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A Front Row Seat to Whale Watching

Posted on September 30, 2013 by lesleycarter

Yesterday, Darren and I had a front row experience with pilot whales thanks to Captain Zodiac. Kona Hawaii’s most experienced rafting company, Captain Zodiac Raft Expeditions was established in 1974. Our captain, Colin, took us on an intimate journey to Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii’s finest marine preserve and the site of Captain Cook’s Monument, but it was the journey that ended up being the best destination.

Before we even arrived at the snorkeling site, we found a pod of pilot whales enjoying the Hawaiian sun. Rather than just taking photos, Darren and I captured them on video.

Surrounded by whales larger than our 24 foot zodiac, I felt a new appreciation for life below. It doesn’t get much more natural or beautiful than our Captain Zodiac experience.

18 thoughts on “A Front Row Seat to Whale Watching”

Kavita Joshi on September 30, 2013 at 6:14 pm said:

what an adventure Lesley…you go girl

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UnrestingSea on September 30, 2013 at 6:31 pm said:

Awesome! What type of camera did you use to capture them?

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Let's CUT the Crap! on September 30, 2013 at 7:27 pm said:

The background vocals had the same static beat as the whales swimming. Amazing. Imagine that and you two there to experience it all. Wow.

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mishunderstood on September 30, 2013 at 8:02 pm said:

We went whale watching in Nova Scotia, hoping to see the BIG ones but I could not be disappointed by the pilots. Amazing!
The Zodiac is definitely the way to go. 🙂

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nitajohana on September 30, 2013 at 8:08 pm said:

wowww…you’re very lucky….

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baxterbent on September 30, 2013 at 8:41 pm said:

Sweet! Love the mama and child shots…looked like you focused on that too. Bet pictures don’t do it justice.

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kcsaling on September 30, 2013 at 10:18 pm said:

What a wonderful experience! We have seen migrating humpbacks while diving and are hoping to again this year, now that we have our GoPro to take pictures and video! 😀

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Black Cat on October 1, 2013 at 2:08 am said:

What a humbling experience. Bet it was so amazing to watch. Your blog is so inspirational, thanks for sharing

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lorieb on October 1, 2013 at 6:14 am said:

my family went whale watching off the big island of Hawaii a few years ago, The whales swam around, beside and under our small boat; it wasn’t until I got home and was telling someone about the experience and they asked why I wasn’t afraid, that I realized just how amazing it was!

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Arlen Shahverdyan on October 1, 2013 at 11:19 am said:

Your posts are unique AS ALWAYS!

Warmly,
Arlen
http://arlenshah.wordpress.com/

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whitedragongolf on October 1, 2013 at 1:50 pm said:

Have been whale watching in Kaikoura in New Zealand. Sadly had a mighty Sperm whale washed up on our local shore. He had been shot, and was still warm when I touched him. The authorities said he around 60 years old.

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buzzard33 on October 1, 2013 at 2:10 pm said:

Beautiful time exposures Barbara…..

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mistynites on October 1, 2013 at 3:55 pm said:

Wow, I’d love to see pilot whales (and go to Hawaii!). I always feel so privileged to spend some time with these amazing wild creatures.

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paranoiasnfm on October 3, 2013 at 4:21 am said:

Beautiful!

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Matt Johnston on October 3, 2013 at 6:00 am said:

Awesome! It reminds me of last year when my wife and I did the same thing in B.C. with orca.

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Nancy on October 4, 2013 at 6:15 pm said:

Captain Cook’s Marine Reserve was the first place I ever snorkeled. What an experience I will never forget.

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sarahvercoeimages on October 6, 2013 at 8:50 pm said:

Love this!

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