People often go on whale-watching tours hoping to get a glimpse of a whale, however, most of the time, they’re lucky even to see a tail!
The tourists aboard the American Princess Cruises on August 13th got the show of a lifetime! Not only did they see a whale, but the people aboard the cruise saw a spectacular show of NINE whales swimming and jumping out of the water.
Celia Ackerman, a naturalist for the American Princess Cruises, photographed many gorgeous scenes of these fantastic creatures as New York’s skyline was displayed in the background.
UpWorthy reported,
Ackerman is also a research associate for Gotham Whale, a marine mammal research, education and advocacy organization. Gotham Whale tweeted the images not only to let others join in on nature’s spectacle, but also to raise awareness and avoid potential collisions.
“Amazing day to say the least,” Gotham Whale’s caption read.
Though it seems like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these sightings could very well be due to the fact that New York’s harbors are cleaner than they’ve been in a very long time. A study cited by the New York Post in 2019 showed that New York’s waters were the purest they have been in nearly 110 years.
Of course, cleaner water will draw in more fish and more fish will bring in more whales thus leading to the sensational display of whale activity seen on August 13th.
However, not only will cleaner water bring in whales but other types of sea creatures as well. According to ABC7 New York, on August 8, two sharks were observed off of a beach in Queens, New York, and 15 sightings in one day the week before!
There’s no doubt that whatever the reason these majestic beings are gracing us with their presence, we can sit back and enjoy the scenery and take in the beauty of nature.
In the video shared by science and health reporter Aaron Tremper, you’ll get to see these beautiful creatures for yourself in the spectacular scenery from that day.
Caught a Triple Breach on video while out with @APCruises and @gothamwhale yesterday! Humpbacks off NYC? Always a breathtaking sight!#whales #NYC #animals pic.twitter.com/DycLRANOoW
— Aaron Tremper (@aarontremper) August 15, 2022