For many visitors to New York, a close encounter with a whale can be a highlight of their trip. Whether this is a humpback's water spray, a Finback's tail slapping the water, or a North Atlantic whale jumping out of the ocean, it is likely to be an unforgettable experience. During the right season, typically mid-spring through to October, it is possible to see whales off the east coast of Long Island, an island east of New York City. Those waters host a variety of marine life including whales.
From Montauk, a fishing town on Long Island, visitors can board a whale watching tour led by the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI). The boats are chartered by the Viking Fleet. During the peak summer season, tours depart seven days a week. Visitors will get the chance to view whales feeding in the bays around Long Island. The marine experts on board give informative commentary on the whales and other marine life. The boat used is a speedy, 140 foot vessel, which has a heated cabin for up to 220 passengers, a large gallery and a shop. Trips on average take about 4 to 6 hours, and although whale sightings are not guaranteed, there is a high probability of experiencing a sighting.
Viking Fleet
462 West Lake Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
631-668 5700
vikingfleet.com
Marine experts at the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) have been studying whales, dolphins and porpoises for over twenty years. They study the whales' behaviour by running surveys about the population and movement of these mammals in New York's waters. Due to the expense of studying whales at sea and chartering vessels, CRESLI set up the whale watching cruises, which allow CRESLI to fund research and educate the public. Local fishermen and boaters also give essential sighting information about whales to the scientists at CRESLI. Every year students and volunteers with an interest in watching whales can help CRESLI with data collection and analysis. By monitoring whales and their behaviour, CRESI aims to protect these mammals and the ecosystems they live in.
In the waters of the Atlantic Ocean around Long Island, whales often gather in the New York Bight, where the waters are shallow and they can get their fill of herrings, sand eels and marine crustaceans. They are also commonly sighted in Gardiner's Bay, an area of water between the two forks of Long Island.
Common Species. Research programs conducted by the Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI), show that there are approximately 25 whale species in New York's waters. Whales watchers have the chance of seeing amongst others humpback, sperm, minke, North Atlantic right, blue and sei whales and pilot whales.
