There were birds (including rare sightings), mola-molas, dolphins, and whales!
I can’t think of a better start to the week than getting out to the Pacific to see such an abundance of wildlife.
On the drop, we first found a pod of ~100 short-beaked common dolphins splashing around, but we had to get to the nine-mile bank. Word had it that 2 humpback whales were hanging out feeding. So we booked it out there to see those 2 majestic baleen whales.
The humpback had short 6-minute dives and were hanging out side by side. One rolled on its side, and we got to see its flukes sticking up sideways.
The larger humpback showed its flukes every single time, while the smaller humpback showed them 3 out of 4 dives.
While we were whale-waiting, a mola-mola showed up to join the action as well as a variety of birds, including red-throated phalaropes and 3 cocos-boobies! A good day for birders.
Despite being low on time, we detoured on the way back in so we could hang out with another pod of ~200 short-beaked common dolphins. They were going off! Some jumps over 15-20 ft in the air and full-body wiggles out of the water.
Sunsets have been beautiful all week, and we’re heading back out there to find out.
-Naturalist Ruth
