March 2, 2002 – The Environmental Association of St. Thomas-St. John will hold the first of its annual whale watches on Saturday March 9 and Sunday March 10.
"They are seeing a lot of whales right now," said Kelly Kiernan, event coordinator. "The submarine has seen a couple and the divers are hearing them –– they are definitely in the area."
Each winter humpback whales migrate through Virgin Islands waters, seeking a warm place to mate and nurse their calves. They are most often spotted in late February and March.
The EAST whale watch begins at 8 a.m. at the National Park Dock in Red Hook. This year's whale watch will be held aboard the Jolly Mon Catamaran.
"We have had our most spectacular whale watches aboard Jolly Mon," Kiernan said. "Captain Mark is great at spotting the whales. The catamaran gets us around fast and it's a very stable ride, for those who tend to get sea sick."
In addition to a whale expert, there will be experienced nature guides on board sharing information about offshore cays, sea birds and marine life. The catamaran will make at least one stop for a swim and snorkel and usually returns to the dock about 4 p.m.
Kiernan urged those interested to get tickets now as they usually go quite fast and must be purchased in advance.
"If this is something you have always wanted to do, do it this year," she said."It is just a breathtaking experience to see a whale up close."
Tickets for EAST Annual Whale Watch are $55 for non-members and $45 for members. They are available at Dockside Bookstore in Havensight Mall and East End Secretarial Service in Red Hook Plaza. For more information call 777-8633 or 777-5012.
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