Five Humpback Whales Approach Sanctuary on Calm Morning

Our morning departure aboard Sanctuary departed into exceptionally calm, glassy conditions today, which set the stage for an extraordinary encounter. Not far into the bay, we came across a group of five humpback whales. A few of these individuals began swimming directly toward us, eventually lingering right alongside our vessel in what is colloquially known as a "mugging."

When humpback whales approach a stationary vessel this closely, they are demonstrating a keen, self-directed curiosity. With the water so still, we could clearly observe their massive pectoral fins and head tubercles just beneath the surface as they slowly turned and blew right next to the boat, showing a calm awareness of our presence.

This single morning trip provided our passengers and crew with an unhurried, up-close look at these giant baleen whales in their natural habitat. Spending quiet time with these five individuals under such pristine sea conditions is a poignant reminder of the rich life that thrives just off our coast.