Back from Maui with only limited success I watched the Kia Superbowl ad that I missed on Superbowl Sunday because I was on plane over the Pacific. I laughed out loud as I watched Melissa McCarthy answer a call to “Save the Whales.
She rushes out in a little pontoon boat only to have a huge whale breach right next to her! As the behemoth splashes down it lands on the end of her boat catapulting her into a larger whale watch boat. Its all an exaggeration but I suppose the whale landing on the boat is a real possibility…if you got that close. I sure would have been happy to take my chances with a close encounter.
So how would I rate my 4 experiences?
#1. For the best photo ops had to be the Pacific Whale Foundation’s Photo Safari. It was the only one that actually delivered a breaching whale, even if it was a baby.
#2. For shear fun and excitement, I’d have to vote for the Ocean Rafting. I had a great time when I was on a pontoon boat back in November and got the same thrill this time looking for whales. I love the smallness of the boat and being so close to the waves. Plus we saw plenty of whales. I would not recommend this one for small children. We had all adults on our trip.
#3. Pride of Maui Whale watch and Snorkel. I hate to put this ahead of the Pacific Whale Foundation trip but the arrival of the spinner dolphins kind if pushed this over the top. Plus they did a great job with the barbecue lunch. Seeing a tiny octopus while snorkeling was another plus in their favor even though they can’t control what fish or animals we might see.
#4. Pacific Whale Foundation. This is a great family trip. The boat is large and stable in the water. The naturalists are professional and friendly and a portion of the cost goes to support Whale Research. It may not have made the top spots in this particular lineup but we saw whales, it was educational and I would not hesitate to go again.
Any of the 4 trips would be great. It kind of depends on what you are looking for and if you are a family with small children or a solo adventurer.
I can’t wait until the whale season next year!
