Whale Watching in Depth

Whale Watching in Depth

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For whale watching and study, this trip is unparalled. You need not be a whale researcher to participate in this trip; it is designed specifically for people who love whales and who are curious to learn more about them . You have an opportunity to participate in actual whale research, or if you prefer you may just observe the whales and enjoy their company. Choose from four different weeks in July to participate in this program. This trip can also be an add-on to our Newfoundland Adventure.

Day 1, Sunday: Arrival

Arrive, airport pick up, and short orientation tour of the area if time permits. You are free to explore St. John's from your downtown hotel. Evening presentations on whale biology and ecology is provided if time permits.

O/N St. John’s

Day 2, Monday: Atlantic Whaler

Part of our day is spent on the Atlantic Whaler. We will see the small puffins and hundreds of thousands of other seabirds on our 2.5 hour boat trip. During our trip we will review the marine ecology of the North Atlantic while getting our sea legs. On this trip, we will have the oppurtunity to help with the local whale census and acoustic research. B,L,D

O/N St. John’s

Day 3,Tuesday: Humpbacks and Minkes

Today there will be about six hours on board the whale boat watching and logging whales. Humpbacks and minkes are the most common whale species in this area but dolphins and fin whales are also occasionally seen if we are lucky. The fact is, 20 varieties of whales are logged and reported from the Newfoundland area waters so it is not unusual to spot many varieties. Generally when whales are photographed for research, you will focus on tail fluke for individual whale recognition, behavior observations, feeding patterns and general activity. If time permits we will listen with hydrophones while we may try to listen in on humpback feeding sounds and any vocalizations associated with their other behaviours. B,L

O/N St. John’s

Day 4, Wednesday: Whale watching by land

Today is spent whale watching from land while we watch large numbers of humpback whale populations. Many times on this day we get to see very up close encounters of humpback along the shores where lung feeding happens. Many times we will come across a caribou herd, a few of the many moose in the area and seals playing in the water. Keep your cameras ready for the many colorful lighthouses that dot the shore. Along the shore line cliffs are home to many seabird colonies. B, L

O/N St. John’s

Day 5, Thursday: Study Boat

It has been proven that humpback tails are as distinctive as the human face or fingerprints. Tail shots are very difficult to photograph but this day will be spent giving it your best to shot to capture them so we study them later to see who is in those water. We use the data to study whale ranges, mating habits, family history. B,L

O/N St. John’s

Day 6, Friday: Cape St. Mary

Cape Mary over looks the continent's third larget gannet colony. Nesting on top the sea cliffs there are tens of thousands of other sea birds adding to the excitement of the cliffs. A farewell barbecue or group dinner is planned for our last night in Newfoundland as sit and swap stories of all we have seen all week. B,L,D

O/N St. John’s

Day 7, Saturday: Depart

If time permits before your flight, we will have some additional time for whale watching or exploring St. John's. B

Date Information

2012

Trip 1: July 8 to July 14
Trip 2: July 15 to July 21
Trip 3: July 22 to July 28

Rate Information

Price: $2950 CAD* based on double occupancy. Single supplement $350 CAD.

Price includes transfers, all ground transportation, accommodations for six nights in downtown St. John’s, meals where indicated, services of guide and all boat time. Price does not include: air from your home to Newfoundland, items of personal nature, and tip.

*6.5 per cent (13 per cent for Canadians) Canada/Newfoundland Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) not included. Prices are sold in CAD and can be converted to USD on day of final payment.

Six nights accomodations at the Quality Hotel in downtown St. John's.