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  

Monday September 28th 2009
As TRUE BLUE crossed the Merimbula Bar we spotted our first two whales just off Long Point. We followed these two across the Merimbula Bay down to Haycock watching as they fed along the way. We then headed out to another pod of three Humpback whales that were spotted just off Haycock. These three were a little more inquisitive and came quite close to the True Blue. Passengers watched with amazement as a mother showed her calf how to feed, not that he was all that interested, and he seemed more interested in flicking his tail about!
Our friends the Australian Fur Seals came and joined us, playing in the wash of the boat as we crossed the Merimbula Bay. There were also plenty of sea birds making for a trip full of sea life! 

Sunday September 27th 2009
What an amazing day we had today!! It was windy when True Blue left Merimbula on our morning cruise but as we crossed the bar we discovered that the sea was calm and whales could be seen in the distance. So off we headed towards them. As we approached we saw one adult leap into the air, breaching. We soon realized that we were surrounded by large adult Humpback Whales who were intent upon feeding. In all we counted 15!! True Blue is a large comfortable 16 metre vessel and these Humpbacks were as big as the boat.
It was fascinating to watch as these huge creatures of the sea fed upon the rich waters off Merimbula. Whales were also observed lolling and rolling onto their backs. On several occasions whales circled the boat, showing just how big they really are!

Saturday September 26th 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 & eheese were served.
On board was researcher Annie from the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Saturday September 26th 2009
This morning True Blue headed out wide to see several single sub adult Humpbacks. With slightly windy conditions these whales were not all that active, seeming content to feed on the surface. Our friends the Australian Fur Seals showed up again. And the wind seemed to have excited the sea birds as we saw lots of Mutton Birds, Albatrosses, Shearwaters and other sea birds. 

Friday September 25th 2009
CAT BALOU had an early sighting of whales today with a pod seen breaching just outside Twofold Bay. This turned out to be 2 adults who then continued to head slowly south giving a few good fluke ups. With a freshening NE CAT BALOU headed NE and found another two Humpbacks with one sub adult giving a good feeding display. The Pacific Whale Foundation report seeing three Killer Whales east of Eden.

Friday September 25th 2009
It was a beautiful sunny morning in Merimbula when True Blue headed out on our morning cruise. A whale was spotted five miles east off Merimbula so off we headed to spend some time with him. A pod of Common Dolphins joined us on our way out, diving in and out of the wash of the boat. When we arrived at the Humpback we cut our engines and watched as he approached the True Blue. He circled the boat for a while giving everyone onboard a good opportunity to see him.
Our friendly family of Australian Fur Seals showed up and again delighted passengers with their antics. Our photographer Eric captured a beautiful loving moment between two seals who looked very much in love!!
With the wind coming up in the afternoon we stayed in close and viewed a Southern Right whale who was slightly illusive so we took a cruise around Merimbula Bay and saw some Dolphins, Seals and plenty of sea birds. On our way back we came across the Southern Right again so spent some time with her before heading back in.

Thursday September 24th 2009
After the wild weather experienced over recent days, CAT BALOU was back out whale watching today. They sighted several pods, the first a single adult who gave some good fluke ups. Two Humpbacks mugged CAT BALOU on a number of occasions and looked as if they were going to feed. Another pod was nearby. Near Leondard Island a passenger reported seeing a dolphin which turned out to be a Dwarf Minke whale, but was rather elusive. Seals were sighted on the breakwall. The Pacific Whale Foundation research vessel was in the vicinity of Cat Balou and will be working out of Eden for the next few weeks.

Thursday September 24th 2009
This morning True Blue headed out wide to find her first whales, a pod of three subadults Humpback Whales. When we arrived these whales were feeding and as we cut our engines they came over to investigate us. They circled the boat for some time then amazed passengers by breaching just off the Bow of the boat three times. One passenger remarked that he could not believe how such a large animal could leap so high in the air out of water! As with previous days a group of Australian Fur Seals joined the Humpbacks and were seen playing in amongst them. Several other whales were sighted in the distance.
With lots of whales around True Blue headed back out for a second trip this afternoon and joined up with the same whales as this morning. Just as on our morning trip they came over to the boat and circled around us feeding.

Wednesday September 23rd 2009
Despite the forecast for this morning the seas were calm as True Blue headed out on our morning whale watch. After the overnight dust storm the sea was a funny shade of brown which thankfully cleared as we headed out. We did not have to travel far to find our first whales, a pod of three sub adult Humpbacks. These whales were inquisitive and swam around the boat for over an hour. They were feeding on the surface and were clearly visible in the clear waters.
A family group of Australian Fur Seals joined us on our way back in and jumped in and out of the wash of the boat, delighting passengers. 

Tuesday September 22nd 2009
This morning True Blue headed five miles out and spent over an hour and a half with four Humpback Whales. These whales circled the boat feeding, giving passengers some fantastic photo opportunities. Several additional whales were also spotted on the horizon. The Humpbacks are coming through in good numbers so now is a great time to book your whale watching cruise aboard True Blue.
Our friends the Australian Fur Seals also showed up and again amazed passengers with their playful actions. The Skipper also spotted several Mutton Birds, signaling that soon large numbers will pass through the area on their annual migration to lay their eggs on Flinders Island.

Monday September 21st 2009
CAT BALOU conducted two whale watching cruises today and sighted over 40 Humpbacks. The morining cruise located four pods at exactly the same location as yeasterday with most whale feeding and giving passengers some close encounters as they spent most of the time on the surface. When the hydrophone was put into the water some very clear singing was heard.
The afternoon trip found the first pod approximately 2 miles east of South Head with another pod in close proximity. Cruising east many more pods were seen with one whale having a distinct black dorsal.
It was a geast day on the water and today the first sightings of Short Tailed Shearwaters seen heading south.

Monday September 21st 2009
This morning was a whale watchers paradise with two Southern Right whales mugging True Blue just off Long Point for several hours. These two Southern Rights were extremely inquisitive which is uncommon as they are generally one of the shy species of whales. Not these two, they came right up to the boat and swam around us, rolling on their side to taking a good look at the passengers on board! We left these two whales and headed off to a Humpback that had been spotted four miles out to sea. This humpback was lunge feeding around the boat and amazed passengers with the size of his mouth. A pod of Common Dolphins and Australian Fur Seals were also seen during the morning cruise.
True Blue headed back out for another two afternoon cruises this afternoon, spending time with the inquisitive Southern Right whales on both trips. On out last trip for the day passengers were treated to the rare sight of two Southern Right whales breaching in unison - remarkable!! As with our morning trip these two Southern Rights swam around the boat and astounded passengers with their rolling and tail slaps. What a day!! The skipper, a local, who has been whale watching out of Merimbula for many years says he "has never seen Southern Rights so inquisitive and active."

Sunday September 20th 2009
Excellent conditions for whale watching today and the Humpback highway was very busy with lots of hungry Humpies. CAT BALOU witnessed over 15 whales on their morning cruise approximately 5 miles off Eden. A couple of single sub adults caused excitement as they approached Cat Balou at close range several times. A little to the north there were several pods, all lateral lunge feeding. A number of Fur Seals were also playing around with the whales whilst Albatross soared overhead. Back in Twofold Bay on the return trip another two sub adults were spotted breaching, so the skipper altered course to give passengers a close look. One of these whales was a resight of an animal seen by Cat Balou late last week.
A coach group on an afternoon trip scored a trifected seeing two whales, dolphins and seals on a bay cruise.

Sunday September 20th 2009
This morning was a truly wonderful morning on the sea. On our morning cruise we headed five miles out to where a large pod of Humpbacks were feeding upon a school of Slimy Mackeral. There were whales in every direction as passengers aboard True Blue enjoyed the sunny morning amongst the whales. Over 15 whales were spotted during the trip. Several were extremely friendly and came very close to the boat giving passengers some great photo opportunities. Our friends the Australian Fur Seals also joined us again and delighted passengers with their antics.
For our afternoon cruise True Blue headed back out to where the whales had been feeding in the morning. The whales were slightly shyer this afternoon and were intent upon feeding. However, half way through our trip one of the whales from our morning trip came over to the boat, giving passengers several close encounters. After this one Humpback came over several others also followed, swimming around the boat feeding.

Saturday September 19th 2009
With beautiful sunny conditions True Blue headed five miles out for this morning's whale watching cruise. 10 Humpback Whales were seen during the trip lunge feeding and tail slapping. One of the highlights of the trip was watching hundreds of Australian Fur Seals playing in amongst the Humpbacks - a spectacle well worth seeing for yourself.
Passengers aboard our charter fishing vessel Sea Eagle were also treated this morning by seeing a pod of eight Killer Whales (Orcas) heading south.
On our afternoon trip passengers were delighted to see over one hundred Common Dolphins swimming alongside True Blue. These Dolphins stayed with us for some time, leaping out of the water and darting in and out of the slip stream of the boat. The Skipper spotted a solitary Humpback Whale four miles off Short Point so we headed off to see him. He was a large sub-adult whale and gave some impressive tail slaps.

Saturday September 19th 2009
KILLER WHALES, HUMPBACKS & a SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE were all spotted off the coast at Eden today!
Two groups of students form the ANU aboard CAT BALOU on a field trip today received an added bounus sighting a lot of whales. The morning trip started with a Southern Right within Twofold Bay, slowly cruising around near North Head. Heading east several pods of Humpbacks delighted the students with an active display and clear singing was heard throught the hydrophone.
The afternoon trip resulted in numerous pods of Humpbacks being sighted, all very active with breaches and tail slapping displays.
A fisherman at Murwaree Point reported seeing a pod of Killer Whales close to shore.

Friday September 18th 2009
Passengers aboard TRUE BLUE certainly came back happy after this morning's trip.
After heading 5 miles out to sea we came across a very active sub adult Humpback Whale. Reports varied amongst passengers but the whale breached between 100 to 200 times!! The Skipper counted 151 breaches. Many of the breaches were close enough to the boat that a few passengers had an unexpected shower! This whale really was spectacular and it was just wonderful to see how high he could leap in the air!! Passengers were also delighted to see a family of Australian Fur Seals playing behind the boat in the wash.

Friday September 18th 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.

Thursday September 17th 2009
Today passengers aboard True Blue were privileged to see a mother and calf Southern Right Whale just off the northern end of Tura Beach. Both cow and calf took and interest in us and spy hopped several times. They also waved to us with several tail slaps!
We then headed out to sea and spent time with three sub adult Humpback Whales. These whales were lunge feeding and like yesterday were interested in the boat, coming alongside to have a look at us! They also surprised passengers with their spy hopping and tail slapping. A group of Australian Fur Seals were also seen playing amongst this pod of active whales.

Wednesday September 16th 2009
What a trip!! Passengers aboard True Blue were not disappointed on this morning's trip. Early in the trip we spent time observing a Humpback mother and her calf.
We then headed out wide to where a pod of whales had been spotted by one of our land observers. This pod contained three sub adult Humpback Whales and they put on quite a show; lunge feeding, spy hopping, tail slapping & pectoral fin slapping. One of these whales came right up to the boat lunge feeding. Local photographer, Erich captured the moment and was able to get a fantastic photo of the wide open humpback mouth with the baleen clearly visible.
A large family of Australian Fur Seals delighted passengers again with their playful antics. They are fast becoming regulars on our morning Whale Watch cruises and are a favourite with the children.

Tuesday September 15th 2009
This morning True Blue headed five miles out to see where we encountered two pods of feeding Humpback Whales. These whales were feeding upon zoo plankton and it was a sight to see!! The whales came up so close to the boat that passengers were able to see into the whales mouths and see their baleen. One curious sub - adult came right up to the boat and rolled on his side taking a good look at us and allowing passengers aboard to get a good look at him. In all six whales were spotted during the morning.
Passengers were also treated to the playful antics of a large family group of Australian Fur Seals. Like yesterdays trip these seals were playing with the whales and even the Skipper had a laugh at the interactions between the giant whales and the graceful seals. 

Monday September 14th 2009
Passengers aboard True Blue this morning were treated to a wonderful display of Humpback Whale acrobatics!
After crossing the bar and heading out to sea we encountered our first pod of three Humpback whales. These whales were logging (resting). It is interesting to note that even when these whales are logging or in their resting state they are on the move, so we followed them down to the Pinnacles.
After leaving this pod to their rest we headed off in search of other whales. A pod of Common Dolphins joined us in our search and played energetically at the bow of True Blue. A large family of Australian Fur Seals also joined us for a time, playing in the wash at the back of True Blue.
The skipper spotted a solitary whale just off the middle of Merimbula Bay so off we headed. This whale must have been feeling very playful as he put on a wonderful display. Passengers were amazed as he breached eight times right next to the boat. This sub adult came so close to the boat that you could have leant over and touched him! He also spy hopped several times as we left him to his journey south and headed back into Merimbula after a fantastic morning trip.

Saturday September 12th 2009

You could have been forgiven for thinking that today was a summers day!! It was a glorious warm sunny day making it the perfect day to be out on the ocean. With people hearing that the whales are here we had good numbers on both our morning and afternoon cruises.

Passengers aboard True Blue were not disappointed this morning as we encountered lots of marine life. Early in the trip we came across a solitary sub adult Humpback Whale lunge feeding. This whale was very inquisitive and came close to the boat several times giving passengers the opportunity to see just how big he really was!! On one occasion this whale rolled onto his side and looked at us, with one passenger remarking that for such a large animal their eye is quite small.

As we continued on we spent time with yet another sub adult Humpback, however this one was also accompanied by a family of Australian Fur Seals. It appeared to all that they were playing with one another - quite a spectacle given the size difference between the whale and the seals!!

On our way back a pod of Common Dolphins joined us, delighting passengers with their acrobatic displays.

The weather was still unseasonably warm as True Blue headed back out for our afternoon cruise. And what a cruise it was!! Three adult Humpbacks provided a wonderful display of acrobatic maneuvers, lots of tail slapping, pectoral fin slapping and even a few jumps in the air!! The action was great for those onboard with cameras and some great photos were taken.

Saturday 12th September 2009
CAT BALOU headed east to 'The Patch' where most of the sightings have been during the past week and Skipper Gordon spotted the first whales. Three pods affiliated with a total of 8 hungry Humpbacks who gave a great feeding display for about an hour. Another pod was spotted to the north and a sub adult impressed passenger with an energetic display of peduncle thrusts. A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were spotted off Aslings Beach as CAT BALOU returned to the Eden wharf and three seals were basking on the breakwall. A satisfied customer who cruised with CAT BALOU three times this week vowed to return next month for another whale fix.

Friday September 11th 2009
CAT BALOU viewed 5 pods of Humpbacks today Cruising in perfect conditions the first whales were found closer to shore than on recent trips. A juvenile was seen feeding with a number of close encounters. Three other pods were heading north and appeared to be searching for food. A number of Fur Seals and many Albatross were also seen.

Friday September 11th 2009
True Blue took her passengers out in near perfect conditions this morning, with calm seas and warm sun shining. We travelled seven miles out and came across a pod of Humpback Whales. These whales were ‘logging' (the whale equivalent of taking a rest). This provided passengers with the opportunity to see just how massive these whales are as they were logging near the surface and their bodies were clearly visible.
We left these whales to their rest and headed out to another pod where we encountered an inquisitive mother and her calf. They both swam around the boat giving passengers the opportunity to see them up close.
On our way back we sighted yet another pod of whales these whales gave some wonderful displays of pectoral fin slapping. With one young passenger exclaiming, "look the whales are waving at me!!"
In addition to the humpback whales we also saw Australian Fur Seals who swam energetically around True Blue. It was amazing to see these graceful animals sliding through the water, displaying to all onboard their playful nature as the interacted with one another.
Not all the action was on the water with numerous sea birds being sighted soaring above the water during the morning trip.

Thursday September 10th 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. A couple of breaches were also observed.   

Wednesday September 9th 2009
With ‘True Blue' back in town, Merimbula Marina's Whale Watching season for 2009 has kicked into full swing.

Today passengers aboard True Blue headed 10 miles east off Merimbula to encounter five sub adult Humpback whales lunge feeding. These whales proved great viewing and ‘mugged' the boat for over an hour, giving passengers lots of great photo opportunities.

On our way back in True Blue came across another two pods of Humpbacks meandering south on their annual migration back to Antarctica.

In addition to the humpbacks, passengers were also treated to displays from both Bottlenose and Common Dolphins. These were a sight to behold as they darted and weaved through the water in front of the vessel. Several Australian Fur Seals were also viewed trying to warm themselves on the surface of the water - no mean task given the cool conditions!!

Merimbula Marina has trips departing daily this week so book your whale watching cruise today, you won't be disappointed!!

Sunday September 6th 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 5th 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 2nd 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 1st 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 31st 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.

Friday August 28th 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. 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.

Wednesday August 26th 2009
Two adult Southern Right whales were seen cruising within 100metres of Aslings Beach at Eden this morning by Cat Balou Cruises

Sunday August 23rd 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 22nd 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 20th 2009
An adult Southern Right Whale was sighted in Calle Calle Bay this morning by Cat Balou Cruises

WHALE REPORTS FOR PAST YEARS - CLICK HERE