First humpback sightings of the season

Cruising the Drake passage during November is always filled with potential sightings of certain cetacean species, ranging from Orca, sperm whales, fin whales and of course my beloved humpback whales - whom are currently foraging the waters as they slowly move from their tropical breeding grounds to their feeding areas in the productive ocean that surrounds Antarctica.

Just as we were about to arrive at the South Shetland Islands we were greeted by numerous blows off the bow of the ship but were still about 3 miles away. We slowed the vessel down and we encountered 4 humpback whales circling, slapping the surface of the water to agitate their prey which was just below the surface. It was a great interaction, as the huge marine mammals circled under the vessel rolled around looking up at all the eager faces whom were hypnotized by their presence.

---

Not a bad way to start the voyage and adventure to the bottom of the world.

---

An adult humpback whale surfacing close to the ship, as it forages for food with 3 other whales
Click image to view full size

---

What it looks like on the ship when everyone is outside taking photos and checking out the gentle giants that feed in the Southern Ocean
Click image to view full size

---

Thanks for reading and all the support, Steemit!!

Dont forget to Upvote & Resteem!!!

All stories & photographs are of my own work unless noted under the picture in question.

For more stories and photos check out my Instagram feed

Check out my website - Just BCOZ Photography