Spending time in Portsmouth in New Hampshire to see whales is like immersing oneself in a world filled with wonder and joy. This seaside town is a true whale watching center, attracting visitors from all over. Irrespective of you’re a genuine ocean enthusiast or just a gawker, getting up close and personal with these giants is an unforgettable experience.
1. Choosing the Right Whale Watching Tour
2. Understanding the Whale Watching Season
3. Packing for the Perfect Whale Watching Adventure
1. Choosing the Right Whale Watching Tour
When you’re plotting to go whale watching, selecting the best tour operator is a must. Go for firms that are ace when it comes to safety and are knowledgeable.
Take the New England Aquarium, for example. They do tours that are excellent for learning and some real thrills. Their pros know the details of the sea creatures and the neighborhood, making for a extremely educational and amazing trip.
My friend Sarah had an absolute blast on their trip with the New England Aquarium. She extolled how the guide dished out interesting facts about the whales and what they do, which added to the trip’s enjoyment and learning. Sarah said the boat was comfortable, and the crew focused on keeping the passengers happy.
2. Understanding the Whale Watching Season
The best whale watching season in Portsmouth extends from May to October when whales are at their most active time. You can see of all sorts of whales, like humpbacks, minke whales, and the venerable North Atlantic right whale during this time. You gotta plan your visit carefully, since the season can change every year depending on when the whales migrate.
The Northern right whale arrives early in the season, so if you’re all about seeing that one, May should be on your calendar. The folks at the New England Aquarium museum say June through early August is the prime time for spotting the right whale.
3. Packing for the Perfect Whale Watching Adventure
Dressing the right way is the deal-breaker for a great whale watching trip. Layer up, it can get nippy out there even during the summer.
Include a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to prevent sun damage. And don’t forget a camera with a nice zoom on it so you can capture the moments of seeing the whales.
I’ve learned from my own trip to be prepared for possible seasickness. I recommend taking an anti-motion sickness medication an hour prior to the tour. This will help you remain comfortable and engaged on the enjoyment of the journey.
4. Learning from the Experts
Participating in educational activities can totally up your whale watching experience. The aquarium in New England has workshops and discussions that provide information on ocean conservation and the vital need to keep these magnificent beasts’ homes safe.
One talk that I found super interesting was given by Dr. Emily Johnson, a marine biologist.
She talked about her research on whale populations and the challenges they’re up against. She’s so fired up about ocean protection that it rubbed off on a lot of us, giving us a push to do something in our hometowns.
5. Sharing the Experience
Whale watching isn’t just a solo gig; it’s a mutual excitement. Most tour operators have suitable offers for families, making it perfect for a crew of friends or a family day out. Enjoying this epic adventure with people you cherish is what makes the trip that much cooler.
For example, the Portsmouth Whale Watching Corporation has family-friendly tours, including numerous entertaining and informative activities for the children. And they even provide exclusive binoculars for children therefore they can observe the whales in close proximity.