Whales provide awesome south shore spectacle

Leaping majestically out of the water, a 50-ton humpback whale dominates the Bermuda skyline.

Experts believe 2011 has been one of the most active and eventful seasons in recent memory.

In a picture special today we bring you up close and personal with our magnificent whales.

Hundreds of humpbacks pass through Bermuda in March and April on their way from breeding grounds in the south to the feeding areas of the northern Atlantic.

The migration is becoming an increasingly popular attraction. Tour operators and underwater photographers say calm weather and high activity made 2011 a particularly spectacular season.

Paul Fox, boat captain at Fantasea, which runs three trips a week during whale season, said: “We only had one day where we didn’t see them. We can pretty much guarantee 100 per cent sightings now.”

Fantasea has been running whale watching trips since 1987. At the time they were the only boat. Now they are part of a fleet.

“It’s definitely growing in popularity. It’s something that keeps us going in the off-season.”

Photographer Chris Burville has been out on the Banks searching for whales at every opportunity.

He said: “Many people consider the longtails to be harbingers of spring but for me it’s the humpback whales.

“This year was spectacular. We had several close encounters with the whales and even a visit from a pod of dolphins. A couple of spectacular encounters with very friendly and curious whales rounded out my favorite time of year. Anyone who doesn’t get out to experience this on one of the tour boats is truly missing out on one of Bermuda’s most fascinating natural spectacles.”

Ondrej Hindl, of Blue Water Divers, said more and more people were aware of the whale watching opportunities and it was becoming very popular, particularly among local residents.

And he cautioned that boaters needed to take extra care to respect the whales on their own territory as the waters become more crowded with boats.