Day 11– Feb 10 – Monday – Our postponed Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip.
The weather looks very promising for our Whale Watching excursion – Sunny, 75 degrees and light winds. Since the trip doesn’t leave until 1:30, we decide to head over to Auckland at mid-morning and have lunch before the trip.
After lunch we boarded the boat, received our safety lecture (don’t fall off) and started out toward the Hauraki Bay. On the way out of the harbor we passed the headquarters of the New Zealand America’s Cup Team for 2021.
We had about an hour ride out to the area, passing our temporary home in Devonport, and on out into the deep blue. Now, as I write this, I have a choice to make. I can either describe the huge, beautiful whales we saw, and how we cruised next to them for miles snapping picture after picture or I can relate what really happened – not nearly as thrilling. I guess I should tell the truth. We saw no whales, even though the crew searched diligently, and were properly disappointed. We did see several schools of dolphins, thus fulfilling their guarantee to see whales or dolphins, and I did get a few pictures – though they are very hard to capture in a picture – too fast.
At the risk of sounding ungrateful or snarky, I would recommend to my Texas friends, if you want to see Dolphins, go ride the Bolivar Ferry in Galveston – they are much more plentiful, and it is free. In defense of this excursion, I am sure it was just an “off” day – but not so sure that I am going again.
After our Pacific adventure in the zodiac boat, I didn’t think you’d EVER go again!!
I adore that pic of mom. Looks like – despite the lack of whales – y’all are having a blast!