Whale & Wildlife Report | November 12-18, 2022
Highlights
Hawaiian spinner dolphins
Short-finned pilot whales
Reef manta rays
Bottlenose dolphins
Surface feeding manta ray
Whale & Wildlife Report | November 12-18, 2022
Our highlight of the week occurred during a private charter when we encountered a pod of around 100 Hawaiian Spinner dolphins! Our crew and guests were extremely excited as masses of these acrobatic mammals leaped and spun through the air and waves. While groups of these dolphins frequent the coast of the Big Island, It’s not every day that we get the opportunity to see so many in action!
We had some memorable night manta tours this week as well! Manta Guide Kelsi was able to ID a few of the manta rays including Gaby, Shea, and Laferty! It’s always exciting when we’re able to introduce our guests to Kona’s resident rays! When the sun sank away, the mantas weren’t the only ones who came out to play when 3 dolphins also surprised us during our manta snorkel! Visiting both the northern (Makako Bay) and southern (Keahou Bay) manta sites, our captain was able to pick the best site of the night allowing for calmer conditions, fewer boats, and ultimately more mantas!
The ocean provided an abundance of wildlife on our tours. Our adventure took us north where we encountered that incredible group of Hawaiian spinner dolphins. The pod was a bit further offshore than usual, likely due to the day’s surf swell. As we searched the current lines we also spotted a hungry surface-feeding manta just outside the pod. Pushing offshore we came across a group of around 10-15 pilot whales and guests had some fantastic in-water encounters with them! The day concluded with a cruise along Kona’s coastline as we made our way back to Honokohau Marina.
Mahalo to our crew and our wonderful guests for an incredible week! Stay tuned for next Saturday’s wildlife report to hear about our exciting encounters!
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