Jan. 20, 2004 – It's time for whale lovers, friends of whales, and those who are just whale-curious to mark their calendars for the Environment Association of St. Thomas-St. John's annual whale watching adventure!
Few people are fortunate enough to ever see a humpback whale, but each year the EAST offers the community a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
This week EAST announced its annual whale watches will be held on February 12, 13, 26 and 27.
Carla Joseph, EAST's president, said, "We had some great sightings last year. Nothing is more exciting than seeing an animal of this size. It is something I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience."
Humpback whales migrate through Virgin Islands' waters each winter, where they mate and give birth. The local migration usually peaks in February.
The whale watches will be held on the catamaran, Allura.
"This is the best boat we have used for whale watching," Joseph said. "There is plenty of shade and the crew is very experienced and interested in finding the whales. If they are out there, we will find them."
Eco-guides will be on board to educate participants about the whales as well as sea birds and other marine life.
"It should be a very fun day," Joseph said. "We usually stop for lunch and a swim or snorkel at an offshore cay."
The boat departs at 8:30 a.m. from the National Park Dock in Red Hook. Whale watchers should bring lunch, sun screen, bathing suits, snorkeling gear and binoculars. Drinks will be available for purchase on the boat, but participants may want to bring their own supply of water.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available from Dockside Bookstore in Havensight Mall, East End Secretarial in Red Hook Plaza and Connections in Cruz Bay, St. John. Tickets for the day long sail are $55 for non-members and $45 for EAST members.
Joseph urged those interested to get tickets now as the whale watches usually sell out well in advance.
For more information call (340) 774-8816 or (340) 774-1837.