up a whale singing. We made a decision to head north and close to shore off The Pinnacles we found an active mother/calf pod with the mother pec slapping. After a while they went quiet so we continued north finding another two pods with a calf breaching once. Not far away more whales were seen with quite a bit of activity so we headed their way and had a great time with a super active calf. We witnessed many breaches, head lunging, pec & tail slapping and peduncle thrusts. This little chap ensured passengers got value for their money! As CAT BALOU headed towards Eden we found Common Dolphins and spotted a few more whales in the distance. There were 7 seals hauled out on the breakwall.
Thursday October 20, 2011
CAT BALOU was kept busy today with a whale watching cruise and two Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises. We began the day sighting whales towards South Head. Between South Head and Murwaree there were pods of whales everywhere, all mothers with their calves. At one stage we had six pods in close proximity to CAT BALOU. Two mother/calf pods affilliated and there was some playful behaviour from the calves. Passengers could not believe just how close to the shore the whales were - just metres off the coastline. Leaving these whales after viewing them for an hour and a quarter we headed north picking up Common Dolphins who accompanied us for part of the trip back to Twofold Bay. As we rounded South Head we saw a breaching whale. A calf breached several times at close range which is what everyone hopes to see when out whale watching. Another mother & calf were 6oo metres north and we got some good fluke ups from the mother. As we rounded the breakwall, checking out our seal colony a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were found so we took them for a ride, topping off another successful morning. On the second trip around the bay a coach group received a bonus when we found three adults mid bay. The third trip also managed to find two mother/calf pods on the southern side of Twofold Bay with active calves peduncle throwing, tail salpping and a number of breaches.
Wednesday October 19, 2011
Conditions on the water today were good with only a light NE breeze and sunny. CAT BALOU got the day off to an early start spotting two pods just inside Twofold Bay. One was a mother/calf pod and another two sub adults who gave us some close encounters. After leaving these whales after 45 minutes we spotted another pod of two adults heading south. The hydrophone picked up some singing again today. Off The Pinnacles we found another two mother/calf pods travelling quite close to each other. We were hoping the calves might become playful, however they seemed content to just head south, enjoying the sunshine & calm seas with mum giving some nice fluke ups. A coach group from Merimbula on an afternoon Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise were excited to see a mother/calf pod in Calle Calle Bay with a couple of close encounters. The seals were spotted on the breakwall on both trips.
Tuesday October 18, 2011
CAT BALOU had two whale watching cruises today and on both trips the passengers were treated to lots of action from the whales. As we rounded South Head this morning we spotted whales towards Murwaree. As we were heading south to them a sub adult appeared without warning. It was in zig zag mode so we left it and headed to the whales we had originally seen. As we motored towards them we could see lots of pec slapping and this continued until we arrived. The spectacular sight of the mother & calf breaching together thrilled passengers and the calf breached another couple of times. This pair were moving north, stopping on several occasions with the mother pec slapping. We stoppped the boat and heard singing on the hyrrophone. Just east of Twofold Bay we saw another two adults who gave a couple of good fluke ups. As the cruise was coming to the end we splotted action just off the Eden Lookout. The original mother & calf had ended up in Twofold Bay and we had breaches from both the mother & calf plus more pec slapping A spectacular finale to the trip. The second trip found this same pod who had cruised into Calle Calle Bay. The mother continued to pec slap. They finally headed around North Head and we picked up blows from another couple of pods in the area. We opted to follow a mother, calf & escort who headed into Twofold Bay and we had breaches from both the calf & mother at close range. No dolphins were spotted today, however the seals were still hanging around the breakwall.
Monday October 17, 2011
It was another calm but cold day on the water this morning. CAT BALOU found a mother & calf right in Twofold Bay just minutes after leaving the Eden wharf. We watched this pair as they cruised around, not in a hurry to head south. Also in Twofold Bay was a juvenile which passengers got a good look at as it appeared to be sleeping on the surface. We could see some action to the NE so we headed in that direction and found a mother & calf. Another mother/calf pod just inside this pair were splashing around so we opted to watch them with the calf breaching a number of times. We followed them from Leonards Island to North Head. Leaving them we headed north picking up a large pod of Common Dolphins. There was a lot of bird activity in this area with many Albatross & Shearwaters. Off The Pinnacles we picked up another pod consisting of a mother, calf and escort. These were great whales to watch. The escort lay on its back for a long time waving its pecs whilst the calf began pec slapping . We also had a few spy hops & peducnle throws from both the calf and adult. We finished the morning checking out the seals at the breakwall.
Sunday October 16, 2011
A SW change overnight made conditions perfect for cruising today. CAT BALOU had spotted a number of pods from shore before leaving and headed south. The first whale seen was just outside Twofold Bay and this was a yearling with a distinctive spotted fluke. We saw a couple of peduncle throws and half hearted tail slapping. Another whale was just to the north and this adult affilliated with the yearling. Throughout the morning quite a few pods were seen between South Head & Murwaree, all adults. We witnessed some nice fluke ups but most were travelling south and not playful. Common Dolphins were found later in the morning and delighted passengers with their playful behaviour. Very faint singing was heard via the hydrophone. The last pod seen was a mother & calf who appeared to be heading into Twofold Bay. The seals were again at the breakwall, some hauled out & some taking a dip.
Saturday October 15, 2011
The whales today were a bit quiet, however as they are creatures of the wild we must accept them for whatever they do at a particular time - no pressing buttons to make them breach or tail slap! We had not spotted any from shore this morning before CAT BALOU departed at 8am. Not far outside Twofold Bay we found a pod of two whales but they had long down times. With the NE wind starting to pick up we headed north and off Leonards Island the second pod was found but again they were not showing themselves. Lots of patches of Krill were observed - we have not seen Krill like this for a week or more. Further to the NE we saw a breaching whale and headed there and found a pod of three adult Humpbacks. We stayed with them for some time and at close range saw them fluke up a number of times but unfortunately they were not in a playful mood. As we headed towards home we picked up Common Dolphins and had 10 seals hauled out on the Eden breakwall plus another couple swimming around.
Friday October 14, 2011
After a week of calm seas the NE wind developed overnight and this morning making conditions rather choppy. CAT BALOU had a pretty good morning in the conditions sighting their first whale level with the heads and another two pods not far away. We watched an adult Type 2 Humpback and a sub adult for quite some time. The larger whale appeared to be resting on the surface which enable our passengers to get good views of it and we also got a number of fluke shots. After we left them we headed north and spotted an active calf with its mother, however they playing stopped as we arrived. We followed them to mid bay with the calf giving one perfect breach. After heading into the sheltered waters of East Boyd for refreshments and viewing the southern side of Twofold Bay we picked up a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins off Whale Beach. We finished the morning off viewing the seals at the breakwall.
Thursday October 13, 2011
As CAT BALOU headed out today we picked up a couple of Bottlenose Dolphins near The Lookout. It wasn't long before Gordon spotted whales. We found a juvenile HB in Twofold Bay who was just cruising around. As we had seen other blows to the east we headed out there and found two adults, but these had fairly long down times. We dropped the hydrophone overboard and got to hear some clear singing. Heading further east we picked up Common Dolphins and one of our passengers spotted more whales. This was a Comp Pod of 5 adults which were constantly on the surface with strong blows and quite noisy. We had several close encounters with them in the 45 minutes we spent with them. There were also more dolphins in this area. As we returned to Eden we found a single yearling off Leonards Island and mother/calf pod right in Twofold Bay. During the morning we saw many fur seals and some Little Penguins plus the seals hauled out on the breakwall.
This afternoon we picked up a coach group unexpectedly. Two mother/calf pods were found near South Head. One calf was full of energy and gave a great display of breaching.
Wednesday October 12, 2011
The Humpback Highway was very busy today with CAT BALOU making excellent sightings of whales on three trips. The morning got off to an early start with three mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay. Two of these later affilliated. As we rounded South Head we spotted several more pods as well as Common Dolphins. All morning more whales appeared and there were too many to count! We put the hydrophone overboard and heard clear singing. On the second trip we headed north and saw four whales. We had been following a sub adult which joined another whale and these two mugged us for 40 minutes. The third trip found the two whales we had on the second trip and we had another mega mugging with spy hops and tail slapping. All in all a top day with very cold but calm conditions with the SW wind.. The seals at the breakwall were also seen on each trip.
Tuesday October 11, 2011
It was hard to decide what was the best part of the morning cruise as we had everything! CAT BALOU began the trip spotting the seals on the breakwall and it wasn't long before one of our passengers (who visits every year) spotted whales. This was a mother & calf who were surrounded by hundreds of Common Dolphins, seals and seabirds. The whales at times chased the dolphins and the mother started to lateral lunge feed, possibly on fish that the birds & dolphins were feeding on. We had many close encounters seeing right inside her mouth. After an hour or more and still surrounded by masses of dolphins we headed east and found several more pods of whales. One animal had distinctive marks on its fluke caused by Killer Whales. Evidently it had a close encounter earlier in its life with the wolves of the sea. The dolphins stayed with us as we headed north, picking up a mother/calf pod off The Pinnacles. During the trip we put the hydrophone overboard and picked up a whale singing quite clearly. The afternoon trip for a coach group found two mother/calf pods right in Twofold Bay. The calves were active and we witnessed many breaches, one almost landing on our deck!!
Monday October 10, 2011
CAT BALOU didn't have to travel far today before finding their first whales. Three large adult Humpbacks were in Twofold Bay who turned out to be very friendly and we had a number of muggings with one animal who lay under the boat several times. WE also spotted blows from more whales near the heads.With a cold SW wind we decided to leave these whales and head south close to the coast out of the wind. We found a mother/calf/escort near Saltwater. A White Breasted Sea Eagle created interest as it flew overhead with a large fish in its talons. There was also plenty of other birdlife in this area - Albatross, Gannets & Shearwaters. We returned to Twofold Bay and spotted several pods of whales right in the bay. There was a pod of two adults, possibly the ones we had seen there earlier and three other mother/calf pods. Two of these affilliated and we saw a bit of playful behaviour from the calves. One of these whales had extremely bad breath!!
Sunday October 9, 2011
Calm conditions today and CAT BALOU had three whales within Twofold Bay, shortly after sailing. One Type 2 sub adult was found towards South Head and a motther/calf pod in Calle Calle Bay. This mother had a distinctive fluke and gave extended fluke up dives. We had a report of other whales to our SE so we decided to head to that area. Two sub adult Humpbacks were great whales with muggings and spy hops. We also encountered Common Dolphins and a spectacular sight of a bait ball- dolphins, seals, muttonbirds & albatross was a photographers delight! Our second trip resighted the mother/calf pod from this morining with the mother still giving extended fluke up dives. Another whale just east gave a few spy hops and played with seaweed. We left these whales and headed SE and several pods were found. One whale breached and we saw some tail slapping.
Saturday October 8, 2011
CAT BALOU had two private charters today with students from the ANU on a field trip. Athough not whale watching spotted several pods of whales off the coast at Eden. One pod were active with a breach & head lunges.
Friday October 7, 2011
CAT BALOU spotted ten Humpbacks today on two trips. The morning began with a count of the seals on the Eden breakwall and a couple of Common Dolphins picked us up as we headed across Twofold Bay. We also found a seal who had found a fish for breakfast and was tossing it around. At the heads of the bay we could see a breaching whale so we headed in that direction. This was a mother & calf who we spent time with before heading north where we picked up a mother, calf & escort. Many close encounters were experiences and the whales could be seen clearly under the surface as the water was so clear. The second trip spotted several pods not far outside Twofold Bay. We opted to follow a mother, calf & two escorts with all whales giving lots of flukes. We counted 12 seals hauled out plus a few swimming as we returned to port.
Thursday October 6, 2011
The sunshine eluded us again today making conditions more difficult spotting whales which tend to blend in with the colour of the water on these days. We were lucky to find a mother & calf within the first half hour just a mile off South Head. We watched this pair for some time with the calf floating on its back just under the surface. A large pod of Common Dolphins were also in the same area as the whales. With a report from fishing boats off Haycock we headed north and had two juvenile Humpbacks who turned out to be quite friendly, with many close encounters beside CAT BALOU. One animal surprised everyone as it breached without warning which is usually the case. We spotted a number of seals during the trip along with Shearwaters and finished the trip up watching our hauled out seals on the breakwall.
Wednesday October 5, 2011
Today CAT BALOU spotted their first mother/calf pods of the season. On the morning trip we came across a HUGE mother and calf near South Head - she was one of the largest whales we have ever seen. We have forwarded a photo to the PWF and they did see this mother in Hervey Bay a few weeks ago. We followed this pair for 45 minutes and had a number of close encounters. Heading north we picked up a single sub adult and another two adults in the same area which gave several fluke ups. Another pod was also seen later in the morning. The Shearwaters were just amazing, thousands of birds rafted on the surface and a memorable sight as they take off. There were also several Albatross. The second trip found a friendly sub adult which came right up to CAT BALOU. While we were watching it a hundred or more Common Dolphins joined us and again there were thousands of Shearwaters. We also found a large patch of Krill and hostess Judi managed to scoop up a bucketfull which our passengers enjoyed seeing. As we turned to come home we spotted more whales to our south. This was a mother, calf & escort. The calf was in a playful mood throwing its tail out of the water and rolling around. Near South Head we encountered another mother & calf with the calf breaching, head lunging & spy hopping. The seals on the breakwall set a new record with 19 hauled out today. The water temperature rose two degrees today.
Tuesday October 4, 2011
CAT BALOU headed out in sunshine today. We had spotted a whale in North Bay before leaving and spotted it as we rounded the Lookout, however it did the disappearing act and we didn't sight it again. We travelled NE for some time picking up Common Dolphins and then spotted very strong blows - a comptition pod of 5 Humpbacks. These males were in hot pursuit of a female and travelled quickly with lots of lunging on the surface. In the hour we stayed with this pod they moved south 5 miles. This is the first comp. pod we have seen this season and privided good viewing. There was lots of seabirds throughout the trip - Albatross, Australasian Gannets and Shearwaters. Not far outside Twofold Bay we came across another single animal. The second trip found a pod of two adults several miles east of Leonards Island. We had many close encounters with these animals and they surprised us on a number of occassiosn appearing right beside & behind CAT BALOU. A few Common Dolphins also were seen with the whales. As we rounded North Head we found a sub adult in Twofold Bay. 16 seals were observed on the breakwall ending another successful day.
Monday October 3, 2011
It was another grey day out on the water which makes spotting whales more difficult, but thankfully the rain had stopped. We headed SE, and picked up a few Common Dolphins. We spotted a whale which fluked up & disappeared - very frustrating. Not long after that another whale was found which was a yearling. For an hour we stayed with this whale and watched it lunge feeding. It spent lots of time on the surface and we had a couple of very close encounters at the bow giving passengers a chance to see right inside its mouth. It also fluked up a number of times. Leaving this animal we headed north but didn't see anything out wide. As we turned to come in closer we found a large pod of Common Dolphins which were very active. We spotted another blow at Leonards Island, but this whale disappeared and we didn't sight it again. Some passengers spotted what we believe was a sunfish. We did a loop back trying to make a positive identification but were unsuccessful finding it. We counted 18 seals hauled out on the breakwall as we returned to the Eden wharf.
Sunday October 2, 2011
It was a bleak day on the water today - very cold and raining and little visibility. We advised passengers before boarding that it wasn't going to be one of our best days on the water, however all decided to give it a go. We had a report of two whales very close to Aslings Beach on Saturday evening which we believe were Southern Right Whales so we cruised around Twofold Bay in case they had stayed in the bay overnight, but we didn't sight them. As we rounded South Head we spotted a whale in the gloom. This was a single sub adult which headed into Twofold Bay, fluking up a number of times. After watching it for over 40 minutes we lost track of in as the swell which had built from the SE . We decided that in the conditions we were experiencing to head home early and although all passengers had seen the whale we refunded half their fare as it wasn't one our better whale watching trips. A coach group on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise later received a bonus when two Humpbacks were seen heading into Twofold Bay. Hopefully conditions will improve for the remainder of the week.
Saturday October 1, 2011
CAT BALOU had a busy day with two whale watching cruises plus a Twofold Bay cruise. On the morning cruise we joined research vessel, Krill Seeker who were monitoring a pod of two juvenile Humpbacks east of Leonards Island. We spent time watching this pod who were feeding spasmodically and spending quite a lot of time on the surface and they gave a few peduncle throws. They were slowly heading north. We headed east looking for more whales and found a Dwarf Minke which kept cruising around the vessel. We later returned to the original pod before heading home. A couple of hundred Common Dolphins escorted us for some time, leaping right out of the ocean and kept photographers happy. On the next whale watch found a very large adult accompanied by her calf from last season. A pod of three plus another Dwarf Minke were nearby with the PWF research vessel so were joined them and as was the case on the first trip they were moving north. The coach group on the third trip also got a bounus when the PWF found a yearling in Twofold Bay. Lots of seals again at the breakwall.
Friday September 30, 2011
After cancelling whale watching yesterday due to very rough seas, CAT BALOU was back out today for two trips. We began this morning finding a sub adult right in Twofold Bay. We watched this animal for some time and had several close encounters and also watched it playing with seaweed. Later we headed south and Skipper Gordon spotted an active whale off Murwaree. It was breaching and tail slapping which we hoped would continue, however it stopped being active as we arrived. We also spotted another whale in this area and saw another whale on the trip home. At the moment the whales are not as plentiful as a week ago, but another pulse should not be far off. Maybe it's because of the windy conditions we have been experiencing this week. The second trip sighted two Humpbacks. The first only showed itself a couple of times, however the second whale was more obliging and we managed to see a peduncle throw, flukes and close encounters. A few Common Dolphins were also seen on the afternoon trip along with the seals at the breakwall.
Wednesday September 28, 2011
The weather is testing us this week with NE winds persisting. Once outside Twofold Bay we had to contend with quite a swell, making it more difficult to spot whales. A couple of phone calls from spotters on shore directed us to a pod of two Humpbacks which were good whales under the conditions. We experienced a number of close encounters and peduncle thrusts. A huge pod of Common Dolphins were also in the area as the whales and they were brilliant - leaping right out of the water and escorted CAT BALOU back to the bay. The seal colony at the breakwall were also hauled out on the rocks.
Tuesday September 27, 2011
We had spotted a whale in Twofold Bay before CAT BALOU departed, so all passengers were on the lookout for this animal. It wasn't long before we spotted this sub adult in Calle Calle Bay and we spent over half an hour with it with some close encounters and a number of fluke up dives. Heading east it wasn't long before an active Humpback was spotted a couple of miles away. This was an energetic subbie with lots of breaches, head lunges, pec slapping and peduncle thrusts. Whilst we were with this animal a large pod of Common Dolphins joined us. After an hour watching the whale and dolphins and with the NE wind freshening we made our way into Twofold Bay and cruised the southern side seeing Boyd's Tower, woodchip mill, naval wharf and Edrom Lodge. We finished off the morning watching our seal colony at the breakwall. We attempted a second trip however as we reached the heads the sea had built , so for the comfort & safety of passengers we abandoned the cruise giving passengers a full refund.
Monday September 26, 2011
Conditions had improved from yesterday as CAT BALOU headed out today, conducting two whale watching trips. On the first cruise we encountered a yearling not far outside Twofold Bay, a quiet individual. We left this whale & headed out to whales that the research vessels had found - several pods and what fantastic whales they were! Muggings, lots of spy hop and feeding. One whale kept approaching the vessels and lay upsidedown under us a number times. Some whales are crowd pleasers and this is what these whales were! Having watched them for over an hour it was unfortunately time to leave. We did spot another pod as we returned to port. The second trip found another yearling not far outside Twofold Bay. We had a number of close encounters but decided to head back to where we left the earlier whales. Two friendly whales were found with some feeding. As we left one began tail slapping. Never look back when you leave whales! Returned to port we found Bottlenose Dolphins off Aslings Beach at Eden and lots of seals at the breakwall - some swimming & some on the rocks.
Sunday 25th September 2011
With a sloppy SE sea which developed overnight it was a day we wanted to find whales in close and that is exactly what happened. We found a yearling not far outside Twofold Bay, first spotted breaching - a great start to the day with one breach close to CAT BALOU. After following it for 20 minutes we headed east and it wasn't long before we spotted more whales. We were surrounded by whales and we had a special time with about twelve Humpbacks with great spy hops, mugging the boat and feeding. For an hour it was non stop entertainment. The Shearwaters were out in force as were Gannets and a number of Albatross. At one stage we had a brief encounter with a pod of Common Dolphins. Our passengers were given a fascinating commentary by PWF Presaident, Greg Kaufman who was impressed with the whales behaviour, particullary the feeding. As we were almost home we received a call from the SURFAH team of researchers with news that a Southern Right Whale was close to the Eden Lookout. We did a loop around the area but failed to find this animal. We matched yesterdays tally of 18 seals on the breakwall as we returned.
Saturday September 24, 2011
Conditions on the water today were cold & calm and there was plenty of sealife to keep passengers happy aboard CAT BALOU. After checking out the seals on the breakwall we picked up a pod of Common Dolphins mid bay. With reports of whales to the NE we headed towards research vessel Krill Seeker but picked up a single Humpback before we reached them At one stage it appeared to be feeding with one good lunge right at the bow of our boat, but then continued swimming around giving some good fluke ups. Another pod of dolphins joined us as we headed to the next pod of two - good whales to watch with lots of surface time. We saw some spy hops, pec waves and tail slapping. There were so many seals with the whales and the dolphins also milled around them. The next whale we went to was not far from this pod, a single subbie and another whales was not far away. Closer to shore more whales were seen and we opted to stay with a hungry humpback lung feeding. It was quite spectacular feeding as the krill could be seen in its mouth as it surfaced.This whale had very dark ventral grooves, whereas most Humpbacks undersides are white. Our hot soup on the return trip warmed everyone up! Counting the seals at the breakwall we set a new record today with 18 hauled out and one swimming.
Friday September 23, 2011
CAT BALOU cancelled whale watching today with strong SW winds but it is looking good for the next few days. On Sunday 25th September we will have the President & founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation, Mr Greg Kaufman who is based in Hawaii aboard CAT BALOU on our 8am cruise. Having studied Humpbacks for the past three decades he is a wealth of knowledge and will co-commentate on the cruise. There will also be time for Q & A. Limited seats are still available.
Thursday September 22, 2011
Another perfect day to be out on the water and as CAT BALOU headed out with eager whale watchers we counted 14 seals at the breakwall. One of our passengers spotted our first pod of whales one animal with an almost pure black fluke plus a sub adult. They were spending 5 minute down times as they slowly headed south. We left them and headed east finding another sub adult which turned out to be a good whale to watch. We had a number of close encounters with it swimming beside the boat thrilling passengers. It also did several peduncle throws and then began feeding on the krill which was again plentiful. Not far away we saw more whales which was a pod of two, one which pec slapped and gave a number of spy hops, checking us out! As we returned to Eden our skipper found another whale - a Type 1 with very white sides. We also passed several Australian seals and finished the morning seeing the seals at the breakwall. A lot were in the water with 6 hauled out.
Wednesday September 21, 2011
The sea was extremely calm today after the SW change which arrived yesterday afternoon. 14 seals were hauled out as CAT BALOU headed around the breakwall. The first whales were found within Twofold Bay only minutes after leaving - a pod of two sub adults which moved further into the bay as we followed them. We were taken by surprise when another whale surfaced metres behind the boat and this whale had shocking breath. Thankfully is moved on and we left it alone. A lone whale was seen logging on the surface towards South Head, enjoying the sunny, calm conditions. Later we found another two sub adults who did a couple of tail slaps. They appeared to also be heading into our bay. As we headed east we picked up Common Dolphins before locating another pod of three adult Humpbacks. We expected to see them feeding as the ocean in this area was full of krill - massive red patches everywhere, however they didn't appear hungry. We did have several close encounters, fluke ups and several spy hops. Today we also saw the first Shearwaters of the season. These birds appeared to be following the patches of Krill. Heading home more Common Dolphins escorted us pack to port and the seals were still enjoying the sunshine on the breakwall.
Tuesday September 20, 2011
CAT BALOU was not whale watching today. A coach group on a morning Bay Discovery Cruise saw 17 seals hauled out on the breakwall. As the sea conditions were not good for whale watching with a big swell resulting from yesterdays strong NE we cancelled the planned afternoon whale watching cruise. We anticipate a SW change later today which should settle the sea for tomorrow.
Monday September 19, 2011
As CAT BALOU headed out today the NE wind began to pick up - that's the wind we don't like. Having seen a number of pods from shore we headed towards South Head and spotted whales just outside Twofold Bay. The initial pod consisted of an adult and subbie and another pod 500mts to the east later affilliated with them. We had many close encounters all around the vessel and a spectacular spy hop, so close we could almost touch the whales head. We could see a number of breaches several miles further out to sea, but with the wind making conditions rather unpleasant we opted to stay with the whales we had as they spent lots of time onh the surface. As we returned to port another whale was seen at Honeysuckle Point. Twelve seals were also seen at the breakwall.
Sunday September 18, 2011
CAT BALOU didn't have to go far today before the first whale was sighted mid bay. This was a Humpback sub adult in a fairly quiet mode. We left it as we knew that there were a lot more whales a mile or two outside Twofold Bay. We found numerous pods which at times affilliated with echelon feeding by the sub adults & adults, some with very bad breath! Several whales were spy hopping and we saw a few prduncle throws. One animal was a Type 1 with white sides - very distinctive. Another whale was a resight of a pod we had yesterday. We believe that with so much feeding going on at present the same whales are just hanging around this area. During the morning we encountered several pods of Common Dolphins and seals. We couldn't beat yesterdays record seal haul out at the breakwall with 13 seen today. We finished off the trip by cruising around the southern side of Twofold Bay.
Saturday September 17, 2011
CAT BALOU had another great day today sighting twenty Humpbacks on their morning cruise. It was a perfect day to be out on the water and before leaving we had spotted several pods in Twofold Bay. We stopped at the breakwall to watch the seals and 2 minutes later had our first whale, a lone Humpback near the Eden Lookout. It appeared to be sleeping, logging on the surface so we left it in peace. A mile outside the bay we joined the research vessel 'Krill Seeker' who were surrounded by whales. We had one that was tail spapping, lots of spy hops, one pec slapping and others feeding - we estimate that there were 12 or more whales. Things got a bit crowded with a number of pleasure vessels coming for a look so we headed north where we found another two whales and also Common Dolphins. Later we encountered a pod of three which gave photographers many opportunities with great slow fluke ups. Another pod was in the same area. The seal count of 17 beat yesterdays record!
Friday September 16, 2011
It was another very successful days whale watching today with CAT BALOU sighting numerous pods of Humpbacks throughout the morning as well as a SOUTHERN RIGHT whale at South Head. The first coulple of Humpbacks were fairly quiet, however things livened up when we found feeding whales off Murwaree. We were surrounded by hungry Humpbacks lateral lunge feeding around the vessel at close range for well over an hour. These whales had better breath than some we have been with over the past week! On the trip home we found another whale logging on the surface and as we crossed Twofold Bay, Skipper Gordon spotted a whale tail slapping near the heads which we detoured to. Our Seal colony totalled 16 - a new record.
Thursday September 15, 2011
AWESOME! Whale watching and weather doesn't get any better than what we experienced today. From shore a number of pods were spotted before CAT BALOU headed out which is always a good sign. We spotted the first whale in Twofold Bay but it appeared fairly quiet & we could see active whales just outside Twofold Bay which we headed out to. Fot the next three hours it was non stop entertainment with whales breaching at close range, head lunging, close encounters, peduncle throws, spy hopping and pec slapping whales . We were at times surrounded by so many whales you didn't know which ones to watch. There were over a dozen humpbacks feeding and the krill in the water visible at times. Common Dolphins were also seen in the same area as the whales and 13 Seals hauled out on the breakwall.
Wednesday September 14, 2011
We did our first Budget whale watch this afternoon and had a good time sighting several pods not far outside Twofold Bay. We saw two whales lateral lunge feeding, several breaches and one sub adult who lay on its back pec slapping for well over half an hour. It was still doing this when we departed for home. Thirteen seals were seen on the breakwall and during the morning bay cruise the coach group onboard also saw Bottlenose Dolphins and one Humpback.
Tuesday September 13, 2011
Today CAT BALOU CRUISES report that there were whales everywhere - just too many to count! With perfect conditions on the water our seals greeted us at the breakwall and Common Dolphins raced towards us as we crossed Twofold Bay. Just inside North Head we found our first whale, a sub adult on its own and later another solo traveller not far out of the bay. The researchers aboard Krill Seeker had feeding whales towards South Head so we joined them where several pods were lunge feeding. The dolphins mingled with the whales. Having watched these whales for some time we opted to head further out, however we kept finding more whales including a DWARF MINKE. The last whales we found were great with synchronized feeding and whales coming right beside us. The were at least eight in close proximity to us and more in the area. Again today the whales had very bad breath! One passenger who had tried 12 times to see whales in other areas and never been in luck found that her 13th trip was more than she ever imagined a whale watching trip could be and she is now an adicted whale watcher. An afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise for a coach group also found plenty of whales, again feeding along with dolphins & seals.
Monday September 12, 2011
After cancelling cruises over the weekend due to strong winds, CAT BALOU headed out this morning with eager whale watchers. Near the heads of Twofold Bay a single sub adult was found and we had a good look at this whale, before detouring into Honeysuckle Bay to look for dolphins. Sure enough they were tucked into this section of Twofold Bay where we often see them. SE of South Head a pod of three whales were found and two were lunge feeding. As the wind dropped right off we ventured off the coast further and found several pods of hungry Humpbacks. A great display of lateral lunge feeding, at one stage seven whales all lunging around CAT BALOU at close range with their massive mouths open, giving passengers a good look at their baleen and palate. As seems to be the case often when we observe them feeding their breath was putrid and this was the case with these whales. Something we dont often see was one of the whales who deficated right beside us! Having watched these whales for well over on hour we headed home, encountering another two pods of whales, Common Dolphins as well as seals.
Friday September 9, 2011
It was a return to winter today as CAT BALOU headed out whale watching. No whales had been spotted close to shore before we left and we did not want to venture too far offshore with a strong SW change predicted late morning. We did a loop outside Twofold Bay, spotting the seals on the breakwall as we departed and picking up a pod of Common Dolphins, always a crowd pleaser. With no whales seen we received a report that whales had been seen heading south from Merimbula so we headed north. We watched three Humpbacks for well over an hour as they leisurely headed south and at times had some close encounters. A Dwarf Minke appeared while we were with the Humpbacks. We put the hydrophone overboard but no singing was heard. To the east we spotted more whales which were spending a lot of time on the surface, however they decided to stay down as we reached the area. Several other big splashes were seen out wider.
Thursday September 8, 2011
Perfect conditions on the water today and CAT BALOU was out twice with coach groups on their popular Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises. Both groups received a bonus with two Humpbacks sighted on the morning cruise and a single Humpback in Twofold Bay on the later cruise. Bottlenose Dolphins & many seals on the breakwall area topped off an enjoyable trip. It is very early in the season to be seeing whales so close to shore.
Wednesday September 7, 2011
CAT BALOU had a great morning with the whales today, sighting four pods of Humpbacks. Common Dolphins were prolific throughout the morning, at times playing amongst the whales. The highlight of the morning were seven adults sighted about 7 miles SE of Eden. We witnessed the whales playing with seaweed, draping it on their heads, then spy hopping. It was one of the best displays of spy hopping we have seen for many years. The rolled around on the surface for over an hour as passengers watched in amazement. The performed peduncle thrusts, showed their flukes, pec waved - real show offs! There was a lot of bird life in the area with Albatross & Gannets. The hydrophone also picked up a whale singing. On the return trip we found another whale and more dolphins. The seals on the breakwall continue to intrigue passengers with 13 sighted. A coach group in the afternoon also saw whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins and the seal colony. Great conditions prevailed.
Tuesday September 6, 2011
CAT BALOU received several reports early today that a whale was at Aslings Beach, the main surf beach at Eden. This turned out to be a Southern Right whale less than 150 metres off the beach. A coach group from Canberra, holidaying at Merimbula headed out at 10am on a Twofold Bay Cruise aboard CAT BALOU and scored the trifecta seeing the Southern Right, a couple of Dolphins and the Fur Seals at the breakwall. An Eden fish spotting pilot notified us that he saw many whales between Bermagui & Eden today, so the season looks to be well underway, a bit earlier than nornal.
Monday September 5, 2011
After a few windy days the sea calmed down and CAT BALOU headed out whale watching. The seals at the breakwall greeted us as we left the wharf area. Our first whale sighting was about a mile outside Twofold Bay, a juvenile Humpback which was rather elusive. A couple of miles east another small whale was found and it too was hard to track. We then headed further east and this proved to be the right decision by Skipper Gordon who spotted a breaching whale. When we reached the pod it turned out to be a pod of three adults who provided great viewing with many flukes, a huge spy hop and a number of close encounters. Another pod appeared nearby and eventually the two pods affilliated. We ended up leaving 7 or 8 whales. On the trip home we picked up a a pod of Common Dolphins and two other single whales. A school group later in the day had a brief encounter with a Dwarf Minke.
Thursday September 1, 2011
In perfect Spring weather CAT BALOU headed out on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise today.Thiteen Fur Seals hauled out on the Eden breakwall got the trip off to a good start. In Honeysuckle Bay abou 20 Bottlenose Dolphins were enjoying the pristine water. The pod included a mother and very small calf. We did a wider loop across the heads of Twofold Bay and located one juvenile Humpback who was just cruising around. Another active pod were a couple of kilometres to the SE. The seals were still hauled out, enjoying the sunshine as we returned to the Eden wharf.
Wednesday August 31, 2011
Whale watching today aboard CAT BALOU is as good as it gets, and that comes from the owner/operators of CAT BALOU CRUISES who have been watching whales for 22 years! Sea conditions were perfect and several pods spotted from shore before we left. The seals greeted us as we rounded the breakwall and a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins came for a ride with the boat off Aslings Beach - a great start to the day. As we were heading out of the bay a whale breached behind us, taking all by surprise. We watched this active sub adult continue breaching for some time. A mile off North Head more Humpbacks were seen and this was a pod of six adults with another two whales 500mts away. One whale had fishing line & lure wrapped around its fluke but it wasn't troubling it. We also got a couple of breaches, great fluke ups, several spy hops and a little feeding. One of the highlights of the morning was when we put the hydrophone overboard and picked up brilliant singing. We sat with motors off for 15mins listening to the remarkable song! We were also surprised to have a Manta Ray swim up close to the boat. Another pod out wider was breaching and we headed out there but the action stopped from this single animal. Heading home we resighted the original whales which has split into three pods and a Dwarf Minke was found nearby. This friendly whale kept circling CAT BALOU. What a day!
Monday August 29, 2011
EDEN is certainly a whale watchers paradise with three different species seen in Twofold Bay in the past four days. Following the sightings of Humpbacks and Dwarf Minke whales on Friday, two Southern Right whales came into Twofold Bay today.CAT BALOU were able to show passengers on a coach gorup from Geelong, holidaying in Merimbula four Humpbacks whilst on a bay cruise - what a bonus! Another single Humpback and the Sth Rights were also seen in the bay around midday. Once again a number of Fur Seals were on the rocks and swimming around the Eden breakwall.
Sunday August 28, 2011
CAT BALOU did their first whale watching trip for the year today. Heading out in perfect conditions we spotted Fur Seals which have taken up residence on the breakwall as well as a number swimming in that area. A couple of miles outside Twofold Bay the first whale was see - a sub adult which was cruising around, possibly looking for food. Another whale was spotted closer to shore and appeared to be sleeping as we approached. This turned out to be a very friendly subbie which swam close to boat often and also gave several spy hops. In close proximity a pod of Common Dolphins were seen and they always enjoy having a game with the vessel. As we headed back into Twofold Bay several Bottlenose Dolphins were in the pristine water in Honeysuckle Bay. A final look at the seals capped off a perfect morning.
Friday August 26, 2011
CAT BALOU made their first sightings of Humpbacks heading south for the season. Whilst out on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise, Ros spotted whales a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay. All passengers we eager to head out to them and it turned out to be a pod of two sub adults. What a great start to the season with the whales mugging us! One was extremely friendly swimming under the boat a number of times as well as giving a spy hop. As we headed back to the bay we received another bonus sighting two Dwarf Minke whales. Also seen were several Albatross, a couple of Little Penguins and 13 Fur Seals hauled out on the Eden breakwall, including a number of newborn.
We plan to start doing some whale watching this week with daily trips scheduled from 21st September, so book in early.
Sunday July 31, 2011
Passengers who cruised aboard CAT BALOU today had an amazing morning sighting two Humpback whales and many Fur Seals on the Twofold Bay Cruise. Before departing the Eden wharf a couple of Australian Fur Seals were swimming around the vessel and half a dozen seen hauled out on the rocks at the end of the breakwall. With perfect conditions on the water quite a few more seals and patches of fish seen as Cat Balou headed towards the heads of Twofold Bay. Less than a mile outside the bay a whale was apotted so all passengers agreed we should try and find it. Although it appeared to be a quiet whale as we approached we were surprised to discover it was in fact two Humpbacks and the action began! Both whales breached simultaneously a couple of times as well as tail and pec slapping and some head lunges - what a display! After watching this energetic pair for half an hour they decided it was time to travel and they headed north.
Sunday June 26, 2011
During the past week we have observed a number of whales on their northern migration from shore. We decided to do an offshore trip today and had a very successful morning sighting a total of five Humpbacks. One sub adults was travelling on its own and later we located a pod of four adults which surfaced at regular intervals, giving passengers a good look. It appeared to be a competition pod. Also sighted were two pods of Common Dolphins, a number of Fur Seals and lots of Albatross. Perfect conditions prevailed throughout the morning.
Thursday December 23, 2010
There are still a few late whales passing Eden as they migrate southwards. Last week a mother & super active calf were seen just off The Lookout in Eden and today CAT BALOU saw a mother & calf just outside South Head, much to the delight of passengers on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise.
Friday November 26, 2010
CAT BALOU have finished their whale watching cruises for 2010. With the strong winds experienced this week plus the fact that the whales are few & far between we decided to end the season a few days earlier than anticipated, but it is always better to end on a high note and it has been an excellent season. To all out loyal customers and whale watching friends we wish you a very happy Christmas and look forward to having you aboard CAT BALOU watching our wonderful whales again in 2011.
Tuesday November 23, 2010
As we headed out whale watching today we knew it was going to be a hard task finding whales with a freshening NE wind springing up early in the day. With no whales sighted in Twofold Bay CAT BALOU headed north and with an increasing number of white caps, our hopes of showing our passengers whales were fading, although we had picked up several pods of Common Dolphins and seen several Australian Fur Seals. Was today going to be the first trip this season that we missed out on whales? After almost an hour our skipper spotted mother/calf pod less than 300metres from the vessel. The calf decided to play with a number of breaches performed at close range! After following them south for some time we lost the pair in the choppy conditions but the customers were all very happy and more dolphins raced beside us on the return trip.
Monday November 22, 2010
Before leaving on todays cruise we spotted a pod of whales from shore which were heading north. We did a loop of the southern side of Twofold Bay, picking up the Common Dolphins which was a great start to the day. Between North Head and Leonard's Island, skipper Gordon spotted a pod which was a mother & calf. The mother was a Type 3 Humpback with the distinctive lighter grey strip from the dorsal to the fluke. These whales were heading north & possibly the pod spotted from shore. After following them for half an hour we continued north and found another mother/calf pod off Long Beach. The calf delighted passengers when it breached a number of times at close range.
Sunday November 21, 2010
CAT BALOU sighted 8 Humpback whales today, along with a large pod of Common Dolphins. The dolphins were evidently feeding in a bait ball with hundreds of Shearwaters also feeding on the fish. All whales were found close to the coast off The Pinnacles. After following the first mother & calf for 20 minutes the calf breached several times which delighted the passengers. There were three other pods just to the north and we later viewed these whales which gave some good flukes and close encounters. The final pod we viewed also had a calf which breached several times.
Saturday November 20, 2010
Today will be remembered as one of the most memorable days I have had since CAT BALOU began whale watching 21 years ago! As we were heading across Twofold Bay we spotted a breaching whale just outside North Head which later began tail slapping. For the next three hours we watched this amazing calf which did not stop breaching and head lunging as the pair moved right into the bay, giving whale watchers on shore a chance to also experience this energetic display. The mother was relatively quiet, giving the odd fluke up as the calf continued to play. Later it began pec slapping and tail slapping, then more breaches and lunging. As they headed across towards the southern side mum gave a few peduncle thrusts and then the most fantastic tail slapping show - the calf still breaching! The Common Dolphins which we picked up added to this remarkable morning which proves you don't have to see heaps of whales to have a great whale watching experience.
Friday November 19, 2010
CAT BALOU spotted three pods of whales this morning. Two mother/calf pods travelling in close proximity to each other were sighted near South Head. We followed one pod which were only metres off the coastline as they very slowly headed south. The mother had a pure black fluke which she displayed many times during the hour we watched them. They spent a lot of time on the surface with the mother wrapping seaweed on her head several times and then raising her head out of the water - evidently a new game for her! The second pod were also close to shore and we witnessed the calf breach as it rounded Murwaree Point. Common Dolphins were also in this area and were quite playful swimming with CAT BALOU. Near Leonards Island a pod of two adults were seen briefly before we returned to port.
Thursday November 18, 2010
There was plenty of sunshine and sealife today. CAT BALOU received a call from a fishing vessel at North Head advising that they had whales nearby. This turned out to be two adult Humpbacks which were cruising around the area, at times showing their flukes and at one stage one whale lay upside down at the bow of the vessel. As we left this pod our skipper spotted another pod just to the north a mother & calf. The mother fluked up each time she surfaced. We later continued to travel north but as we looked back we saw the calf breaching a number of times, so we headed back to watch them. Other sealife we encountered were Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins and Fur Seals making it an entertaining cruise.
Wednesday November 17, 2010
As CAT BALOU headed out this morning it wasn't long before we found our friendly Common Dolphins and some playful Fur Seals mid bay. With perfect conditions we headed south and found our first pod - a mother & baby which was covered with barnicles. We nicknamed him Barnicle Bill! Later we encountered three mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay. Two of these pods affilliated and the calves bacame playful with a few breaches and some close encounters. The dolphins were also swimming with the whales. An afternoon bay cruise picked up a mother, calf & escort just inside South Head. One adult gave a massive spy hop & a peduncle throw before we left them heading south & CAT BALOU continued cruising beautiful Twofold Bay.
Tuesday November 16, 2010
As CAT BALOU rounded the Lookout Point today, skipper Gordon spotted a breaching whale near the heads of Twofold Bay. As passengers eagerly watched for these whales Common Dolphins approached he boat - always a crowd pleaser! Near South Head we found several pods of mother & calves not in a hurry to head south, maybe because of the pack of Killer Whales that our friend, film maker Pete Constable had spotted at Greencape. Fot the next couple of hours we witnessed over 20 Humpbacks including a Competition Pod, with some of these adults breaching & head hunging with over 20 whales seen. Common Dolphins were seen for most the trip. An afternoon bay cruise also had passengers excited when our work ecperience student, Amy found a mother & calf in Twofol;d Bay - great spotting Amy!
Monday November 15, 2010
The grey skies did not deter eager whale watchers today and passengers were rewarded seeing a number of pods of Humpbacks, the energetic Common Dolphins and Fur Seals. CAT BALOU found the whales between Leonards Island and Haycock, mainly mother/calf pods although there was a single animal travelling south quickly. Everyone wants to see a whale breach and we had a calf that did just that, delighting all the passengers.
Sunday November 14, 2010
It was a strange day with fog blanketing the coast for most of the morning. CAT BALOU got the day off to an early start finding a mothr/calf pod mid bay. We had spotted this pair from shore before leaving. We watched them for half an hour before the fog closed in, reducing visibility to less than 150 mts at times. We travelled slowly north picking up many Common Dolphins and as we reached Haycock the fog started to lift. Cruising back close to shore we picked up a mother & calf near Leonards Island. Back in Twofold Bay we hit the jackpot finding three mother/calf pods. We had some spy hopping, braches from a calf, head lunges from an adults and some very close encounters. We extended the cruise by an hour as we were having such a good time with these whales.
Saturday November 13, 2010
One of our passengers found the first pod of whales today, a mother & calf just inside Twofold Bay near South Head. We watched this pair for 40 mins before heading north & picking up a mother, calf and escort off Leonards Island. The Common Dolphins swam around CAT BALOU as we watched this trio. Suddenly we spotted a breaching whale closer to shore. We moved to this pod and had a great encounter with the very active mother & calf. The calf was not shy, swimming close to CAT BALOU and it also breached and lunged many times and the mother tail slapped. Our excited passengers capturing the action on cameras. A number of Fur Seals were also seen during the trip. As we headed out on a second trip with passengers from the cruise ship, Orion, visiting Eden we found a mother & calf mid bay. The moved further into the bay and we had many close encounters and a breach. In East Boyd we picked up a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins.
Friday November 12, 2010
CAT BALOU headed south this morning and 2 miles east of Murwaree located two pods of whales close to each other. They were heading south, and had a 4 minute down time. We witnessed some fluke ups from one pod. Near North Head another mother/calf pod were found but not in a playful mood. At Haycock we spotted another pod briefly, before joining True Blue off Merimbula with another fairly quiet mother/pod calf. We picked up the Common Dolphins on the return trip. We received an email from the PWF regarding the unusual lump on the whale yesterday. Greg Kaufman their president who has been observing whales throughout the world for the past 30 years has never seen anything like it before and said it appears to be a tumor or cyst. He is forwarding the photo to their cetacean skin expert.
Thursday November 11, 2010
Whale watching is always easier when you have good weather and this was the case today with sunny skies and calm seas. A mother/calf pod was found by CAT BALOU just south from South Head and we had a great time watching this active calf performing numerous peduncle throws. Another pod also made an appearance, heading north. A bait patch was spotted & there was a lot of activity with many Shearwaters, Common Dolphins & Fur Seals. Later two mother/calf pods were found near North Head with the calf breaching several times. One mother, a Type 2 Humpback had an adnormal growth behind her blowholes. We are endeavouring to determine what it was and have forwarded a photo to the PWF. The second trip resighted this pair heading slowly southwards with the calf coming right to the boat several times. Off Leonards Island we spotted several pods and opted to stay with a pod of two adults. These have us a great display of spy hopping and one animal did many peduncle thrusts. Another two adults were heading towards these active whales as we left them. All in all a great day.
Wednesday November 10, 2010
CAT BALOU spotted the first pod of whales mid bay today - a mother & calf. Leaving this pair we headed north but failed to see more whales until Haycock. This was a very quiet pod which we left as we spotted a breaching whale to the south. We reached this mother/calf pod and witnessed tail slapping. Throughout the morning Common Dolphins kept appearing - they are always great to watch. A group of school children on a bay cruise were excited to find a mother & active calf in twofold Bay with the calf breaching many times.
Tuesday November 9, 2010
There were a lot of whales around Twofold Bay today and CAT BALOU was kept busy with three trips. The morning whale watch headed out in perfect conditions and found several pods of adult Humpbacks about a mile outside the bay. These were entertaining to watch at times affilliating and we counted eight animals. They surfaced frequently with strong blows, and lots of fluke ups - a bit like a competition pod. One animal had been hit by a propeller but the wound had healed. The highlight of the trip was a double breach by two adults. Common Dolphins were also entertaining throughout the morning and towards the end of the trip we saw several mother/calf pods near North Head. The second and third trips were Twofold Bay Cruises for coach groups and both were lucky seeing whales in the bay. Five mother/calf pods which breached.
Monday November 8, 2010
CAT BALOU had an action packed morning today with a breaching calf just south of South Head. For over an hour it performed, breaching non stop, oblivious to the weather - thunder, lightning, hail and rain!! The design of our vessel meant that there was plenty of room undercover aboard CAT BALOU for the passengers to stay dry whilst watching this active youngster. Another adult later joined the pod.
Sunday November 7, 2010
CAT BALOU sighted ten whales this morning without leaving Twofold Bay. This was ideal as there was a freshening NE wind making conditions rather rough outside the bay. Two sub adults were the first seen, with all others being mother/calf pods. There wasn't a lot of action, but all gave good fluke ups and we had some close encounters. The Common Dolphins and seals were also popular with the passengers.
Saturday November 6, 2010
It was an overcast morning and days like this make finding whales harder as the whales blend in with the grey colour of the sea, however CAT BALOU sighted a number of whales during their cruise. Near Murwaree there were several pods, active when we spotted them but unfortunately the stopped performing as we arrived. We followed a mother & calf for some time and later two more adults affilliated with this pod giving passengers some close encounters and good fluke ups. We spotted another four pods to the north, most were spending long down times, however the Common Dolphins seen throughout the trip were great to watch. We also spotted a number of Fur Seals.
Friday November 5, 2010
CAT BALOU got off to a great start to the day finding two mother/calf pods just off the Eden Lookout. With the sun shining the two calves were in a playfuly mood with lots of tail slapping whilst one mother gave a number of spy hops. After 45 minutes we left them and later found two more pods near South Head and several more pods near North Head, one pod pec slapping and another breaching. The Common Dolphins were plentiful and hung around for a good part of the morning. We could hear the dolphins communicating when we lowered the hydrophone overboard and a whale singing in the distance. A number of Australain Fur Seals were also seen. The second trip found two more mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay.
Thursday November 4, 2010
Today began with the cruise ship Volendam entering the heads of Twofold Bay with a whale breaching off the port bow. CAT BALOU spotted whales shortly after departing and headed NE where they located a mother, calf & escort which were a friendly trio and frollicked with a pod of Common Dolphins. Leaving them we picked up another two pods, one adult head lunging a number of times. Closer to shore we found a mother & calf. We put the hydrophone overboard and the most incredible singing was heard - probably the best we have heard in 21 years! The singer must have been under the boat as we later heard the singing through the hull, even without the hydrophone - awesome!!! Later the mother & calf appeared with an escort which we believe was the singer. The Volendam had chartered CAT BALOU for two bay cruises later in the day and on both cruises we were able to show their passengers whales. A tail slapping pod just north of North Head for the first trip and four mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay for the second group. A memorable day for all.
Wednesday November 3, 2010
CAT BALOU headed south today, keeping inshore out of the SW wind. Near Murwaree an active calf with her mother was found. We stayed with this pair for an hour and had some very close encounters with the inquisitive calf swimming right up to the boat and at one stage breaching only metres from the back deck, taking everyone by surprise. The pair also tail slapped and both had interesting flukes.Many of the calves we have seen over the past couple of weeks have a lot of barnacles and this calf had many all over her body. Leaving this pair we cruised along the southern section of the Ben Boyd National Park, picking up another couple of mother/calf pods. There were heaps of Albatross about today, along with the Austalasian Gannets and Shearwaters.
Tuesday November 2, 2011
CAT BALOU came across their first pod of whales near South Head, a mother & calf just slowly heading south. After watching them we headed north and spotted several pods off The Pinnacles. The whales in each pod were elusive, coming to the surface several times, then diving - it was rather frustrating knowing they were about and not wanting to show themselves! We did however find a pod of three adults which were heading south at 5 knots and spending time on the surface, A mother & pod then joined this pod and we had a good time with them and the Common Dolphins which were swimming with the whales. Near North Head as we returned to port an active whale was doing a number of peduncle thrusts. Two mother/calf pods were found in Twofold Bay on an afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise.
Monday November 1, 2010
After cancelling all cruises yesterday due to the strong NE winds which persisted throughout Saturday & Sunday, CAT BALOU was back on the water today with many eager whale watchers. Throughout the early cruise a number of mother/calf pods were seen as well as several pods of adults. At one stage we had eight Humpbacks around us. It was rather strange that two whales seen both had a portion of their fluke missing, and shoul be easily recognised by the researchers.One of the whales seen early in the day was a tail slapper, another mother pec slapped while the calf played with seaweed. Adding to the fun we had many Common Dolphins which are always crowd pleasers. On the second trip we found the first mother/calf pod inside Twofold Bay and three other pods near North Head with two of the calves breaching. One pod was a resight of a pod seen on the first trip.
Saturday October 30, 2010
Despite not experiencing the best weather condition for whale watching today with a freshening NE wind, CAT BALOU had a good morning out on the water. A mother & calf were found mid bay with the calf breaching once before slowly heading around South Head on their journey south. Another mother & calf were near North Head but this pair had long down times. Heading further north Common Dolphins enjoyed playing with CAT BALOU. Off The Pinnacles the third mother/calf pod of the morning was found and these were great whales to watch with the calf breaching a number of times, head lunging and rolling around. The mother gave some lovely fluke ups. While we watched this pair the dolphins kept hanging around the whales and the boat.
Friday October 29, 2010
CAT BALOU began the day sighting their first pod of whales within 5 minutes of departing the Eden wharf. Out of the blue we saw the calf breach, followed by the mother - what a great start to the day! The pair were great whale to watch spending lots of time in the surface. The mother gave several tail extensions, possibly one of the Humpbacks renowned for feeding her calf in this position. With another two pods in Twofold Bay it looked like we wouldn't travel outside the bay which was great considering a NE wind was picking up. Following refreshments in east Boyd viewing Edrom Lodge & watching a vessel load pine logs were headed to whales near Southe Head - several pods in that area. Later a mother & calf were found north of North Head but were fairly quiet. Back in Twofold Bay and on our way home an active pod could be seen towards North Head so we decided to extend the trip and head out there. This was a great decision as we had a tail slapping mother & breaching calf, it breached and breached and breached! Joining in the action was a large pod of Common Dolphins which darted between the whales. In Twofold Bay today was the tall ship 'Young Endeavour', Britains gift to Australia in our Bicentennial year and passengers enjoyed seeing her at close range.
Thursday October 28, 2010
It was a magical morning on the water and CAT BALOU headed south having spotted whales from shore before leaving port. We passed a mother & calf around from South Head and headed to a mother/calf/escort near Murweree. Everyone was surprised when the calf breached less than 10mts from the bow! With such perfect conditions CAT BALOU headed towards Greencape seeing another mother & calf. Returning back along the coast another mother/calf was seen before we detoured into beautiful Bitangabee Bay on the trip home. Several more pods were seen with one adult pec slapping. Bottlenose Dolphins were found in Honeysuckle Bay and another pod near the breakwall. Quite a few seals were observed throughout the morning.
Wednesday October 27, 2010
It took some time to locate the whales this morning. CAT BALOU did a southern run towards Murwaree, then headed north picking up Common Dolphins and seeing some seals rafted on the surface. Towards Haycock a mother & calf were found and later we followed a pod of three adults. All had distinctive flukes, one entirely black. They were not active, intent in heading to the Antarctic. Bottlenose Dolphins were found as we cruised along Aslings Beach. The second trip saw a mother and very active calf, which breached for over an hour - it was still breaching as we left them. The mother had a very unusual motion when she fluked up. Each time she waved her fluke, something we have never seen in the past 20 years of whale watching! She later began pec slapping so they were a great pod to watch. Common Dolphins were also seen and very playful. The third trip around Twofold Bay found a mother & calf near South Head, along with many Common Dolphins and we also resightd the pod seen on the middle trip, the mother still waving her fluke a she dived.
Tuesday October 26, 2010
CAT BALOU started the day with a mother/calf pod 1 mile outside Twofold Bay - a quiet pod with long down times. Heading north we picked up a large pod of Common Dolphins approaching the vessel from all directions. Off The Pinnacles we found another mother & calf with the calf quite playful. Near leonards Island we spotted two breaching calves which kept passengers enthralled for over half an hour. Several other pods were also in the vicinity. CAT BALOU had another two bay cruises in the afternoon and both coach groups had an added bonus of seeing whales. Two mother/calf pods for the first group with one mother giving a spectacular breach and the second group seeing a mother & calf near South Head.
Monday October 25, 2010
CAT BALOU was out watching whales twice today. The morning began with a sighting of a mother & calf, followed by two sub adults with one of these animals pec slapping. Heading north a large pod of Common Dolphins kept passengers entertained until the next pod of whales found. Some breaching was seen by two pods a couple of miles away and we picked up a mother, calf & escort. More dolphins were seen as we returned to port and two adult Humpbacks surprised everyone with a very close encounter. The later trip picked up a mother/calf pod near Leonards Island. The calf was active peduncle throwing a number of times before heading southwards. We had a number of close encounters with this pair and an Australian Fur Seal mingled with this pod the entire time we watched them. One of our colleagues in Hervey Bay, Vicki Neville was interested in the propped whale we saw on Saturday. After comparing photographs she identified it, having seen this mother with her calf in Hervey Bay on 29th September. We have agreed to name her Mewstone as she cruised very close to Mewstone Rock when we saw her on Saturday.
Sunday October 24, 2010
Perfect conditions prevailed for this mornings whale watching and the Humpback highway was busy with quite a few mother/calf pods. CAT BALOU found a mother & calf a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay but were rather quiet. We could see an active whale a couple of miles north but the action stopped as we approached. There were a couple more pods in the general area and one gave a great tail slapping exhibition. Off The Pinnacles there were a number of pods, most quietly heading south, however one calf was inquisitive and swam close to the boat several times. Common Dolphins & seals were also seen and a great crowd pleaser.
Sunday Saturday October 23, 2010
CAT BALOU began today resighting the sub adult seen yesterday with the mottled pigmentation swimming alone south of South Head. As we headed north we picked up Common Dolphins which escorted CAT BALOU. A mother,calf & escort were found near Leonards Island and whilst watching them the PWF researchers reported an active whale nearby. This adults spent the next hour breaching and pec slapping - what a show off! This was a perfect example that you don't have to see lots of whales to make a memorable trip. The next trip found two mother/calf pods near Leonards Island and they affilliated. As they hugged the shoreline we witnessed several peduncle throws. At North Head they split into two pods and as escort joined up with one pod. One animal had peen hit by a boat propeller and was heavily scared on the R/H side of the body. We caught up with a large pod of Common Dolphins and the whales and dolphins swam together. One of the adults gave several spy hops. Another mother/calf pod were in Twofold Bay on the return trip.
Friday October 22, 2010
Today was a day of breaching whales. The morning began with a mother, calf & escort sighted near North Head. CAT BALOU stayed with this pod for an hour and a half and the calf breached non stop during that time - what stamina! It was still breaching as broke from the pod. The later trip also had very active whales with several pods found between The Pinnacles and Haycock Point. An active adult gave a breathtaking display of breaching, pec & tail slapping. Another adult affilliated with this animal and we witnessed a double breach. A mother & calf were also seen and they too performed a double breach. Not far away a sub adult with distinctive pigmentations approached CAT BALOU swimming just under the surface around the vessel.
Thursday October 21, 2010
The Humpback highway was very busy again today at Eden with numerous mother/calf pods passing by or calling into Twofold Bay on their southern migration. There were four pods near the heads on the morning trip and at times they affilliated, the calves quite active at times. Spy hops, breaches, peduncle thrusts were all seen as the pods enjoyed the perfect conditions that prevailed throughout the day. Two more pods were found off The Pinnacles with one mother pec slapping while the calf did many peduncle thrusts. The second trip also saw three mother/calf pods, one with an escort and there was lots of tail slapping by the pod of three plus a couple of breaches. In contrast to yesterday there was very little bird life and no dolphins seen today.
Wednesday October 20, 2010
WOW! What a day. 30-40 Humpback whales, hundreds of Common Dolphins, Seals, millions of Muttonbirds, Bottlenose Dolphins and perfect weather. You just had to be aboard CAT BALOU to experience such a magical day.
Tuesday October 19, 2010
It was another successful day on the water for CAT BALOU with a mother & calf sighted just minutes after departing this morning. The calf delighted passengers with a couple of breaches - everyone loves breaching whales! Also in Twofold Bay another mother/calf pod were seen near South Head. Both were active with the mother pec slapping whilst the calf tail slapped and did a number of peduncle thrusts. Common Dolphins and seals were also nearby, so it was a perfect start to the day. Heading north another mother/calf pod were found off The Pinnacles - this pair rather quiet. A mother, calf and escort were nearby and were moving north. Another large pod of Common Dolphins kept passengers entertained as we tracked the whales. Heading home two more mother/calf pods were seen with one calf breaching with The Pinnacles as a backdrop. Seeing our resident Fur Seals on the breakwall topped off a good morning. On an afternoon bay cruise CAT BALOU received a call from the PWF researchers reporting an active mother/calf pod near the mussel farms. We headed to them and found a bouncing baby breaching nemerous times and peduncle throws.
Monday October 18, 2010
CAT BALOU sighted their first whales within minutes of departing - a mother & calf just in front of Marine Rescue at the Eden Lookout. The calf appeared to be feeding so we left them and headed south looking for others. Near Murwaree a whale was seen and it was not a Humpback, possibly a Bryde's but was rather shy and not showing itself. The next whale was a yearling which did a little lunge feeding near rafts of Shearwaters. Common Dolphins were also seen as CAT BALOU headed north and back towards the coast. Two other pods were seen but were in travel mode. Near Leonard's Island a quiet mother & calf cruised slowly southwards and just to their north another huge mother & calf. The mother gave great fluke ups and spent considerable time on the surface, evidently enjoying the calm, sunny conditions. Back in Twofold Bay there was a lot of action near The Lookout and this was a resight of the first pod we had seen. The calf and mother were both full of energy performing a number of breaches and pec slapping, a great finale!
Sunday October 17, 2010
Back out on the water today with the Humpback highway busy with mother/calf pods. Just outside Twofold Bay CAT BALOU found the first pod with an escort accompanying the mother & calf which was lolling around on the surface. In the same area were many Common Dolphins and Fur Seals, so there was plenty to keep passengers entertained. Another mother& calf were logging on the surface just around from South Head and near Saltwater Creek two mother/calf pods were together with one curious calf coming right to the vessel. Heading north another two pods were seen. The second trip had ten whales in close proximity to the entrance of the bay with one mother breaching quite close to the boat - we gave her a 10/10 for this breach! There was plenty of birdlife including Albatross, Shearwaters and Gannets.
Saturday October 16, 2010
CAT BALOU cancelled cruises today due to the wild weather experienced all day. Forecast is looking better for tomorrow.
Friday October 15, 2010
It was a bleak morning with rain reducing visibility to around 800 metres - less at times. CAT BALOU headed east and picked up a few Common Dolphins before altering course and heading NW. Off The Pinnacles several blows were seen but no further sightings made. Near Haycock a mother & calf were located and this pair were heading north. The mother had some rake marks on her fluke. Heading back home a large pod of common Dolphins were seen and also another mother & calf. This pair gave passengers a thrill with some very close encounters.
Thursday October 14, 2010
It began like any other day for CAT BALOU as they headed out whale watching, spotting a sub adult 1 mile east of South Head which turned out to be a rather elusive animal. With whales seen a couple of miles east it was decided to head out to that area. What happened on the way will long be remembered by the crew and passengers - a whale hit the bow of CAT BALOU! There had been no indication that there was a whale in this area. The whale appeared not to have received any injury and surfaced several times behind the vessel. Relevant bodies were notified of the incident. This is the only time in the 21 years that CAT BALOU has been whale watching that this has happened. Continuing on with the trip the morning provided some great whale watching with a pod of three pec slapping and giving passengers some close encounters as the appeared to be looking for food. Later we encountered several pods which affilliated and a little lunge feeding was observed. Common Dolphins were also seen on the return trip as well as another two pods of whales right in Twofold Bay.
Wednesday October 13, 2010
Conditions on the water had improved from yesterday and CAT BALOU was back out whale watching today. Again a large pod of Common Dolphins escorted CAT BALOU out of Twofold Bay and to the north of North Head the first whales were found - a mother, calf and escort. Not long after sighting these whales another pod was seen 500mts to the east with one animal breaching. Later CAT BALOU joined Connemara to watch a playful calf which delighted passengers with many head lunges whilst mum lay on her back pec slapping. Common Dolphins also joined in with the whales. As we left this active pair another mother & calf were seen with some spectacular breaches, one at very close range near the bow. Another pod was spotted just outside Twofold Bay. An afternoon bay cruise for a coach group also sighted a yearling inside North Head. News was received from Marine Rescue, Eden that a fishing boat had encountered a calf with rope & bouys wrapped around its body at the entrance to Twofold Bay. We notified The PWF who were also on the water and located the calf with its mother south of South Head and in conjunction with Parks & Wildlife are endeavouring to free this animal.
Tuesday October 12, 2010
CAT BALOU cancelled whale watching today due to unfavourable conditions on the water.
Monday October 11, 2010
A freshening NE wind made conditions difficult for whale watching today. CAT BALOU managed to spot some whales within Twofold Bay which was what we wanted. There were two pods with one yearling frollicking with the hundreds of Common Dolphins which were in the same area near South Head. There was plenty of action with the dolphins and hundred of Australasian Gannets bombing a patch of bait fish. Mid bay another mother/calf pod was found by the PWF and CAT BALOU followed this pair for some time with the calf breaching.
Sunday October 10, 2010
CAT BALOU got the day off to a great start with a patch of bait fish in Twofold Bay. The Common Dolphins and Australasian Gannets also feeding on this fish. The dolphins then decided to come for a ride with us. Not long after this spectacle a single sub adult was found and this was a resight of this animal seen by CAT BALOU several days ago. Heading east, a number of pods were found with one Humpback giving a spectacular tail slapping display. Some whales were a bit hard to track with the grey sea blending in with the colour of the whales. The last pod encountered were four sub adults who were lateral lunge feeding. ( No bad breath today!) Four Seals were spotted hauled out on the breakwall.
Saturday October 9, 2010
The Humpback highway was busy again at Eden today with CAT BALOU sighting numerous pods on their whale watching cruise. Some of the highligts of the trip was a close spy hop with the whales head only a couple of metres from the back deck, lateral lunge feeding by several pods, some at very close range to the vessel and a whale who tail slapped for 5 minutes. A couple of the whales had extremely bad breath! Other sealife encountered on the trip was a pod of Common Dolphins, a raft of Australian Fur Seals and watching a whale swim amongst hundreds of Muttonbirds. The Pacific Whale Foundation vessel was out today and passengers aboard CAT BALOU watched two whales spy hop so close to their vessel they could have touched it! The trip finished seeing six seals hauled out on the breakwall, capping off a great trip.
Friday October 8, 2010
Great conditions on the water and CAT BALOU got the day off to a great start spotting a mother & calf off the Eden Lookout just minutes after departing on their morning cruise. The calf was almost all white with just a dark strip along the dorsal. The next pod encountered was a single animal who lay on its back pec slapping and later some tail slapping. More whales could be seen to the east so CAT BALOU motored there and there were pods of whales everywhere. One whale gave a mammoth tail slapping display, some were breaching, spy hopping and one animal was wrapping seaweed around its head and surfacing! It was an action packed time spent with the whales. The only thing we didn't encounter was feeding. The second trip headed back out to 'The Patch' spotting a couple of pods on the way. Again there were whales everywhere and we did see some feeding on this trip. We witnessed some spy hops and again a whale playing with seaweed - maybe a new trick. Both trips encountered Common Dolphins, seals and bird life was prolific.
Thursday October 7, 2010
A strong SW change arrived in the early hours of the morning and persisted throughout the day making conditions difficult for whale watching. CAT BALOU headed south, hugging the shoreline out of the wind and found a sub adult just south of South Head. This whale was just cruising around and came close to the boat several times. There were a lot of Common Dolphins in the same area and Gannets were spectacular diving into the water. CAT BALOU headed south to Saltwater Creek and could see active whales out several miles out to sea but conditions were unsuitable to get out to that area. Heading north more dolphins were found and later another Humpback which was rather shy.
Wednesday October 6, 2010
Today was almost a replica of yesterday with the first two pods of whales proving rather elusive. Common Dolphins kept passengers happy as they raced with CAT BALOU. Heading wider, NE of Eden many pods of Humpbacks were found. Great feeding, an amazing tail slapping display from a whale with a distinctive fluke, peduncle thrusts and some spy hops were seen during the morning cruise. More dolphins were found on the return trip.
Tuesday October 5, 2010
Conditions had improved overnight and CAT BALOU spotted their first pod within Twofold Bay - a quiet mother & calf .They were not soending much time on the surface so a decision was made to head out wider. A large pod of hundreds of Common Dolphins were found off North Head. Two more pods of quiet whales were spotted in travel mode before a number of whales were spotted about 8 miles east of Eden. These whales provided great viewing with about 12 feeding whales surrounding CAT BALOU feeding on krill and bait fish. Some whales had very bad breath! Many other pods were not far from this big group and some tail & peduncle throwing. CAT BALOU headed out again on a second trip and again there were a number of pods seen. Some good pec slapping was observed and passenegrs had a number of close encounters with the whales.
Monday October 4, 2010
A persisting NE wind overnight made conditions for whale watching today difficult. CAT BALOU gave passengers the option of staying on firm ground or braving the elements which most chose to do. Dolphins were found not long after leaving the wharf. We headed out eight miles east of the Eden Lookout and found several pods of Humpbacks. The first pod did a little feeding, whilst the second pod showed a few good flukes. Due to the swell the hydrophone was not put overboard. Australian Fur Seals were spotted as we returned and there were quite a few Albatross seen. Hopefully conditions will improve overnight.
Sunday October 3, 2010
There was plenty of action in Twofold Bay this morning as CAT BALOU headed out whale watching. Mid bay a bait ball had birds, including Gannets & Shearwaters plus dolphins and seals in a frenzy. The whales were in a bit closer than yesterday and again today there were a number of pods in close proximity of each other, at times the pods affilliating. We witnessed feeding, peduncle thrusts and tail slapping and singing was heard via the hydrophone. Three membersof the Pacific Whale Foundation joined CAT BALOU today and they will be out on the water at Eden over the next month continuing their research into the Eastern Australian Humpbacks population. Heading home there were a lot of Australian Fur Seals in rafts on the surface. The afternoon trip was cancelled taking into consideration the comfort & safety of passengers as the NE wind freshened.
Saturday October 2, 2010
CAT BALOU headed out this morning to where the whales were yesterday, having not sighted any in close to shore. A shark was spotted on the way out and several rafts of Fur Seals. A pod of three friendly whales kept passengers entertained as they fed at close range. The water was particularly clear and some magic moments experienced as the whales cruised beside and under the vessel. More whales were sighted to the SE and CAT BALOU later headed to these whales, picking up another pod of three hungry Humpbacks with one pec slapping. More action could be seen a bit further to sea. Singing was heard on the hydrophone. The second trip also encountered two pods of feeding whales and one breached relatively close to CAT BALOU. The wind from the NE picked up and as CAT BALOU headed back to port a large pod of Common Dolphins plus hundreds of Australasian Gannets dive bombing a batch of fish caused excitement amongst the passengers
Friday October 1, 2010
It was a perfect day on the water and CAT BALOU had a fantastic day sighting HUMPBACKS as well as SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES on the two trips conducted. There were mega pods out at 'The Patch' east of Eden with whales echelon feeding - what a sight! Singing was heard via the hydrophone and breaching whales also spotted. Common Dolphins escorted CAT BALOU out of Twofold Bay on the morning trip. A mother/calf pod were seen at South Head on the return trip as well as another pod well inside Twofold Bay. Two Southern Right whales were between the woodchip mill and naval wharf and stayed there all day. A mother, calf & escort were seen near The Lookout on the second trip plus many whales feeding in the same area as seen on the morning trip.
Thursday September 30, 2010
The Humpback highway was again very busy today with CAT BALOU sighting many pods of whales on both whale cruises they conducted. Most whales were feeding, amazing passengers as they lunged about showing their baleen and palate. On the morning trip breaches and peduncle thrusts performed by the whales pleased the passengers and on both trips there were plenty of close encounters. This has been the best start to any season and the whales will continue to pass Eden until late November with many mother/calf pods expected in the coming weeks.
Wednesday September 29, 2010
It was a cold and windy day on the water with the SW wind persisting throughout the day, however this didn't deter the whales and CAT BALOU passengers were thrilled with the sightings they made. As we departed a breaching whale was spotted right in Twofold Bay. This was a yearling accompanied by an adult and it breached several times close to CAT BALOU. Just around from South Head more whales were spotted. There were two pods with both rather elusive. Another pod of two were more co-operative surfacing at regular intervals. Leaving these CAT BALOU headed a little wider and all of a sudden a male KILLER WHALE surfaced, unmistakable with its massive dorsal. It surfaced several times before heading straight for the boat then disappearing. To the north a number of pods of Humpacks were feeding. These were great whale to watch and had the vessel surrounded. One animal gave a number of spy hops at close range. A group on the afternoon bay cruise were thrilled to see whales in the bay. Two mother/calf pods near South Head with both calves breaching. These are the first mother/calf pods of the season sighted by CAT BALOU.
Tuesday September 28, 2010
Having sighted whales from shore before leaving tday, CAT BALOU headed towards South Head at Eden and a number of pods were seen near Leatherjacket Bay. All whales were seen feeding with one animal peduncle & tail slapping. This whale with a distinctive spotty fluke has been hovering around Twofold Bay for the past week. Approximately 18 whales were seen on the morning trip. Faint singing was heard via the hydrophone. Several close encounters excited passengers. One the afternoon trip CAT BALOU headed to the same area and there were a number of pods seen. Several breaches were seen along with some more feeding.
Monday September 27, 2010
There was a bit of a joggle on the water today but the whales gave another great display and had moved in closer to the coast. A single juvenile was found just outside the bay and a couple of miles to the NE many hungry Humpbacks were lunging around - at one stage there were ten surrounding CAT BALOU with their massive mouths wide open. Heading back into the bay a breaching whale was spotted mid bay. This animal was super active, breaching numerous times at close range to the vessel. Breaching is always a favourite with the passengers and was a great finish to the morning cruise. The Eden Probus Club joined CAT BALOU on a later trip and we headed out to where the feeding whales were seen earlier in the day. Many pods were there with several breaches by an adult, tail slapping, feeding and two friendly whales which mugged CAT BALOU. One kept spyhopping, so close you could almost touch it. Dolphins were also seen as we returned to port.
Sunday September 26, 2010
The whales and weather were both stunning today at Eden. CAT BALOU headed out in perfect conditions and just outside Twofold Bay came across a single sub adult Humpback. The next whales seen were a pod of two which were heading south, giving a few fluke ups. Skipper Gordon decided to head out to 'The Patch' and this proved to be the right decision as there were a number of whales there. Amazing singing was heard via the hydrophone and the whales were great to watch with plenty of acion form a pod of five which mugged the boat with one rolling on its back and going under the vessel several times. One was perfecting pec slapping, two tail slapping and at times they lunged on the surface feeding, showing off their massive mouths. It was hard to leave such entertaining creatures who were still performing as CAT BALOU headed home, encountering a pod of Common Dolphins to top off a perfect morning.
Saturday September 25, 2010
An overcast day made conditions for spotting whales more difficult as the sky & water blended together. Out at 'The Patch' CAT BALOU found a pod of two Humpbacks and what great whales they were to watch. One breached non stop for over half an hour, whilst the other pec slapped and lunged on the surface feeding. Several other pods were also spotted in the general area, some feeding. Hundreds of Albatross were seen during the morning along with Shearwaters. Faint singing was picked up via the hydrophone. On the second trip CAT BALOU headed south as a pod had been reported by fishermen near Morwaree. As we headed there Common Dolphins were found and not long after two sub adults were found feeding. After watching them for some time CAT BALOU headed SE where many thousands of Shearwaters were resting on the surface. One adult whale swam amongst the birds. Another was spotted to the east tail slapping and another breached once. Seals were seen on the breakwall rocks.
Friday September 24, 2010
CAT BALOU headed out today for 'The Patch' east of Eden where they have been seeing lots of Humpbacks in recent days. A small pod of Common Dolphins were spotted as we motored out of the bay.A disturbance on the surface caught our eye and turned out to be two LEATHERBACK TURTLES! It has been a couple of years since we sighted a turtle. One of these stayed on the surface for several minutes as we took as close look at this large creature. The Humpbacks were found where we expected them and a pod of six hungry Humpbacks had passengers amazed as they lunge fed on the surface at close range to CAT BALOU. There were a number of pods in the area, one could be seen breaching a kilometre away, but we opted to watch a single adults which pec slapped and tail slapped for half an hour before affilliating with a pod of two. Great feeding was witnessed by this trio. As we approached the Eden Lookout Bottlenose Dolphins were found and three seals were hauled out on the breakwall, capping off another successful morning.
Thursday September 23, 2010
The weather & whales at Eden today were both stunning today. CAT BALOU again picked up Common Dolphins as the left Twofold Bay as they headed out to 'The Patch' where the whales have been in recent days. Two whales were spotted but appeared to be in travel mode. The hydrophone was put overboard but nothing heard. Another pod also appeared near them, howerver the crew decided to head further east hoping to find the hungry Humpbacks. This proved to be the right decision as there were many pods which lunge fed, one which kept tail slapping and some pec slapping whales. Dolphins also joined at whales at one stage. The Shearwaters were also found in this area with some whales swimming with them. The hydrophone this time did pick up a singing whale which always delights passengers with their amazing sounds. The second trip also saw plenty of active whales with breaching - even one double breach and two which pec slapped in unison. The Common Dolphins on the trip home topped off a great days whale watching.
Wednesday September 22, 2010
Passengers aboard CAT BALOU today were undecided which were the best - the whales, the dolphins or the Short tail Shearwaters . Although not as many whales were sighted as the last couple of days there were still plenty to watch and lots of action again with pods lunging on the surface at close range to the vessel as they fed. One gave a non stop tail slapping display for 10 minutes as cameras clicked madly. The last pod of six whales seen on the first trip had passengers spellbound as they swam and lunge fed amongst hundreds of Shearwaters which had congregated on the surface. A singing whale was heard via the hydrophone. Common Dolphins were spotted on the trip out to the whales as well as the return trip. The Budget Whale Watch which followed also gave passengers a great spectacle as a pod of six were found feeding. As is often the case when the whales are feeding they are oblivious to the vessel being there and passsengers has some very close encounters. Dolphins were also seen on this trip.
Tuesday September 21, 2010
Today was a repeat of yesterday - just too many whales to count. We must have seen 40 or more! They were all great to watch with many close encounters, breaches, tail & pec slapping, a spy hop and lots of feeding. The Shearwaters were rafted up in patches near where the whales were feeding. This has to have been the best start to a whale season that we have witnessed in the 21 years we have been watching the whales here at Eden. Singing was also heard again today. The Common Dolphins were playful and Bottlenose Dolphins were at the Eden wharf as we returned with many happy whale watchers.
Monday September 20, 2010
Some days there are just too many whales to count and today this was the case for passengers aboard CAT BALOU at Eden. Not far outside Twofold Bay the first whales were spotted, a pod of three. To the east there were blows & splashes everywhere. Lots of hungry Humpbacks echelon feeding, tail slapping whales, breaching whales, whales mugging the boat, whales with bad breath and a great singer which was heard as the hydrophone was put overboard. Whichever direction one looked more whales appeared. One passenger declared he had taken 360 photos! The Common Dolphins also made an appearance as Cat Balou motored across Twofold Bay and several seals were spotted. Perfect weather prevailed and looks good for the remainder of the week.
Sunday September 19, 2010
As CAT BALOU headed out today the first whale was spotted near North Head. It was spotted several times, however it wasn't spending much time on the surface, so it was decided to find some more co-operative whales. Common Dolphins were found as we headed east, spotting another elusive pod before coming across a pod of eight Humpbacks. These were good to watch with some lateral lunge feeding, and a great breach at close range, taking everyone by surprise. More whales affilliated with this pod and at one stage there were twelve whales in close proximity. One was tail slapping. and we had a couple that mugged the boat. Very clear singing was picked up as the hydrophone was put overboard. A coach group later in the day also saw a pod of three whales just off South Head, along with Common Dolphins - a great bonus considering it was only a bay cruise.
Saturday September 18, 2010
There are not too many places in the woirld that three different species of whales can be seen in one day - however this was the case at Eden today! CAT BALOU began the morning sighting two adult Southern Right whales in East Boyd, between the naval wharf and Fisheries beach. Typical of the Stn Rights they were very docile, mainly logging on the surface. Heading out of Twofold Bay there was plenty of action with hundreds of Gannets dive bombing a bait ball along with a large pod of Common Dolphins. Not far away the first Humpbacks were spotted. This was a pod of four sub adults which were feeding. A lone animal a little to the north gave a lively display of tail slapping. Whilst watching this animal the hydrophone picked up a singing Humpback. Several more pods were seen and CAT BALOU finished up with a pod of eight whales. Several Little Penguins were spotted and the first Shearwaters of the season seen, along with some Petrels and Albatross. A second trip sighted briefly a Dwarf Minke whale in Twofold Bay. Several pods of Humpbacks delighted the passengers as they swam with dolphins and gave a great display of feeding. Perfect conditions prevailed throughout the day.
Friday September 17, 2010
It was a cold and windy day on the water, however CAT BALOU cruises report having a spectacular whale watch with not only Humpbacks but also Southern Right Whales seen. The Common Dolphins joined CAT BALOU for an early morning play as they headed out, and not far outside Twofold Bay several pods of whales were seen. All revelled on the windy conditions with numerous breaches by all pods plus some energetic pec slapping by several animals. Two Southern Right whales which had been spotted earlier in the day in Ross' Bay in front of the Eden Killer Whale Museum had moved over to Boydtown Beach so CAT BALOU detoured and had a look at this pair on the return trip. Another Humpback whale was also reported swimming between the Eden Wharves.
Thursday September 16, 2010
It was a great start to todays whale watching cruise as CAT BALOU spotted a large pod of Common Dolphins as they headed out of Twofold Bay. Not far outside the bay the first whales were spotted - a pod of 5 Humpbacks which provided good viewing as they were constantly on the surface with some of them feeding. A lone adults was a little further to the east and it lay on its back pec slapping with passengers amazed at the sound of the fins as they beat the surface. There were several several more pods in the area which CAT BALOU stopped to look at, including a pod of two sub adults which mugged the vessel for over half an hour, swimming underneath on a number of occassions providing great photo opportunities. Several more pods were found to the south with one of these animals also pec slapping. Faint singing was heard on the hydrophone. Heading home another large pod of Common Dolphins was found along with several seals. Lots of Gannets and Albatross addded to making it a memorable trip.
Wednesday September 15, 2010
One never knows what the day will bring as they head out whale watching. CAT BALOU headed out from Eden this morning with a SW wind blowing which seemed to make the whales active. On the way out a large pod of Bottlenose Dolphins raced beside the boat and the Australasian Gannets dive bombed a patch of bit fish. There were many pods of Humpbacks about 5 miles east of Eden - all pods were breaching, pec slapping and one which was head lunging - lots of action which passengers love. Skipper Gordon suddenly spotted a pod of Killer Whales amongst the Humpbacks, the third pod of Killers CAT BALOU has seen in the past week which is extremely rare! One male had a dorsal which faced forward and it is an animal known to the researchers and has been sighted off Eden before. Bird watchers also enjoyed seeing many Albatross.
Tuesday September 14, 2010
Cat Balou was not whale watching today. Two coach groups on a Twofold Bay Cruise were lucky enoung to see a Humpback within Twofold Bay pec slapping.
Monday September 13, 2010
It was another exciting day on the water today with Cat Balou out whale watching with great weather conditions. Heading out of Twofold Bay a large pod of Common Dolphins escorted the boat for some time. It wasn't too long before the first whales were spotted, and, as has been the case in recent weeks, once the first pod is found there were many other pods in the general area. A single animal gave a great display of lunge feeding and as we watched this we dropped the hydrophone in and picked up very clear singing. The last two whales seen had passengers enthralled as they mugged Cat Balou for close to an hour, surfacing right beside, swimming under the boat and spy hopping. Dolphins were again spotted on the trip home and Seals hauled out on the Eden breakwall.
Sunday September 12, 2010
Perfect conditions prevailed for todays cruises and Cat Balou had plenty of happy passengers. A coach group on a Twofold Bay Cruises received a pleasant surprise with a mother & yearling Humpback in Twofold Bay. This pair were quite inquisitive and circled the boat at close range. Heading off on the second trip, a whale watch, a Dwarf Minke was sighted off the Eden Lookout but was rather elusive. About 5 miles east of Eden there were lots or whales (too many to count) and most pods were in playful mode with lots of tail slapping and peduncle thrusts. One also gave us a spy hop. It is amazing how many whales are in the area so early in the season. Common Dolphins were also sighted on the trip out to the whales and also on the return trip. A number of seals were also sighted, topping off another successful day.
Saturday September 11, 2010
Cat Balou was kept busy today with two groups from the ANU on a field trip. It wasn't all work for the students as both groups encountered a number of pods of Humpbacks east of Eden. Common Dolphins & seals also kept everyone entertained as they headed out to sea. The highlight of the day was a close encounter on the first trip with a pod of three Killer Whales (Orca) - what a sight as they circled around Cat Balou! One animal had a distinct scar behind the dorsal and Marine Mamal Counsltant, David Donnelly was able to identify this female from an image taken from Cat Balou. It has been sighted several times off Montague Island. There were also another two pods of Killers in the general area.
Friday September 10, 2010
The Humpback highway was busy again today with Cat Balou sighting over 20 whales on their morning trip. All pods were feeding and at one stage we had 10 hungry Humpbacks surrounding the boat. A number of Common Dolphins were sighted on the trip out and again on the return trip and were also observed swimming with one pod of whales. Australian Fur seals and Albatross were also seen.
Wednesday September 8, 2010
Cat Balou passengers today were treated to the rare experience of seeing a Killer Whale as well as Humpbacks on their whale watch. Near the heads of Twofold Bay a single male Killer whale was spotted, cruising around in circles. The dorsal was huge and the animal had rake marks behind the dorsal. Boyd's Tower as a backdrop provided some great photo opportunities. He appeared to be on his own and later cruised right into the Bay. After leaving this animal Cat Balou headed out to sea and it was some time before Humpbacks were spotted, however over a hundred Common Dolphins and seals provided entertainment during the trip east along with numerous Albatross & Gannets. Four pods of Humpbacks were within a mile of each other and some whales appeared to be searching for food. One gave a good spy hop and there was some pec slapping. The return trip also picked up a large school of dolphins.
Friday September 3, 2010
On their third whale watch for the season, CAT BALOU report that there was a 'WALL OF WHALES' several miles off the coast at Eden. They estimate that 40 -50 Humpbacks were seen on the trip at close range and more pods further afield.They were whales surfacing in all directions - some feeding, several breaches and lots of surface time by sub adults and adults. Also seen during the trip were Common Dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, seals and lots of Albatross.
Wednesday September 1, 2010
Cat Balou headed was out whale watching again today and it was an amazing start to Spring with approximately 30 Humpback whales sighted on the morning trip! A total of 6 pods were found approximately 4 miles off the coast at Eden. Where ever we looked more whales kept appearing. Most whales were observed feeding with numerous close encounters as the whales lunged around CAT BALOU. We also saw some tail slapping, a couple of spy hops and peduncle thrusts. As we headed home with happy passengers a large pod of Common Dolphins were found, topping off a great morning.
Sunday August 29, 2010
Cat Balou Cruises did their first official whale watching cruise for the season today. AND WHAT A DAY IT WAS! Rounding the breakwall we spotted several fur seals haules out on the rocks. At Quarantine Bay two Southern Right whales were enjoying the calm conditions - a great start to the morning. Leaving these whales CAT BALOU encountered a pod of Common Dolphins in Twofold Bay along with a number of Fur Seals rafetd on the surface. Several miles outside the bay the first Humpbacks were spotted - a pod of two adults who had extremely bad breath as the exhaled as they surfaced ----It was bad!!!!. Another 2 pod were also seen in the area - a total of 5 Humpbacks. CAT BALOU will be conducting whale cruises on selected days until their daily cruises depart from 18th September.
Tuesday August 24, 2010
Passengers aboard Cat Balou were treated to seeing nature at its best today - whales, seals and dolphins! Again the conditions were perfect for cruising and although it was supposed to be a bay cruise, Cat Balou ventured off the coast finding two pods of Humpback whales - six in total which again were observed feeding. Common Dolphins and seals swam amongst the pods of whales. A number of Fur Seals were also hauled out on the Eden breakwall.
Sunday August 22, 2010
It was a perfect morning as Cat Balou headed out on their Twofold Bay Cruise. Several pods of whales had been seen from shore and Skipper Gordon decided to cruise a bit further to sea and was well rewarded with a pod of five hungry Humpbacks. The whales gave an awesome display of feeding with the water full of whale food. It is still very early in the season to be seeing the Humpbacks.
Friday August 20, 2010
Southern Right sighted in front of the Eden Killer Whale Museum today. This animal cruised towards Aslings Beach. Another pod of whales could be seen from shore a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay. Cat Balou owners headed out this afternoon and saw two pods of Humpbacks 6 miles NE of The Lookout at Eden. One pod was 2 adults which were spending a lot of time on the surface and in close proximity a pod of 3 sub adults which engaged in a bit of feeding. One of these animals was a resight of the whale seen last Tuesday. The Southern Right was also observed in Twofold Bay on the way home.
Thursday August 19, 2010
A Southern Right whale was in Twofold Bay at Eden today, close to The Lookout.
Tuesday August 17, 2010
Another Humpback was sighted today on our afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise. With excellent conditions on the water the skipper ventured just outside Twofold Bay and found this single sub adult in a similar position to where the whale was sighted yesterday. It milled around on the surface and appeared to be looking for food in the water. This capped off a great cruise with Bottlenose Dolphins and a number of Fur Seals seen.
Monday August 16, 2010
Passengers on board Cat Balou today were thrilled to see a juvenile Humpback feeding. This animal was alone about a mile east of South Head at Eden. Hopefully it is an indication that we will witness the lateral lunge feeding that our area has become famous for in the next few months.
Bookings for whale watching cruises are now being taken. The 18th September is our first scheduled whale cruise and then daily from that date, however if the whales are around in numbers before this date earlier cruises will be scheduled.
Saturday August 14, 2010
Five Southern Right whales paid a visit to Eden today. They spent most of the day close to shore off Aslings Beach and during the afternoon one logged on the surface near the breakwall for over an hour.
Tuesday July 27, 2010
It was a perfect day out on the water and passengers aboard Cat Balou were thrilled to see three Humpback whales during their Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise. This pod were spotted a mile east of South Head and were heading north. Cat Balou followed them for over half an hour with some good fluke ups. Bottlenose Dolphins and Fur seals were also seen.
Thursday July 22, 2010
Two adult Southern Right whales have been in Twofold Bay, Eden for the past three days. They spent most of the time close to shore between Quarantine Bay and Boydtown Beach.
Tuesday June 29, 2010
It was a perfect day to be out on the water and passengers aboard Cat Balou received a bonus whilst on a Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise, sighting a Southern Right Whale near Quarantine Bay this morning. It was logging on the surface, enjoying the sunshine. Hopefully it may take up residence in the bay for several days. A large pod of Bottlenose Dolphins entertained passengers near Whale Beach and several Fur Sals were also sighted making it a perfect trip!
Monday May 24, 2010
Friday November 27, 2009
Wednesday November 25, 2009
CAT BALOU was not whale watching today with commitments with coach groups for their Twofold Bay Cruises. On two trips however, whales were found - both mother/calf pods as the last of the whales head south
Tuesday November 24, 2009
Monday November 23, 2009
Sunday November 22, 2009
Saturday November 21, 2009
Friday November 20, 2009
Thursday November 19, 2009
Wednesday November 18, 2009
Tuesday November 17, 2009
Monday November 16, 2009
Sunday November 15, 2009
Saturday November 14, 200
Friday November 13, 2009
Thursday November 12, 2009
It was another perfect day on the water and CAT BALOU got off to a great start spotting whales just minutes after leaving the Eden wharf. Two mother/calf pods had cruised right into Twofold Bay. The calves were active and breached on a number of occasions. Another two mother/ calf pods were later seen near the naval wharf and South Head. One of these calves was also super active with breaches and head lunges.
Wednesday November 11, 2009
Tuesday November 10, 2009
Monday November 9, 2009
Sunday November 8, 2009
Saturday November 7, 2009
Friday November 6, 2009
Thursday November 5, 2009
Wednesday November 4, 2009
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Monday November 2, 200
Sunday November 1, 2009
Saturday October 31, 2009
Friday October 30, 2009
Friday October 30, 2009
NEWSFLASH! The whale sighted by CAT BALOU on Wednesday with the curled fluke has been identified by the Pacific Whale Foundation as animal E1370. They were thrilled to receive the photo taken by Ros Butt as the whale had not been seen during the past 10 years.Previous sightings of it had been made in Hervey Bay in 1993, 1998 & 1999.
Thursday October 29, 2009
Wednesday October 28, 2009
Tuesday October 27, 2009
Monday October 26, 2009
Sunday October 25, 2009
Saturday October 24, 2009
Friday October 23, 200
Thursday October 22, 2009
Wednesday October 21, 2009
Tuesday October 20, 200
Monday October 19, 2009
Sunday October 18, 2009
Saturday October 17, 2009
Friday October 16, 2009
Thursday October 15, 2009
Wednesday October 14, 2009
Tuesday October 13, 2009
Monday October 12, 200
Today was a day when there were too many whales to count!CAT BALOU found their first pod of three Humpbacks east of Eden. These were hungry Humpbacks lunging on the surface echelon feeding. With a NE wind forecast to pick up the skipper decided to head north which turned out to be an excellent decision as there was an abundance of whales. Passengers watched in amazement as whales kept surfacing in all directions and displayed most behaviours they are capable of including more feeding, fluke ups, peduncle thrusts, a couple of spy hops and a very close encounter, almost touching the bow of CAT BALOU.
Sunday October 11, 2009
Saturday October 10, 2009
Friday October 9, 2009
Having cancelled cruises yesterday due to rough seas, CAT BALOU ventured out today. Heading across Twofold Bay a pod of Bottlenose Dolphuns joined Cat Balou. Once outside the heads conditions deteriorated with a big SE swell, making it difficult to spot sea life. One lone Humpback was spotted about a mile to the east of South Head, however the conditions made it impossible for whale watching and the Skipper made a decision to return to port. Passengers were given a tour of Twofold Bay with their fare refunded and some returning tomorrow. Australian Fur Seals were seen hauled out on the breakwall.
Wednesday October 7, 2009
Tuesday October 6, 2009
Monday October 5, 2009
Sunday October 4, 2009
Saturday October 3, 2009
Friday October 2, 2009
Thursday October 1, 2009
Wednesday September 30, 2009
Tuesday September 29, 2009
Saturday September 26, 2009
Blustery conditions prevailed throughout the morning which always makes conditions more difficult for whale watching, however CAT BALOU sighted three whales on their morning trip. They followed a juvenile Humpback for over an hour and this animal which was on the surface frequently throughout. Another pod of 2 adults were sighted splashing to the south and CAT BALOU had a quick look at them before returning to the more sheltered waters of historic Twofold Bay where passengers enjoyed a cruise around the southern section whilst hot soup, biscuits & cheese were served.
Friday September 25, 2009
Thursday September 24, 2009
Monday September 21, 2009
Sunday September 20, 2009
Sunday 20th September
Saturday September 19, 2009
KILLER WHALES, HUMPBACKS & a SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE were all spotted off the coast at Eden today!
Friday September 18, 2009
CAT BALOU CRUISES report having an excellent morning whale watching despite a fresh SW wind and chilly conditions. Three Humpbacks were sighted a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay, a pod of two and an energetic juvenile who amazed passengers with a non stop performance for an hour and a half! This playful animal breached more than 25 times, head lunged, pec slapped and gave a number of peduncle thrusts. A number of other whales were sighted further out to sea.
Monday September 14, 2009
CAT BALOU cruised the southen side of Twofold Bay hoping to spot the Southern Rights seen in Twofold Bay yesterday but there was no sign of them. They then headed out looking for Humpbacks who proved to be rather elusive. One animal was found east of The Pinnacles however it was not in a playful mood, surfacing to breathe then diving. The second sighting was a juvenile Humpback who was more cooperative as it lunged around at close range feeding and then surprised everyone with a perfect breach. Later it performed a number of head lunges and as Cat Balou departed breached again. Seals were spotted again hauled out on the Eden Breakwall.
Sunday September 13, 2009
Two Southern Right whales spent most of today in Calle Calle Bay at Eden, very close to Aslings Beach.
Saturday September 12, 2009
CAT BALOU headed east to 'The Patch' where they have been sighting whales recently and Skipper Gordon located the first whales. There were several pods which at times affilliated with eight hungry Humpbacks keeping passenegrs enthralled as they lunged around the vessel. Having spent an hour with this pod CAT BALOU headed to another pod seen to the north. This was one sub adult who did numerous peduncle thrusts. Another pod was sppoted in the distance. Heading home a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were sighted near Aslings Beach and several Fur Seals were basking on the Eden breakwall.
Friday September 11, 2009
Perfect conditions prevailed for todays whale watching cruise and CAT BALOU report viewing five pods of whales. The first two animals were sighted closer to shore than recent sightings. A small juvenile Humpback was seen feeding and gave passengers some close encounters. Some of the whales were observed travelling north, and apperated to be searching for food. Many Australian Seals and Albatross also entertained passengers. No singing was heard when the hydrophone lowered into the ocean.
Thursday September 10, 2009
The Humpback highway was busy again today with CAT BALOU sighting a total of 11 whales on their morning whale watch. Three pods were sighted approximately 7 miles east of Eden - two pods of two adults and a pod of seven which gave a brilliant display of feeding as they lunged in unison around CAT BALOU for over 45 minutes. A couple of breaches were also observed.
Sunday September 6, 2009
CAT BALOU sighted 3 pods of Humpbacks on todays whale watching cruise approximately 8 miles east of Eden. Conditions were not the best with a sloppy easterly swell, however the whales gave an action packed display with the first pod of two sub adults breaching and pec slapping for over an hour! The next pod of two adults did some lateral lunge feeding and another pod of three were found as Cat Balou headed home with one of these animals breaching at close range at the back of the boat. Fur Seals were sighted hauled out on the Eden wharf breakwall. CAT BALOU will be commencing their daily whale watching cruises from 20th September. In the meantime they will operate these trips on selected days.
Saturday September 5, 2009
After a couple of windy days with cruises cancelled, CAT BALOU headed out whale watching this morning and sighted four Humpbacks plus a Dwarf Minke Whale. The Humpbacks were approximately 6 miles east of Eden with two single animals affilliating. These whales were hard to track. Another two larger animals were found in the general area and gave passengers some close encounters and several good fluke ups. Returning to port a friendly small Dwarf Minke entertained passengers as it circled CAT BALOU for over 10 minutes. Australian Fur Seals and many Albatross were also sighted.
Wednesday September 2, 2009
A coach group from Wagga aboard Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Cruise scored a trifecta today sighting a whale, dolphins & seals. The whale was a resight of the juvenile seen near South Head yesterday, easily identified with a distinctive white patch below the dorsal. Two pods of Bottlenose dolphins on the southern side of the bay and a number of Fur Seals rafted up near the breakwall all made it a memorable trip.
Tuesday September 1, 2009
A great start to Spring with Cat Balou sighting whales, dolphins and seals today. A number of pods were sighted from shore early in the morning, some right in Twofold Bay. Cat Balou on a Twofold Bay Diccovery Cruise found a Humpback logging on the surface between The Lookout and Chipmill. Leaving it to rest a second whale was sighted just east of South Head. This was a juvenile Humpback lateral lunge feeding, giving passenegrs some close encounters. In the afternoon some active whales could be seen from shore approximately 7 miles east of Eden.
Monday August 31, 2009
Eager whale watchers aboard CAT BALOU did not have to travel far today before Skipper Gordon sighted the first pod. This was two sub adult Humpbacks who were cruising around, appearing to be looking for food. As was the case on Friday they had very bad breath. Cat Balou left these whales and headed to another pod to the east. This was a pod of three who engaged in a bit of feeding, however they appeared more interested in checking out the passengers, mugging the boat. Much to the delight of all on board they spy hopped at very close range a number of times. Later this pod was joined by another whale. Cutting the motors the hydrophone was lowered into the water and very clear singing was heard. As Cat Balou made towards home a third pod of two active whales were sighted and they performed several peduncle thrusts. Many Albatross were seen along with other sea birds.
Saturday August 29, 2009
Although Cat Balou was not out on the water today due to strong winds, a number of pods of whales could be seen from shore about 1 mile east of the heads of Twofold Bay.
Friday August 28, 2009
Cat Balou headed out whale watching today, confident of finding whales having seen several pods from shore before leaving. Passengers were delighted to see so many whales - at least 12 Humpbacks at close range and several other pods further out. The first pod of five gave an awesome display of lateral lunge feeding surfacing all around Cat Balou with their massive mouths wide open. Their breath was foul! Later another two pods pods to the north thrilled passengers with a number of breaches, fluke up dives and one who spy hopped right beside the bow. Also seen during the cruises were a number of Australian Fur Seals including a number of them hauled out on the Eden breakwall.
Cat Balou will commence their whale watching trips on a daily basis from 20th September, but until then will conduct whale watching trips as well as Twofold Bay Discovery Cruises on selected days.
Wednesday August 26, 2009
Two adult Southern Right whales were seen cruising within 100metres of Aslings Beach at Eden this morning.
Sunday August 23, 2009
Cat Balou passengers were delighted to see four Humpbacks feeding off the coast at Eden today. This is a very early start to the season. Also observed during the cruise were a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins and 12 seals sunning themselves on the breakwall.
Saturday August 22, 2009
The first Humpback whale of the season seen by Cat Balou was sighted off the coast at Eden today. This was a sub adult which did a little feeding as at it cruised around numerous patches of bait fish on the surface.
Thursday August 20, 2009
An adult Southern Right whal;e was seen just off Aslings Beach at Eden today.
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 n