Newfoundland Travel Blog - Whale Watching

Many of us spend years "chasing the dream" in our 9 to 5 jobs. This was certainly the case for me but, after my retirement, I saw that life had more possibilities than previously imagined. As a lover of nature and owner of a small vacation rental in Pouch Cove, I often explore the outdoors, take photos, and share my experiences with guests in order to help them plan their vacation. This is my whale watching experience. #whalewatching

Marine Identification, including Whales

Humpback whale lunging to the right as it breaches near the coast of Pouch Cove, Newfoundland.

What an amazing sight! This humpback whale breached just a few feet in front of me as I was relaxing at a lookout point in Pouch Cove, enjoying the ocean view and some warm summer air. #whale, #humpbackwhale, #oceanview, #pouchcove

This pod of whales in Pouch Cove included parents and a calf.

Humpback whales visit Newfoundland every summer, arriving in June and staying through September. Though they are often seen in the open sea, the experience of seeing them close up along a community coastline is truly breathtaking. This pod was made up of parents and a young calf. #whale, #newfoundland, #podofwhales, #whalecalf

Humpback whale tail slapping near the coast in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland.

While watching the whales from the shore, it appeared that the adult male tail-slapped repeatedly and the female kept her young within reach. Whales can exploit the tail slapping maneuver to catch fish by alarming them and getting them to gather in groups, something that is beneficial to them when they circle and consume their prey. #fluke, #whaletail, #whales, #whaletailslapping

As this humpback whale rests, its fin can be seen just below the surface of the ocean.

It was amazing to see the whale pod swim within close proximity to the shore of Pouch Cove, surfacing, tail peaking, fin slapping, and even breaching high into the fresh country air. #whale, #whalesurfacing, #whalefluke, #finslapping, #whalebreach

As a humpback whale finishes its dive, the tail fluke disappears into the ocean.

Humpback whale fin slapping close to the shores in Pouch Cove.

Humpback whale breaching near the coast of Pouch Cove.

Humpback whale twisting its body as it breaches near the Pouch Cove shoreline.

Seeing the mama and calf emerge together was particularly heartwarming.

Humpback whale and its calf surfacing near the coast of Pouch Cove.

I was fascinated to see the calf's blowhole at close range. Thankfully it never sprayed or it would have been an instant shower for me! #whaleblowhole

Humpback whale surfacing next to another whale's footprint

I always thrill when a whale surfaces and I try to capture that special moment in pictures. Did you know that when a whale surfaces, it leaves a "footprint"? Here you see a whale surfacing, face up, next to a footprint created by another whale that had since descended under the ocean surface. #whalefootprint

Humpback whale diving far offshore as seen on Gatherall's puffin and whale watching boat tour.

For those, like me, who enjoy the thrill of seeing whales deep sea diving far offshore, I recommend a trip on one of the whale-watching boat charters. A variety of charters are available, and all travel to areas predicted to offer the best opportunity to see whales. However, as with all natural phenomena, it is impossible to predict the presence or density of whale pods, whether on or offshore, in any given area. #whalewatching

Humpback whale, face up, surfaces near the coast of Pouch Cove, Newfoundland.

I'm sure you will agree that whale watching is a thrilling experience to include on your Newfoundland travel itinerary. Please follow my Newfoundland Travel Blog to see my work on some other popular tourist attractions in eastern Newfoundland. I'd be delighted to hear from you so why not contact me today?