Surfers Paradise Whales were spectacular today as a stunningly beautiful double breach just off our bow lit up the morning sky. It was a crisp and clear morning as we enjoyed the many beautiful sights of the Nerang River and Broadwater with many excited for the Gold Coast Marathon this weekend with a buzz of activity in the air as final preparations are put in place. Our first interaction was with a mother Humpback Whale and her new calf who were quietly moving past The Spit. The little one was tucked in close to mum as they pushed north and closed in on the coastline which will provide them with calm, peaceful waters to enjoy for the next leg of their journey. Wishing them well we moved out to our second pod for the morning as a very focused escort pod moved past the Surfers Paradise skyline. The two whales had attracted a crowd of recreational vessels who followed their movements a little too enthusiastically but thankfully these older whales were experienced and relaxed with the situation. Patiently they navigated themselves away from the growing crowd of vessels and continued onwards. It was decided that the best option was for us to allow this pod to keep moving forward and enable them plenty of room.
It didn’t take long until we found our next pod for the morning who were relaxed and in cruise control as they meandered north. Gently approaching we joined with them and got to know their rhythm as we swum along together. The male and female were relaxed and determined to get some kilometres completed north today on their migration as they covered ground efficiently. The only thing that was going to slow them down was a pod of boisterous Common Dolphins who cam racing over for some fun. The enthusiasm of the Common Dolphins rubbed off on the Humpback Whales as to our great delight both whales launched effortlessly as one and at the apex of the breach fell gracefully one to port and one to starboard, a simply spectacular sight! The incredible double breach was followed up by a few powerful and playful pec slaps before they continued onwards. It is always a joy to see the interaction between Humpback Whales and dolphins especially when the playful energy of the dolphins excites the whales as it did this morning.
