A day late and a dollar short, but here I am to finally recap the amazing whale-watching excursion we had while in Kauai. Guys, when I signed up for a whale-watching tour, I had no idea what to expect. Maybe a few dolphin sightings? Possibly I would see an actual whale, but most likely in the far off distance. I mean, like it says right there on the brochure, "whale sightings not guaranteed."
Not sure how things always seem to work out in my favor (don't hate me, but it's true), but this certain tour was the mother lode. A fellow tourist said this was his seventh whale-watching tour, and that this was his first time ever seeing whales.
Score.
No joke. We saw at least ten different whales. They swam right under us. They breached five feet from our boat. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. To see these immense, astounding creatures with my own eyes, in the flesh, where I could reach out and touch them, was electrifying.
Something I'll never forget, for sure.
Something I'll never forget, for sure.
And the landscape? The scenery? The beaches, mountains, natural caves?
Breathtaking. The island of kauai is honestly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life.
we saw tons of sea turtles
The picture above? Another tour boat, however ours was nothing like that. We rode in an inflatable zodiac boat. Kinda of like a blow-up thingy. A blow-up thingy on the open seas.
Yep, that's it.
A perk of traveling the open ocean in a raft? We could fit into small spaces, like these amazing caves...
Breathtaking. The island of kauai is honestly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life.
we saw tons of sea turtles
The picture above? Another tour boat, however ours was nothing like that. We rode in an inflatable zodiac boat. Kinda of like a blow-up thingy. A blow-up thingy on the open seas.
Yep, that's it.
A perk of traveling the open ocean in a raft? We could fit into small spaces, like these amazing caves...
and the waterfalls...
the mountains...
heeeeeeeyy hikers, you daredevils, you.
The hot blonde in front is my niece-by-marriage (and Britney Spears partner-in-crime), then me, Lisa's hub Greg (Rob's nephew) and then my hubs.
Far too much beauty in one post, am I right?
I am dying to go back. eight more months
And in true style of keeping it real, I yakked almost the entire boat tour. I wish I could say it was sea-sickness, because at least that is semi-respectable.
But no. I was bat shit hungover.
I blame you Lindsey.
Very cool! Marks patents did a volunteer whale thing when they were there counting breaches and all sorts of whale stuff. They saw tons of them, which they said was rare. Looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! And lucky you!!! I've done that hike- it's amazing!!! and, almost killed me.
ReplyDeleteWas it an early morning boat (raft?) ride? I'm usually hung over or gratuitously sleeping in on vacation mornings (oh heck, most mornings in general) and can never get the drive to get myself up for awesome things like this.
ReplyDeleteSeriously stunning photographs, btw. I can't believe you saw that many whales. This is making me think that whale watching tours aren't just money making scams, like wisdom teeth removal surgery or taxes.
Wow those photos are amazing!! and the water...unbeliveable! I think I would have been a little scared to be on such a small boat next to such big animals but I bet it was an experience that you wont ever forget!!
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! It is such a great adventure. I was born in an island but I am actually afraid of deep waters and riding water vehicles but with such a rewarding and majestic experience, I think I would dare conquering my fear.
ReplyDeleteVery lovely post!
blah blah blah. I'm still bitter that i wasnt there.
ReplyDeleteYou've just convinced me to do a whale watching tour in Kauai! That's it - it's decided:) What kind of camera did you bring with you? I'm too afraid to bring the big DSLR in case it gets wet (or stolen)!
ReplyDeleteYou are a bizzo. And I hate you.
ReplyDeleteTranslation: I am ridiculously jealous.
Wow!! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! So there is this girl at my work that doesn't believe in whales... as in she doesn't think there could actually be an animal that big that swims around. I'm all arguing with her like she is a crazy loon, "What about Shamu, woman!" and she replies, "they are robots"! Glad you got to see some pretty robots on your trip :) smh
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. It's beautiful! I'm jealous you had that experience. Something I've always wanted to do. I love all of the pictures.
ReplyDeleteOMG! HOW AMAZING!!! I wish we had been in Maui for whale season... but we didn't get married in the right month! HAHA You're making me want to go to Kauai SO BADLY!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kauai is the most beautiful place! I want to go back badly!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSooooooo jealous.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible experience! Your pictures are phenomenal!
ReplyDeleteoh my gahhhh
ReplyDeletethat looks beyond amazing.
seriously, i am going there. no ifs ands or buts!
Let us know the next time you're going, because I want to be on the same tour! So amazing!!
ReplyDeletelove the pics! has dad seen these? he is so funny, every time he sees a commercial with whales he comments how they are such amazing creatures. wish I was there....but I will be in December! you better not change your mind!
ReplyDeleteAre you freaking kidding me?! I would be peeing down my leg, out there on a flimsy little raft with whales that close! I enjoyed your pictures but I don't think I'm brave enough to get out on the open water and do that. I'm lame!
ReplyDeleteThat was not my fault biatch! Ok, maybe a little. Pics are gorgeous. Let's go back now.
ReplyDeleteI have exactly eight months to convince you to take me with you to hawaii. good? okay.
ReplyDeletemind blown. now on my list!
ReplyDeleteOMG that is just too beautiful. My breath was literally taken away.
ReplyDeleteI want go to, Raven. So badly. I would love if you helped me learn more about how much it would cost. I know you said that you don't think there are any all-inclusive resorts, but have you ever used Expedia or anything to book flights+hotel or ... I don't know... anything?
Amazing photos! I love how peaceful whale watches are. It is amazing to be that close to such a large animal.
ReplyDeleteThese pics are ridic! They make me want to stop buying cases of wine and start saving for a little vacay. Seriously, so beautiful. Lucky Bitch. Xo
ReplyDeleteOhemgee!!! That is AMAZING!! I cannot even describe how jealous I am and how I am DEFINITELY going whale watching some day!!! Ugh! Why haven't I already!? I am from NZ after all! Geeze I have been missing out!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures!! I bet that was so cool to see whales!
ReplyDeleteWow, you got such amazing photos! You seriously did hit the jackpot for whale spotting.
ReplyDeleteMy hubs and I always see dolphins swimming close to the shore when we're at the beach and I've wondering if we should suck it up and pay for a whale watching tour sometime...but with my luck, we'd see nothing! :P
Andrea
Left brain, right brain, pug brain.
Amazing photos lady!!! Looks like such a fantastic trip. I have always, always wanted to go to Hawaii. It's definitely on the top of my must-see list. And you're going back in 8 months?? Lucky girl! :)
ReplyDeleteRAVEN! these pics are amazing. i have always wanted to do this and now i want to even more! So much fun!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! These pictures are seriously stunning...each one was better than the next! Take me with you...please.
ReplyDeleteYou might have convinced me to honey moon here just from these pics alone. Wowwwwwwww! Beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteTo see all of this one day would be a dream of mine... how breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing all of that, I have come to the conclusion that I NEED to go there someday!
ReplyDelete