Whales put on a big show

It has been a strong start to the whale watching season, with plenty of sightings of humpbacks and blue whales off the Albany coast.

Officially starting in the first week of June and running until October, the whale watching season gives people a chance to catch a glimpse of the ocean giants as they travel north to warmer waters.

The season started early this year with several whales sighted around the coast last month.

Dozens of humpbacks and southern right whales have been spotted along the coast between Denmark and Bremer Bay in the past week, with some even making an appearance at the Welcoming of the Whales Festival last Saturday.

Albany Ocean Adventures skipper Paul Guest said he had also spotted three blue whales.

“In my 22 years of doing this, I have probably seen 10 blue whales all up,” he said.

“So to see three in the last couple of days in the last two cruises has been awesome. For me and for the people on the boat, it’s such a special experience.”

“They’re a big whale, 25m or so — a hell of a lot bigger than us — and when you see them underwater they are that electric blue. It’s very special.”

Mr Guest said the whale season has been started strong and is looking forward to the season ahead.

“Not only have we seen some blue whales which has been great, at the opening of the whale festival I think we saw half a dozen out there in the water,” he said.

“I think this weather that we are going to get now and next couple of days will stir things up a bit – I think things will start to pick up soon – it’s still early in the season and its started off pretty well.”