It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like A Record Year For Maui Whale Watching!
Maui, Hi (PRWEB) December 23, 2014 -- Participating in the annual Maui humpback whale count conducted is a time honored tradition enjoyed by locals and guests alike. February 2014’s count increased considerably with 1331 whales observed, up from 1126 whales sighted in 2013 (+18.1%).
The increase is the result of two major factors. The first is due to the efforts of several successful worldwide whale conservation efforts. Whale populations have been consistently increasing 5-7% annually. The second is the natural 4-year whale breeding cycle, it’s scheduled to peak in 2015 and that means potentially record numbers of calves... and yes, they are absolutely adorable.
It’s no surprise that experts are predicting Maui could shatter records for day tours and whale watching is poised to take a larger ‘piece of the pie’ this year. Because of the greater potential for sightings, Maui’s 2015 whale watching season is poised to be one that people will talk about for years to come!
Most tours begin in early January, after ample numbers of humpbacks, (Megaptera novaeangliae, “big-winged New Englander”) arrive to have their calves in the warm, shallow waters found throughout the entire Hawaiian archipelago.
Pride of Maui has two tailor-made vessels, the Leilani and it’s namesake Pride Of Maui, both specifically designed for viewing whales and enjoying water sports. The company has created a package that blends a 2-hour whale watching excursion with snorkeling, a Hawaiian style BBQ lunch and open bar (on the return trip), and… it’s affordably priced in the $40 USD range.
Not into snorkeling? No worries. Deck space galore and enormous viewing windows means these vessels are perfect for working on your tan or just taking in all the beauty topside. Snorkelers are going to love it too because these vessels are designed for water sports with fresh water showers, easy-in, easy-out and so much more.
And don’t forget Mother Nature’s two cents. It would seem that she will also have a hand in making this season memorable by providing ideal weather conditions. The Farmer’s Almanac, a trusted predictor of weather patterns, is forecasting below normal precipitation on Maui (which keeps the seas calm) and normal to slightly above normal temperatures (motivating visitors to go into and on the sea).
Visitor arrivals to Maui for the first half of 2014 were just about dead even with last year, (a record setter). And, Maui’s visitor arrivals for September posted an increase of +2.3% over last year. But, the good news doesn’t stop there because September 2014 visitor spending was up on Maui +15.1% (to $204 USD per day). Everything is suggesting Maui may have another record breaking year in 2015, and if that’s the case, whale watching will too.
Learn more at https://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/whale
Daniel Logtenberg, Pride of Maui, https://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/whale, +1 518-291-9573, [email protected]
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