There’s nothing like the crew’s call of “Whale sighting!” to wrap up our small-ship cruise adventure of the Galapagos Islands. We drop everything and run to two waiting pangas that will carry us into the heart of the action.
“Hurry! Hop on!” We waste no time in following the lead of our naturalist guides, Alex and Jorge. Once aboard, we scan the horizon looking for any signs of whales. Moments of stillness and calm are interrupted by cries of “Look! Over there!” We see the unmistakable humpback of a whale and zoom ahead.
But this humpback is not alone. Looks like mama is being shadowed by her baby as they ride the waves in tandem. If only they would breach so we could capture the moment in a photo.
“Ohhh! There!”
Mama does exactly that, leaping out of the water in one gigantic thrust. The good news is, we got the photo. The bad news is, it’s completely out of focus so you’re going to have to take my word for it: “You should have seen it! You won’t believe how huge it was!” Really. Honest!
As I continue scanning the horizon for any more whale sightings, I notice some kind of flying object heading straight for our panga. I can’t quite get my head around what it is I’m seeing. Whatever it is, it’s flying very low and very fast. Before I can even formulate the question, “What is that?” to the crew, I duck, and the flying object slams into the side of our panga and falls, flailing on the bottom of our dinghy.
After we digest what had just happened, one of the crew gently picks up our intruder and tosses him back in the water.
Between the humpback whales and flying fish, what a thrilling end to a fabulous adventure in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!
Thanks to my host, Quasar Galapagos Expeditions, and the crew of the MV Evolution for the trip of a lifetime.
Could there be anything more thrilling? Though not on an eco-tour, I did see some whales off the coast of Nova Scotia once. I continue to be fascinated by these creatures and humbled by their size and mystique.
Wow Nancy, you saved the best till last !! Amazing, you are so lucky
Very cool to see whales, especially a mom and calf. How was the boat? Do you recommend it?
Wonderful! We did our first whale-watching tour off of Vancouver Island last year, and then were able to spot Orcas while watching from San Juan Island this past summer. There’s just nothing like it! What incredible animals, and you have some awesome photos. Thanks!
OMG, what an amazing adventure. How lucky you are, to be living your life. I love how you share these incredible experiences with us. It’s such a gift, so thank you!
You are so welcome, Monica! I am incredibly grateful for having had this amazing adventure. That I get to share the experience with my readers is frosting on the cake.
It’s really an unforgettable experience, isn’t it, Nadine? So glad you have had your own whale-spotting adventure!
Hi, Kathy! Yes, it was way cool to see a mom and her calf. I highly recommend Quasar Galapagos Expeditions for your own excursion. Our 32-passenger yacht, the MV Evolution, was a classic beauty and the crew could not have been friendlier or more accommodating. Go now (click on the link at the end of my article) – and please tell them I sent you ~
I know, Wendy – I am sooo lucky to have had this unforgettable experience. Time to start booking your own trip :-)!
Hi, Astra ~ You’ve hit the nail on the head. Watching these magnificent creatures is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Unbelievable . . . Thanks for commenting!
Majestic.
Amazing.
What a THRILL. 🙂 WOW.
Wow! That would be an incredible activity! Thanks for sharing the photos.
Incredible indeed, Amy! So glad you enjoyed the photos of my amazing Galapagos adventure ~
Whales are such beautiful creatures – I’m glad you agree . . . Thanks for stopping by my blog ~
I’ve been intrigued by the Galapagos Islands since I was a child and my Significant Other is fascinated by whale watching. Perhaps some day we’ll combine those two and book a trip to this magnificent place!
Oh, I hope you do get to realize your childhood dream with a visit to the Galapagos, Bella! You would love it ~
I always wanted to see Whales like that, now I doubt my health would let me so I am glad to see it through your eyes! You really get your feelings across about what you see and do! Snd the pics are great, don’t feel bad about the bad pic,my camera takes them allll the time!
SO where are you(we)going next?
I’m sorry to hear about your health, Samantha – but you never know – you might still make it to the Galapagos Islands. Thanks for your kind comments about my blog. I’m off to the The Big Apple for a week next month so I’m sure to have lots to share. Take great care ~
Oh, I’ve heard the wing/fins of flying fish are razor sharp. Yikes.
In which case, I’m REALLY glad I ducked just in time, Christopher! I remember the zipping noise of their fins going at nanospeed and definitely would not one of those cutting into me. But it was an amazing sight ~