| What makes a whale watching excursion even | | | | Once you arrive at your destination (probably the |
| better? The answer is bringing home great whale | | | | feeding grounds) the captain will slow the boat down |
| watching video of your experience. | | | | and even stop when the whales have been sited. At |
| If you think capturing quality action video is something | | | | this point the show is about to begin. |
| only the pros can do, well, think again. Small video | | | | Whales are mammals and have to breathe. In order |
| cameras that are inexpensive and simple to use are | | | | for that to happen they must come up to the surface |
| widely available to the average consumer. | | | | of the water. Use your senses of sight and sound to |
| The simplicity of these video cameras is as easy as | | | | detect them. There is a tell-tale sound of a |
| pushing a button. No longer is the process of | | | | "poof-whoosh-exhale" and a spray of water in the air |
| transferring images and video from a camera to a | | | | when they breathe. |
| computer a complicated task. The term "plug and play" | | | | After your first few sightings you can get an idea of |
| is really true when it comes to these little electronic | | | | the timing and pattern of where they will appear. This |
| devices. | | | | is the key to getting a great whale watching video. |
| So, now that you have a little "pocket" video camera in | | | | Anticipate the direction of where the whale(s) might |
| hand, you are ready to step on the boat and go see | | | | appear next and be ready with your video camera. |
| the whales! There are a few tips or tricks that will help | | | | If you spot a clear place to stand on the boat, grab it! |
| you get the most out of your excursion. | | | | Lean against something sturdy to balance yourself |
| If the ship has a naturalist or guide on board, pay close | | | | while shooting the video. Also, ensure that other |
| attention to what they have to say. (Often if there is | | | | passengers won't block your shot at a crucial moment. |
| not a naturalist or marine expert on board, the captain | | | | Whales can leave a "footprint" on the water. This is an |
| will give information to the tourists regarding the whales | | | | unmistakable area that looks flat as compared to the |
| and other sea life you might encounter.) | | | | surrounding water. Scan the ocean for these |
| Often the spot where the captain will take the tourists | | | | "footprints" and look for a whale to appear near. |
| to see whales is at their feeding grounds. Take | | | | Another clue to where the whales might be is through |
| advantage of the time onboard getting out to the | | | | sea birds. Often birds congregate in the area where |
| whales by introducing yourself to the expert. | | | | whales are because they want to take advantage of |
| Remember, this is what they do for a living. For most | | | | an easy meal. The giant sea mammals stir up the food |
| of them it is much more than a job; it is a way of life. | | | | source and the birds take advantage of this. |
| Engage them in conversation. Ask them questions | | | | Once you master how to spot the whales in the |
| such as, "Where is the best vantage point onboard this | | | | ocean, taking great whale watching videos is as easy |
| ship to see the whales?" | | | | as point-and-shoot. |