Whale Sighting Reports

Tuesday November 10th 2009
Today was a beautiful warm sunny morning as True Blue headed out for our morning whale watch. You could have been mistaken that we were on a Dolphin watching cruise as we saw hundreds of Common Dolphins and Bottlenosed Dolphins throughout the trip. Two large adult Humpback whales were sighted near Eden. They circled the boat giving passengers a good opportunity to see them and then continued on their way south. The dolphins were definitely the highlight of the trip and amazed passengers with their playful agility, jumping in and out of the waters alongside the True Blue and darting in front of the bow of the boat. Several families of Australian Fur Seals delighted passengers during the trip, out sunning themselves in the calm waters.

Tuesday November 10th 2009
It was another action packed day for whale watchers aboard CAT BALOU today. Several rafts of Australian Fur Seals were sighted as CAT BALOU headed out of Twofold Bay. A bait ball with many seabirds - Shearwaters and Gannets created interest and Common Dolphins were also sighted. The dolphins were amazing and stayed with CAT BALOU for most of the morning. Several miles off North Head the first whale was spotted, however a more active pod a bit further to the east could be seen breaching so it was decided to head to them. This turned out to be a mother and calf with the mother pec slapping with both fins. It was an energetic display which continued for well over half an hour and inbetween the bouts she breached several times. Another adults later joined this pair and more whales were sighted to the north. CAT BALOU had several close encounters with the latter pod with the dolphins still playful.

Monday November 9th 2009
The whale watching is getting better and better – who would have thought that a trip could get any better than yesterdays was but today topped it. Again we had perfect conditions for the morning trip. Two mothers and their calves were spotted just of Haycock so we headed across the Bay watching as they were breaching. When we arrived passengers watched in amazement as the calves took it is turns to breach with the mothers breaching occasionally showing the calves how a full grown whale breaches. It was just beautiful to watch. Another two mothers and calves joined the pod and joined in the fun, breaching and tail slapping. As we approached Quandolla we saw a large gathering of seabirds on the surface of the water, we then noticed seals and hundreds of dolphins all feasting upon a school of baitfish. Then to the amazement of all on board a school of large Kingfish arrived to feed on the bait fish. The Skipper and the Deckhand, both keen fisherman wished they had a couple of rods onboard as these Kingfish were good sized. Another exciting, wildlife filled trip.

Monday November 9th 2009
It was a foggy start to the day at Eden with a heavy fog rolling in from the NE .CAT BALOU headed north as Merimbula vessels reported it was clearer there.
Near The Pinnacles the fog lifted and a whale was sighted, however this animal was rather shy. More whales were seen to the north - a couple of competition pods, moving quickly and hard to track.
CAT BALOU joined True Blue watching two mother/calf pods off Haycock Point. One calf was extremely active, breaching continously for an hour. Off The Pinnacles another mother/calf pod joined this pod with a great tail splapping display. Singing was also heard when the hydrophone put into the ocean.
Throughout the morning many Common Dolphins were seen,along with Australian Fur Seals.

Sunday November 8th 2009
Passengers aboard True Blue this morning were treated to a simply amazing morning of whale watching. With near perfect ocean conditions and breaching whales it just doesn’t get much better!! As soon as we crossed the Merimbula Bar the Skipper spotted two cows and calves just off Short Point. We watched them for a few minutes and then they separated we followed one cow and calf and we certainly picked the right one to follow. The calf was a very active little fellow, breaching for well over three quarters of an hour pretty well constantly – a very awesome sight! Another pod of breaching whales were spotted further out so we headed off to see them, however once we arrived they settled down, did a few nice tail slaps and fluke up dives. Our original cow and calf started breaching together again so we went back and spent half an hour with them, watching both mother and calf breaching together. Again a pod of Common Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals joined us on our way home. A great trip!!

Sunday November 8th 2009
Heading across Twofold Bay this morning CAT BALOU found thier first pod, a mother & calf. The calf was inquisitive surfacing at very close range on a number of occassions.
Leaving this pair CAT BALOU spotted more whales south of South Head. There were whales everywhere and at times the various pods affilliated.Most whales were gradually heading north.For the next couple of hours passengers experienced most activities that whales perform - feeding, breaching, spy hopping & tail slapping. Passengers were also thrilled to hear very clear singing when the hydrophone was lowered into the ocean.
Returning to port more whales were found in Twofold Bay with an active tail salapping display and the mother breaching at close range.
A second trip also found a mother & calf in Twofold Bay

Saturday November 7th 2009
The day started off beautiful and sunny as True Blue headed out for our morning whale watch. Whales were soon found just off Tura Beach. A mother Humpback whale and her calf were enjoying the sheltered waters off Dolphin Cove and passengers watched as the calf breached several times. We then spotted another pod of whales and headed over to investigate finding a mother, calf and an escort. The calf was only a young calf but very inquisitive and active providing passengers with some great viewing. A pod of Common Dolphins and several Australian Fur Seals joined us for part of the journey home, entertaining passengers diving in and out of the waters in the front of the bow of the boat.
A north east wind picked up making conditions unpleasant for the afternoon trip which was cancelled.

Saturday November 7th 2009
The humpback highway was again very busy today with CAT BALOU sighting many whales on their morning trip.Most pods were due east of Eden. The whales were active with feeding, tail slapping and a breach. Common Dolphins and seals were also sighted during the trip.
The later cruise found a mother,calf & escort near the heads to Twofold Bay. They put on a spectacular show with all animals breaching for 20 minutes!

Thursday November 5th 2009
Similar to yesterday today we found our first whales just off Long Point. This cow and calf were quietly heading south so we headed off to another pod that was spotted further out. This mother, calf and escort were playing and passengers aboard True Blue watched in amusement as this adventurous calf kept taking off from his mother. She was attempting to keep him in line but he would not have it and kept swimming off by himself, breaching and showing off!! One passenger remarked that as she was watching the interaction she was reminded of her own adventurous three year old son!! Eventually the calf settled down as another two whales joined them. The now five whales headed out three miles wide and began feeding. Another great trip with a variety of viewing opportunities.

Thursday November 5th 2009
CAT BALOU had a fantastic morning out whale watching today sighting over 20 Humpbacks with perfect conditions on the water.
The day got off to an early start when one of our regular passengers spotted whales within 5 minutes of leaving the Eden wharf. This was a quiet mother & calf and our skipper, Gordon decided to leve them rest and headed several miles east. There were whales everywhere - mainly sub adults again seen feeding. The whales kept appearing right beside the boat as they searched for food. The bird life was amazing. Short Tailed Shearwaters were there in the thousands and gave a good indication of where the whales would surface. Gannets and Albatross also were in these rafts of Muttonbirds.Between South & North Head whales kept appearing with one calf breaching several times, whilst others performed peduncle thrusts.
The seals were spotted on the breakwall as CAT BALOU returned to port with a boat load of happy customers.

Wednesday November 4th 2009
This morning True Blue wasted no time finding our first whale who was directly off Long Point. We stayed with him for approx and hour watching as he was feeding with hundred of mutton birds. We then headed north to Bournda Island where a mother and calf were spotted. We travelled back south with this mother and her calf watching as they played with one another. On our way back in we encountered a pod of Bottlenosed Dolphins who swam with us for a while, delighting passengers.
On our afternoon trip we found whales in the middle of Merimbula Bay. We could see plenty of action as we were approaching, then a large group of Mutton Birds descended and the feeding frenzy began. We watched as the birds and the whales fed. Several other whales could be seen breaching in the distance, eight were seen in all. Some beautiful tail slaps were also observed. As True Blue returned home two Bottlenosed Dolphins followed, even crossing the Merimbula Bar with the boat!!

Wednesday November 4th 2009
The ocean was alive today with whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds.
CAT BALOU had an excellent morning, despite being cold and sighted a number of pods of whales just off Eden. After not having seen the whales feeding for over a week we encountered an adult lateral lunge feeding accompanied by her calf. Patches of bait fish were boiling on the suface near the whales. Several other mother/calf/escort pods were also in the same area. One calf breached totally surprising all passengers. Common Dolphins and seals frollicked with the whales and the Muttonbirds were seen in rafts of hundreds, along with Australian Gannets and Albatross.
An afternoon trip also encountered a hungry humpback along with a large pod of Common Dolphins and Muttonbirds in huge numbers.

Tuesday November 3rd 2009
Passengers onboard True Blue all came back extremely happy after a great morning of whale watching. Several pods of whales were seen throughout the trip giving all on board plenty of opportunity to watch as whales breached, did fluke up dives, tail slaps, close encounters. Several passengers had such a great time that they booked to come again the following day, remarking that they had been impressed by the professionalism of the staff and just blown away by the whales.

Tuesday November 3rd 2009
A pod of Common Dolphins escorted CAT BALOU across Twofold Bay this morning. At Leatherjacket Bay a mother/calf pod were found and another pod also sighted in the same area. With a swell from the NE increasing, CAT BALOU opted to head back into Twofold Bay where another pod had been sighted. This mother & calf interatced with some close encounters. The fourth pod were very active with both animals breaching a number of times as well as the mother tail slapping. Bottlenose Dolphins and many rafts of Australian Fur Seals were also sighted on the morning cruise.
A coach group on a lunch cruise were fortunate to see two Humpbacks mid bay.

Monday November 2nd 2009
Conditions were calm for whale watching today and CAT BALOU sighted many pods on their three trips they undertook today.
They were mainly mother/calf pods - always great to see and a good sign that the Humpback whale population is steadily growing. Some pods were quiet, slowly migrating south, however two mother/calf pods travelling together near The Pinnacles were active, as were another mother & calf breaching on the third trip.

Monday November 2nd 2009
Today the windy conditions did not stop passengers aboard both True Blue and Sea Eagle from enjoying some fantastic whale watching. Both boats did several trips and breaching whales were seen on each trip. Passengers on board True Blue on the late afternoon trip probably got the pick of the trips, viewing three pods of humpbacks breaching, tail slapping and cavorting in the wind just of Haycock.

Sunday November 1st 2009
Today we had four seasons in one day! True Blue did another private fishing charter this morning, these keen fishermen were also treated to some great whale watching sighting several different pods throughout the morning. The windy conditions made finding whales in the afternoon a little challenging but whales were found on each trip. Passengers aboard the sunset cruise had the best viewings with calm conditions and breaching active whales.

Sunday November 1st 2009
This morning on the CAT BALOU was a repeat of yesterday with a mother & calf spotted at The Lookout within minutes of departing the Eden wharf. This calf was active giving a couple of breaches, peduncle thrusts and tail slaps. Conditions outside the bay were sloppy with a NE swell; however another two pods were sighted later in the morning. One animal had a distinctive black fluke.

A later whale watch had a difficult time finding whales with the sea conditions. A pod of two Humpbacks were located but hard to track.

Saturday October 31st 2009
A breaching baby caused excitement as CAT BALOU headed around the Eden Lookout this morning. Within minutes of leaving, this mother/calf pod were sighted as they cruised very close to the rocky point.
More whales could be seen just inside North Head and this turned out to be a competition pod of three adults with one breaking from the pod and affilliating with the mother & calf. They moved west towards Quarantine Bay. Later another pod was seen near North Head.
With a freshening NE wind CAT BALOU opted to stay within Twofold Bay and later located a mother/calf/escort on the southern side of the bay with this trio giving passengers some close encounters.
The later whale watch trip was aborted as the strong NE wind made conditions too difficult to spot whales with passengers given a full refund.
Later in the afternoon several active pods were visable from shore in North Bay.

Saturday October 31st 2009
Both True Blue and Sea Eagle had private fishing charters this morning. Fishermen were also privileged to see several pods of humpbacks throughout their trips. Both boats headed out in the afternoon for their whale watching trips and whales were seen on all trips.

Friday October 30th 2009
CAT BALOU sighted eight whales today. After leaving a quiet mother/calf pod near South Head CAT BALOU headed south and found two adults near Murwaree. This pair were slowly heading south and gave a few good fluke ups and some close encounters. Milling around the whales were a large pod of Common Dolphins. Always good fun to watch the dolphins escorted the boat northwards. East of Eden another two pods were seen with some lucky passengers witnessing a breach.

Friday October 30th 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.

Friday October 30th 2009
Today was a beautiful sunny day on the ocean aboard True Blue. Hundreds of Common Dolphins were sighted throughout our morning whale watching cruise and delighted passengers jumping in and out of the water in front of the boat. However the highlights of the morning were definitely the whales. A humpback mother, calf and escort were sighted just off Pambula River Mouth. We followed them down to Quandola and watched as they breached, tail slapped and waved their pectoral fins. Even the crew were amazed at how active these whales were – a great morning of whale watching!! Not to be left out, a family of Australian Fur Seals also joined in on the action and amused all on board.

Thursday October 29th 2009
The conditions were misty this morning which made spotting whales a little difficult but three whales were soon found just off Haycock. As we arrived we discovered that they were a humpback mother and her calf, accompanied by a male escort. They were heading south quite quickly but stopped for a while to check us out, showing passengers several great tail throws. In addition to the whales there was a lot of birdlife in the sky above and on the water.

Thursday October 29th 2009
Conditions on the water today were rather sloppy with an easterly swell. CAT BALOU opted to stay close to shore and located their first whales south of South Head at Eden. This was two mother/calf pods travelling together, at times less than 10 metres from the shore. They were on the surface frequently and one of the calves breached. After following them for an hour CAT BALOU headed north and sighted a shark. They then found a sub adult lateral lunge feeding, amazing everyone by the size of the mouth. Another whale was in the same area and was also feeding.
A coach group on a bay cruise in the afternoon found a mother & calf and escort near the woodchip mill.

Wednesday October 28th 2009
CAT BALOU headed east of Eden today and located a mother, calf and escort. This trio were inquisitive whales, swimming all around the boat much to the delight of passengers. The highlight of the day was a double breach by the two adults. This amazing sight took everyone by surprise and no one managed to get the photo!
Later a number of other pods were seen with one pod giving a good feeding display. One of the animals in this pod had a curled fluke which we are endeavouring to get identification on from the PWF. Common Dolphins mingled with the whales.
A coach group also sighted a mother& calf in Twofold Bay whilst on their Twofold Bay Discovery Cruise.

Wednesday October 28th 2009
Today True Blue encountered our first whales just off Tura Headland these whales were taking long down times so we headed out to see if we could find any other whales. We saw several other single whales but again they were intent upon heading south and were taking long down times. The highlight of the morning was a large pod of Common Dolphins, over one hundred of them swam alongside of True Blue delighting passengers with their playful antics.

Tuesday October 27th 2009
This morning True Blue found her first whales, a Humpback mother and calf soon after crossing the Merimbula Bar. We followed these two across the Bay watching as the calf breached twice. We then saw a pod at the other end of the Bay, near Haycock so headed off to see them. Passengers could see them breaching as we approached, but they stopped when we arrived! We journeyed south with this pod of six whales watching as they interacted with one another before returning back to Merimbula seeing a pod of Common Dolphins as we crossed the Merimbula Bay.

Tuesday October 27th 2009
Conditions were a lot better for whale watching today, the seas flatter and sun shining. CAT BALOU found a mother/calf pod near the heads which they followed for half an hour before heading wider, passing another mother/calf pod en route. A juvenile and sub adult were found to the east of Eden and this pair were entertaining to watch as they were feeding, lunging around on the surface giving passengers a chance to see right inside their massive mouths. Another pod was seen to the NE and this pod later affiliated. There were four adults in this pod and all gave good fluke ups.
School children from Nagel College on a Twofold Bay cruise received a bonus sighting two mother/calf pods in Twofold Bay with one pod swimming right up to the back deck.
A later trip for a coach group also sighted a pod near North Head with the calf breaching.

Monday October 26th 2009
The weather today made conditions difficult for whale watching; however CAT BALOU sighted 9 Humpbacks on their morning cruise. A mother, calf & escort were found within Twofold Bay near South Head slowly tracking southwards. Near Murwaree a mother/calf pod were rock hopping less than 10 metres from the shoreline. Another mother/calf pod were seen as CAT BALOU heading back to Eden, hugging the shoreline as conditions were rough offshore with a SE swell . Another mother/calf pod were seen mid bay.
Later CAT BALOU did two Twofold Bay Cruises for coach groups and both groups saw whales within Twofold Bay. Bottlenose Dolphins were also seen on the last trip.

Monday October 26th 2009
Today over seven whales were seen on the morning cruise aboard True Blue. A humpback mother and calf were the highlights of the day. They were feeding two miles out off Merimbula. Passengers watched in awe as the mother did spy hops, tail throws, pectoral fin slaps and tail slaps. The calf following his mothers lead attempted to do all of these whale maneuvers which was just fascinating to observe. A local photographer captured a fantastic moment where mother was spy hopping and her calf was tail throwing!! Simply beautiful!!

Sunday October 25th 2009

It was a return to winter today with grey sky and water, making whale spotting more difficult with little contrast in the whales and water.
CAT BALOU however did spot a number of whales, some content in tracking south and not spending a lot of time on the surface, however some were more co-operative. This included avpod of three adults seen on the morning cruise with one Humpback pec slapping each time it surfaced. Some interesting flukes were seen and a mother & calf cruised past the bow at very close range, just as the hot soup, cheese & biscuits were being served to warm up the chilly passengers. Singing was heard via the hydrophone.
On the afternoon trip conditions deteriorated and although a number of whales were sighted, most decided to dive as CAT BALOU approached.
Massive numbers of Short Tailed Shearwaters were seen on both trips.

Saturday October 24th 2009
True Blue headed out this morning for a fantastic morning of whale watching. Our first pod of whales consisted of three humpback mothers and their calves. We spent about an hour with these whales watching the interaction between the mother and their calves. We spotted another cow and calf just off Long Point on our way back. The calf gave a fantastic display of breaching, breaching for over half an hour!! Even as we left the cow and calf the calf continued to breach!!

Friday October 23rd 2009

CAT BALOU started the day with action as over a hundred Common Dolphins, Muttonbirds and Gannets were seen in a frenzy with a bait ball near the heads.
It wasn't long before the first whales were spotted, several mother/calf pods in the same area and passengers were able to watch the whales fluke up and one calf did some peduncle throws. During the morning many more whales were seen.One calf breached and head lunged, however the highlight of the morning was the last pod of four with two mothers who did some lateral lunge feeding whilst one calf gave an animated tail slapping display at close range for over 5 minutes It had a distinctive dark fluke and kept photographers very happy.
Again the Muttonbirds were in rafts of several hundred birds and the Fur Seals posed for photos on the Eden breakwall.

Friday October 23rd 2009
Humpback mothers and calves were the order of the day on today’s whale watching trips. After viewing three mothers and calves True Blue headed two miles out off Merimbula to where two single whales were lunge feeding. Passengers were amazed by the size of these whales mouths!! On our way back in we came saw a mother and calf breaching so went over to investigate. When we arrived we were captured by the wonderful scene of a mother teaching her calf how to breach. The calf was sure that he could jump higher than his mother – well he seemed intent upon trying to!! Seals and dolphins were also seen in Bay. A fantastic day of whale watching!!

Thursday October 22nd 2009
This morning aboard ‘True Blue’ was a beautiful morning, we encountered two mothers and their calves soon after departing, in Merimbula Bay. We followed these humpbacks for a while and then headed five mile out to sea where we came across a sub adult who was very interested in us. He swam over to the boat and circled us several times, ‘mugging’ the boat as we call it!

Thursday October 22nd 2009
Great whale watching conditions today with calm seas and CAT BALOU report that there was a 'wall of whales' off Eden today. Cruising twice which ever direction one looked there were pods of whales, most feeding. The Shearwaters were also in on the action, hovering among the hungry Humpbacks - do a few get swallowed by the whales???
Several mother/calf pods were seen with one calf giving an energetic pec slapping display. Clear singing was heard via the hydrophone on the morning trip.
Common Dolphins were seen on both trips as were the Australian Fur Seals.

Wednesday October 21st 2009
After the past few days of being able to pick and choose what whales to watch, it proved a little more difficult at the start of todays whale watching to track the whales.
The first three pods seen kept disappearing as CAT BALOU approached, having teased with tail slapping at a distance. A mother & calf were found 7 miles east of Eden and this pair provided good viewing with a number of tail extensions, peduncle thrusts and lateral lunge feeding by the mother. Another couple of blows were also seen in the area. Good singing was heard when the hydrophone lowered into the ocean. Near Leatherjacket Bay two more pods were found. One whale a juvenile had a distinctive black fluke.
A coach group staying in Eden on a Bay cruise also got to see four Humpbacks just outside Twofold Bay with the calves breaching.

Wednesday October 21st 2009
Once again passengers aboard True Blue had the wonderful experience of watching humpback mothers and their calves interacting with one another. 12 or more whales thrilled and delighted all aboard True Blue with some beautiful examples of breaching and general playfulness. It really is an awesome sight watching a mother humpback breach, a valuable lesson for her calf, then watching the calf attempting to imitate her.
We are beginning to think that the whales enjoy ‘people watching’ as much as we enjoy whale watching as they swam over to look at us, providing passengers with the opportunity to see these truly magnificent giants of the seas up close. Passengers were also very excited about the wonderful photo opportunities these ‘up close’ encounters provided.

Tuesday October 20th 2009
The Humpback highway again very busy off the coast at Eden today with CAT BALOU surrounded by many pods of whales during their morning trip. Hungry Humpbacks were the order of the day with a number of pods affilliating, at one stage CAT BALOU surrounded by 10 whales. Again the Shearwates hovered around the feeding whales creating spectacular images for photographers.
A pod of three adults appeared to be a competition pod with another two joining in the action. Singing was again picked up when the hydrophone lowered into the ocean. Within Twofold Bay on the trip home another three mother/calf pods were seen just off The Lookout.
A coach group on an afternoon Bay Cruise were alo thrilled to see a mother, calf and escort at Honeysuckle Bay.
Our residen Fur Seals again were seen on the Eden breakwall.

Tuesday October 20th 2009
The Skipper and Crew did not think it could get any better than yesterday’s trip but today proved them wrong! It was a gorgeous warm, sunny day out on the ocean and the whales astounded everyone aboard True Blue. We spotted our first whales in the middle of the Merimbula Bay as soon as we crossed the Bar. When we arrived we discovered a pod of three adults and a calf who were lunge feeding with a raft of mutton birds. We spent the entire trip with this pod and they showed passengers the reason why the Humpbacks are affectionately known as the “acrobats of the sea. We had too many close encounters to keep count of, some great tail slapping and some amazing breaching. On one occasion three whales breached at the same time - spectacular!
With such a beautiful day True Blue headed back out for an afternoon trip and again whales were seen. However the highlight of the trip for one 5 year boy were the Australian Fur Seals, he was quite taken with them and their playful antics!

Monday October 19th 2009
CAT BALOU passengers were blessed today with calm seas, sunny skies and many pods of whales. With a full load of eager passengers aboard, including a number of regular visitors eager for their yearly whale fix , CAT BALOU headed a couple of miles outside Twofold Bay. The first pod was a mother and calf feeding. In all directions more pods could be seen and during the morning CAT BALOU pod hopped, giving PWF Researcher Annie a good chance to photograph flukes. Most whales feeding - one pod with extremely bad breath! Perhaps the highlight of the morning were hungry humpbacks lunging amongst a couple of thousand Shearwaters (Muttonbirds) a magical sight with everyone photographing this astonishing spectacle. Clear singing was heard on the hydrophone.
A second whale watch also viewed a numbler of pods in the same area. There were breaches, tail slapping and more feeding. On the return trip a shark was spotted by the skipper near South Head with most passengers getting to see this animal lazing on the surface.
A coach group on the third trip of the day also received a bonus sighting three Humpbacks.
Our Australian Fur Seals were hauled out on the breakwall and seen on each trip.

Monday October 19th 2009
Today was yet another beautiful calm day onboard True Blue. A total of eight humpbacks were seen on our morning trip, three pods of two and a mother and a calf. Again feeding was the order of the day. Passengers were amazed by the lunge feeding of the humpbacks, many of them commenting upon how they could not believe just how large the whale’s mouth’s were! A family of Australian Fur Seals also joined us for a time, playing in the wash of the boat.

Sunday October 18th 2009
CAT BALOU spotted their first whales within minutes of departing the Eden Wharf today. This turned out to be two mother/calf pods travelling together near The Lookout. After spending some time watching this pod we headed east and found another mother & calf. The calf breached several times while the mother engaged in lateral lunge feeding. The calf also began to copy the mother feeding and this is the first time in the 20 years Gordon & Ros Butt, owner/operators of Cat Balou Cruises have witnessed feeding from such a young animal.
There were many more whales to the NE with most pods feeding in the calm waters east of Leonards Island. Many Muttonbirds were with the whales. Singing was heard on the hydrophone. Passengers aboard the afternoon trip also had a fantastic couple of hours viewing. First a mother and calf were found and later many more pods of sub adults feeding. One of the animals defecated, amusing the passengers. A pod of three mugged CAT BALOU for 5 minutes, rolling all around the vessel at close range.

Perfect conditions prevailed throughout the day. Again clear singing was picked up when the hydrophone put overboard.

Sunday October 18th 2009
It was beautiful and sunny this morning when True Blue took her passengers out on our morning whale watching cruise. Throughout the trip we viewed two pods of whales, with six whales in total viewed including one humpback mother and calf.
With conditions still beautiful True Blue headed back out for an afternoon cruise which turned out to be one of the best for the season so far! We found the whales early on and watched in awe for half and hour as six whales, seals and mutton birds fed upon a school of bait. It was a feeding frenzy and quite spectacular to see! After they had finished feeding they separated in different directions. We followed two who were headed towards the Merimbula Bay. After a short time another two whales joined the two we were following and then the fun really began. True Blue was mugged by these four whales for over an hour giving passengers a multitude of close encounters and fantastic viewing. As one local on board with a group of her friends put it, “it was the trip of a lifetime an experience not to be missed!”

Saturday October 17th 2009
True Blue went out twice today and saw good numbers of whales on both trips. However, the highlight of the day was on our afternoon cruise. Early in the trip we sighted a humpback mother and calf. They both came over to investigate us and the mother lunge fed beside the boat. Her calf was obviously feeling very energetic and began breaching, delighting passengers for over an hour with his splashing play! Lots of other whales could be seen in the area but this young humpback captivated passengers and we spent the majority of the trip with him.

Saturday October 17th 2009
The whale nursery at Eden was very busy again today with CAT BALOU sighting lots of mother/calf pods between South Head & Murwaree, all close to shore. It was an action packed morning with active calves which thrilled passengers with some brilliant tail slapping displays, spy hopping at the bow and close encounters.
Just when we thought we had seen it all, one calf breached eight times. Breaching is always an amazing experience and unfortunately no one can predict when a breach will occur. When the hydrophone was put overboard some singing was heard.
The afternoon trip returned to the same area and again the playground was busy with mother/calf pods. One calf breached as CAT BALOU arrived and some of the adults were lunge feeding.
The Australian Fur Seals were again hauled out on the Eden Breakwall.

Friday October 16th 2009
The Humpback highway was again very busy at Eden today with CAT BALOU CRUISES watching numerous pods of whales on the three trips they conducted. The morning got off to an early start with a mother & calf spotted in Twofold Bay. The calf was extremely active as the mother rested. The next pods were feeding Humpbacks just off South Head. Passengers from all around the world attending a computer conference in Eden, many never having seen whales before, were amazed at this display One of these animals defecated - a rather unusual sight!
Between South Head & Murwaree there were whales everywhere, many breaching, pec slapping as well as more feeding.
The second trip also found a mother/calf pod in Twofold Bay but this pair were fairly quiet. Heading around South Head numerous blows were seen as the whales surfaced. A friendly sub adult gave passengers some close encounters, mugging the boat.
Heading out on a third trip passengers got to watch many pods, mainly mothers and calves and also got to see some feeding.
Despite being a cold day, conditions on the water were very calm all day with a SW wind prevailing.

Thursday October 15th 2009
The Skipper of MERIMBULA MARINA'S True Blue came back very excited today after a great morning of whale watching. Passengers aboard True Blue spent almost the entire trip surrounded by six humpback whales. These whales were in quite close, just five miles off Long Point. They were all different sizes and spent the majority of time feeding, both on the surface and lunge feeding. The ocean conditions were next to perfect with not a breath of wind and very little swell. We turned the motor off and passengers enjoyed watching the whales in the peace and quiet.

Thursday October 15th 2009
Whales, whales and more whales - they were everywhere off the coast at Eden today. CAT BALOU encountered their first whale near the heads. This was a sub adult Humpback which was lateral lunge feeding. Also in the same area was another hungry Humpback and what an amazing display it gave, lunging all around the boat with passengers mesmerised at the size of its mouth.
A couple of miles to the SE there were pods everywhere, most feeding. A whale with portion of the fluke missing should be easily identified by researchers with Annie from the PWF getting some good ID shots of it. Quite a few rafts of Australian Fur Seals were also sighted.
A group of bowlers from Jervis Bay on a bay cruise in the afternoon also saw many whales with two mother/calf pods very entertaining as the calves frollicked together, evidently not in a hurry to head south to the Antarctic.

Wednesday October 14th 2009
WOW! What a day passengers aboard CAT BALOU had today. On both morning & afternoon trips there were whales everywhere - lots of mother/calf pods, feeding whales, a sleeping whale, singing on the hydrophone plus action - tail slapping, pec slapping, breaching, head slaps and spy hopping. Too much for one day!

Wednesday October 14th 2009
Passengers aboard True Blue all came back happy this morning after a fantastic morning of whale watching. Early in the trip several single Humpback whales were sighted in close, they seemed intent upon their southward journey so we left them and headed out to where another pod had been sighted. This turned out to be where several pods were feeding, with over 20 whales sighted in the area. At one stage True Blue was surrounded by whales – as one passenger put it, “there were whales in every direction, we did not know which ones to look at!” Passengers saw several of these whales up close as they swam past feeding upon the waters which were teeming with krill.
Another magical morning whale watching out of Merimbula!

Tuesday October 13th 2009
The conditions were lovely and calm as both True Blue and Sea Eagle headed out for our morning whale watching cruise today. Twelve whales were seen by passengers aboard True Blue in four different pods. The last pod of the day proved to be the friendliest, coming so close to the boat that passengers were able to smell their breath!! Not the best smell but what an experience!! All the whales today were feeding and some great whale watching was had. Mutton birds, albatrosses and Australian Fur Seals were all seen during the cruise.

Tuesday October 13th 2009
President & founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation based in Hawaii Mr Greg Kaufman and his assistant Annie Macle were specials guests abaoard CAT BALOU today. Having studied whales for over 30 years Greg is a wealth of knowledge and an entertaining speaker.
Whales were found early into the cruise with four Humpbacks milling around North Head. They at times affilliated and gave a great feeding display.
Another single juvenile was seen later and appeared to be searching for food. A large pod of over 100 Common Dolphins, seals and Albatross caused great excitement later in the morning. Returning to port there was a resight of one of the earlier animals and within Twofold Bay a mother & calf were found with the adult fluking up, her fluke photographed for identification by the PWF. A coach group from Geelong on an afternoon Twofold Bay Cruise received a bonus sighting two mother/calf pods near the Lookout Point. Following one pod, passengers saw the calf breach four times. It had a distinctive black fluke. Annie from the PWF will be aboard CAT BALOU for the next couple of weeks.

Monday October 12th 2009
Over 16 whales were seen on this morning’s whale watching cruise aboard True Blue. Most of these whales were feeding upon the rich waters off Merimbula and were grouped in 8 pods. Passengers were delighted with several close encounters throughout the trip, with whales feeding around the boat and swimming past the boat close enough that you could have reached out and touched them! Lots of seabirds were also seen throughout the morning. Our regulars the Australian Fur Seals also put in an appearance.

Monday October 12th 2009
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 11th 2009
Today was an absolutely wonderful day of whale watching aboard True Blue! Passengers on our morning trip travelled seven miles east off Merimbula to see over 20 Humpbacks feeding. We were privileged to have Wayne, an experienced whale observer on board, he counted eight pods in a 2 mile square with each pod having between 2-4 whales in it. We spent time with several different pods observing whales feeding, breaching, tail slapping and pectoral fin waving. Passengers also experienced several close swim by's, giving everyone a wonderful show of the true size of these ‘giants of the sea.'
We didn't think it could get any better than this morning's trip but this afternoon proved that there are always surprises on the sea! This afternoon five whales were viewed during the trip with lots seen further out. We had whales breaching, pectoral fin waving and close encounters. One whale followed True Blue on her way back in breaching over 30 times in the wake of the boat - breathtaking!! Whilst this whale was breaching its partner was riding the bow of the boat like the dolphins often do! This is something that the skipper has never seen a whale do. Each time the True Blue stopped this whale would circle and then come back to the bow of the boat!!

Sunday October 11th 2009
Plenty of whales and plenty of action for passengers aboard CAT BALOU today.
The Pacific Whale Foundation research vessel advised Cat Balou of a number of whales east of Eden early this morning. Seven Humpbacks were observed feeding, breaching & peduncle thrusting. A number of other whales were seen later in the morning including some brilliant tail slapping, one pec waving and singing was also heard through the hydrophone, making for a great whale watching trip.
An afternoon trip also saw two pods with one animal, a sub adult cruising on the surface all around Cat Balou for half an hour.
The Australian Fur Seals were once again hauled out on the Eden breakwall rocks.

Saturday October 10th 2009
True Blue did two trips today and found whales on both trips. However they were fairly quiet with the skipper thinking that it was as if there were Killer Whales in the area. This turned out to be true. One of the other operators in Merimbula sighted a pod of Orca's just off Short Point. This would account for the Humpback's low profile on today's trips. Our friendly family of Australian Fur Seals turned up again on both trips delighting passengers with their playful antics.

Saturday October 10th 2009
Conditions improved on the water today although the SE swell persisted.
CAT BALOU encountered a juvenile humpback east of Eden. This animal spent much time on the surface and appeared to be hunting for food. The second pod was a mother, calf & escort with the two large whales lateral lunge feeding, giving passengers many close encounters as they lunged around the vessel, their baleen plates visible and their throat grooves extended as they gulped in tonnes of water and plankton.
Another whale appeared from the back of the boat unexpectedly and there were more whales on the horizon. On the return trip a tail slapping whale was seen. Four Australian Fur Seals were hauld out on the breakwall. Many Albatross, Shearwaters & Gannets kept bird watchers happy.

Wednesday October 7th 2009
It was an unanimous decision from passengers abaord CAT BALOU that they wanted to go whale watching today, despite the rain and cold conditions.
It proved to be a good choice as a couple of whales were spotted near Murwarree Point. Having stopped to watch the first pod, another whale just to the south appeared more active, so Cat Balou headed to it. This was an adult Humpback which gave an energetic tail slapping display, followed by at least 40 breaches - many only metres from the bow of Cat Balou, leaving passengers spellbound and forgetting the bleak weather conditions. A burst of pec slapping followed and the whale was still active as Cat Balou departed. Another couple of whales were passed as Cat Balou returned to Eden.

Wednesday October 7th 2009
What a morning!! It was wet and unseasonably cold when passengers boarded True Blue this morning. Thankfully the seas were calm and our first whales were seen 10 minutes after we crossed the Merimbula Bar. These whales turned out to be a mother and calf, so we journeyed with them for about half an hour before heading off to see another sighting close by. We saw a total of 10 whales this morning most of these in groupings of two. Passengers were treated to tail slaps, muggings and several magnificent full breaches. Australian Fur Seals again showed up and travelled with us for a while.
Today the activity of the whales definitely made up for the cold weather!!

Tuesday October 6th 2009
The sea was like a lake this morning as True Blue headed out on our morning whale watch cruise. We did not have to travel far before we saw our first whales, two adult Humpback whales two miles off Long Point. They were travelling slowly south surface feeding as they went. We travelled with them across the Merimbula Bay down to the Pinnacles and watched as another two sub adults joined them. When the four whales came together they slowed their journey southward and seemed to play for a while. At one point passengers observed all four whales pectoral fin waving! There was a lot of tail slapping and the whales came very close to the True Blue - fantastic viewing. The highlight of the trip for one overseas visitor was the full breach directly in front of the boat!
On our way back in we saw a family group of Australian Fur Seals wrapped in seaweed thermo regulating - quite a funny sight! Lots of seabirds were again seen in the Merimbula Bay enjoying the calm conditions.

Tuesday October 6th 2009
The whales were everywhere again today just outside Twofold Bay at Eden with CAT BALOU sighting numerous pods. Feeding whales, tail slapping whales, whales peduncle thrusting, one breaching and some clear singing on the hydrophone. Common Dolphins raced Cat Balou during the morning cruise and Bottlenose Dolphins seen during the afternoon trip, along with more active whales.
Great conditions on the water, despite cold conditions.

Monday October 5th 2009
The whales were again plentiful off the coast at Eden today with Cat Balou sighting numerous pods on both morning & afternoon cruises.
Passenegrs were amazed at the close encounters from these gentle giants as they lunged around Cat Balou feeding At one stage during the morning four Humpbacks fed in unison.
The afternoon trip also encountered a number of feeding whales, a energetic tail slapping whale several breaches.

Monday October 5th 2009
Whales, Whales, Whales everywhere!! Over twelve whales were spotted off True Blue this morning between Haycock Point and Leonard Island. The ocean was beautiful and calm, no wind, and was perfect for viewing whales. During the trip passengers aboard True Blue spent time with three separate pods of sub adult Humpbacks. These whales were lunge feeding and were very friendly mugging the boat on several occasions. Several families of Australian Fur Seals also joined us, playing in the wash of the boat. A variety of bird life was also seen, penguins jumping in and out of the water, Mutton Birds and Albatrosses in the air above.

Sunday October 4th 2009
Today three pods of Humpbacks were seen on the morning cruise aboard both True Blue & Sea Eagle. These whales were in close, approx 1 ½ miles off Long Point. Whilst observing these whales the Skipper and experienced staff on True Blue saw a large blow out wide. Fifteen minutes later and approx four miles south of the original blow another large blow was seen. It is possible that this was a Blue Whale, given the distance travelled in the downtime and the size of the blow. The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever to have existed, even bigger than the dinosaurs! It is also the loudest animal on earth! Hundreds of Short tailed Shearwaters (Mutton Birds) were also seen along with Albatross and friendly seals.
Passengers aboard our afternoon cruise were treated to watching a mother teaching her calf to breach! Ten minutes into our trip we spotted this mother and calf just off Long Point and followed them across the Merimbula Bay. First we saw the mother breach twice and then both mother and calf breached continuously for the next twenty minutes - a very memorable trip!

Sunday October 4th 2009
Again the whales were everywhere off the coast at Eden today with CAT BALOU sighting numerous pods on both trips.
Singing, heaps of feeding with amazingly close encounters with echelon feeding plus a competition pod of 5 Humpbacks all provided spectuclar viewing for passengers on both cruises.
Again the Shearwaters (Mutonbids) were prevelant along with Albatross and a Petrel and seals also sighted.

Saturday 3rd October 2009
It was a memorable day for CAT BALOU today sighting Humpbacks, Killer Whales and also a shark!
The day got off to an early start picking up an unusually marked Humpback with mottled pigmentation all over the body near the heads of Twofold Bay. Diatoms were also observed on the body and fluke of the whale.
After following this whale south Cat Balou headed to another whale, a hungry Humpback who gave passengers an amazing display of lunge feeeding with the baleen visable as it lunged at close proximity.
With the SE swell picking up Cat Balou headed towards shore and picked up the original whale they had been watching.
Heading towards home a sharks fin was seen near the bow of Cat Balou and minutes later a Killer Whale appeared It was all happening! More Killers appeared including a male with a huge dorsal and another animal with a split dorsal, known a 'Split Fin' a whale which Cat Balou originally sighted at Eden in October 2003, the fin apparantly damaged by a boats propeller. Cat Balou followed this pack for half an hour as they headed towards Murwaree Point.
Unfortunately the afternoon trip was cancelled as a strong SE swell had developed - unsuitable conditions for whale watching.
The Muttonbirds continue to impress with millions heading south.

Saturday October 3rd 2009
This morning passengers aboard True Blue spotted their first whale soon after crossing the bar. This sub adult Humpback whale was feeding on the surface and we observed him as he travelled south. Several breaching whales were seen out wide so we headed off to investigate. By the time we arrived with them they had quieted down and were surface feeding. On our way back in we came across another three Humpbacks heading quietly southward.
With Killer Whales sighted down in Eden this morning the whales seemed a little shy on our afternoon cruise. However we found two single Humpbacks in close and spent the cruise observing them.

Friday 2nd October 2009
Despite being very cold on the water conditions were calm and CAT BALOU had a brilliant day sighting over 25 whales during their two trips. A pod of two near Murwaree got the day off to a good start with some lateral lunge feeding, close encounters including a breach. Heading south there were whales everywhere and all were very active. One gave a lengthy pec slapping display and another animal breached over and over again! Other whales could be seen in all directions.
The afternoon trip matched the action of the morning trip with a mother/calf pod spotted near South Head. This calf breached eleven times whilst the mother slowly headed south. Two more pods were spotted to the east, with one pod feeding.

Friday October 2nd 2009
The sea was as calm as a lake as True Blue headed out for our morning whale watch today. We did not have to travel far when we saw our first whale. This whale gave some beautiful examples of pectoral fin waving or slapping. Several passengers commented that it looked like the whale was waving at the boat! The Australian Fur Seals were again seen swimming with the whales, no matter how many times we see it, it never ceases to amaze us! It really does look like they are playing together! The sea was a buzz with bird life with hundreds of Short Tailed Shearwaters in the area on their annual migration. The shearwater is the most abundant Australian seabird. Approximately 23 million short-tailed shearwaters breed in about 285 colonies in south-eastern Australia from September to April.

Thursday October 1st 2009
CAT BALOU had many happy customers aboard today with whales sighted on both morning and afternoon trips.
Leaving the Eden wharf the resident Seal family were observed on the breakwall. Heading east Cat Balou joined the Pacific Whale Foundation research vessel and found one Humpback which did several breaches as Cat Balou approached. Another pod of two were not far away and these were great whales to watch with many close encounters and feeding with Cat Balou spending an hour with them. One of the Eden trawlers was nearby and as Imlay winched up their net seals and Albatross were in a frenzy, anticipating a feed.
The afternoon trip saw several Humpbacks east off The Pinacles with one animal breaching and slow fluke ups.

Thursday October 1st 2009
Today was a day full of whale watching with both Merimbula Marina's Sea Eagle and True Blue heading out in the morning and then True Blue doing an afternoon and a sunset cruise. Whales were seen on all trips and weather conditions were great. Passengers on our afternoon cruise were treated to viewing two adult Humpback Whales breaching for over an hour near the boat – very impressive! Passengers on our sunset cruise saw it all – whales breaching, dolphins , seals and birds.

Wednesday September 30th 2009
CAT BALOU caught up with their first whale a mile east of South Head. This was a friendly juvenile Humpback who kept passengers entertained for almost an hour as it zig zagged around the vessel. Leaving this whale another was found to the NE but proved difficult to track. Two more sub adults were sighted about a mile to the north with some good lunge feeding. The hydrophone piced up some singing.
Again the birdlife was amazing with rafts of Shearwaters and numerous Albatross and Seals were also sighted.

Wednesday September 30th 2009
This morning as True Blue crossed the Merimbula Bay we spotted a Humpback mother and calf. We spent a good half and hour observing their interactions and then headed 5 miles out to sea where we viewed two adult whales lunge feeding. The weather conditions were perfect and the sea was calm enabling some wonderful viewing. Passengers remarked that there were hundred of birds which they had not expected to see. Our friends the Australian Fur Seals did not disappoint and joined us again on both morning and afternoon trips. We also spotted a Leatherback Turtle – lots of marine life!
With the weather still good True Blue headed back out for an afternoon cruise. We headed five miles out to encounter two adult Humpbacks lunge feeding. Again there was a variety of other marine life throughout the cruise.

Tuesday September 29th 2009
With Victorian School Holidays in full swing both MERIMBULA MARINA'S True Blue and Sea Eagle went out whale watching this morning. Passengers on both boats saw several Humpback Whales.Passengers aboard Sea Eagle were treated to a full breach and numerous spy hops from a mother and last season’s calf. And True Blue had several beautiful tail throws, one right in front of the boat, allowing several passengers to capture the moment by camera. They also observed fluke up dives as these whales were feeding. Interestingly one of the whales sighted was seen in amongst a large congregation of Short Tailed Shearwaters who were also feeding on the surface waters.
Both boats saw lots of Australian Fur Seals who again delighted both children and adults alike with their playful antics. And a pod of Common Dolphins joined True Blue as it crossed the Merimbula Bay.

Tuesday September 29th 2009
Taking into consideration the safety & comfort of passengers & cancelling cruises on Sunday & Monday due to gale force winds and rough seas CAT BALOU was back in action today. Two pods were sighted in close proximity of each other, each pod with a single adult. Cat Balou opted to follow the more active Humpback who was pec slapping and also performed a breach. This whale continued its southern migration and Cat Balou headed north where another two whales were found. The bird life was stunning with thousands of Short Tail Shearwaters (Muttonbirds) and Albatross.
A coach group on the afternoon bay cruise also viewed a single Humpback close to South Head and witness it