March 21, 2003 – It's the annual massive mammal migration season in the Virgin Islands — meaning there are humpback whales out there in the territory's tropical waters. And the Environmental Association of St. Thomas-St. John is doing its annual thing, too — sponsoring boat trips to see the animals up close in their natural environment.
Two excursions are scheduled, for Sundays, March 23 and 30, both aboard the 50-foot catamaran Allura, sailing out of the V.I. National Park dock in Vessup Bay on St. Thomas. Guides will be aboard to help passengers spot whales, and the captain will be in radio contact with other vessels that will try to assist in locating the animals.
While there are no guarantees that whales will put in an appearance on cue, those going aboard the boat can count on having an opportunity to learn more about sea birds, the region's cays and local environmental issues. The Allura will anchor for lunch, swimming and/or snorkeling.
EAST sponsors the whale-watch daysails each year as both an educational outreach and a fund-raiser. Tickets are $45 for EAST members and $55 for others.
Carla Joseph, EAST president, said conditions for viewing the whales are optimum at the moment. "We've been receiving reports of whale sightings in Tortola and the North Drop," she said. "If they are out there on Sunday, we will find them."
The whales migrate south each winter to give birth to their young in the warm waters, then head back north, accompanied by their offspring.
The boat will depart at 8:30 a.m. and return at about 4 p.m.
Tickets for the excursions are being sold at Dockside Bookshop in Havensight, East End Secretarial Service in Red Hook and Connections in Cruz Bay on St. John. The trips usually sell out in advance, so don't plan on getting tickets just before boarding the boat.
For more information, call 774-8816.
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