Whale of a good time

For the last week, there have been 8 or 10 humpback whales right off shore in Santa Cruz. From about anywhere between the lighthouse at Steamer Lane and down to Seabright you can see them. It is incredible. Sunday morning the kids and I went out in the kayaks. It was a crazy human scene. Kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, sail boats, dingys, powerboats were everywhere. But, within a few hundred yards of the harbor mouth we saw the first of the whales and over the next few hours we saw many backs and spouts including some encounters within 30 feet! It was an awesome experience.

Tail lobbing seen from shore

Surface feeding from shore

The scene heading out

First whale spotted on our way out

Lots of close encounters! This with my little waterproof camera with limited zoom.

John wanted to dive with the whales