Blue Whale Project
In 2009, a lethal strike from a ship’s propeller off the Mendocino coast tragically killed a 73-foot female blue whale. This ship-strike, a leading threat to these magnificent mammals, has been turned into a story of Fort Bragg’s community coming together around the vision of the Noyo Center for Marine Science.
At the Noyo Center, we believe that the desire to learn about and protect our marine environment will only come with a powerful emotional connection to the amazing underwater world.
Our dream is to turn our blue whale bones into a world-class exhibit that will represent the Noyo Center’s vision to:
- Create a space in which scientists, artists and the public (of all ages) can work together, learn from each other and create multi-disciplinary opportunities
- Captivate and draw young minds toward a deeper level of inquiry and connection with the marine world
- Inspire our local population and attract visitors to the Mendocino coast
If you would like to learn how you can become involved in this exciting opportunity, please contact us.
The Story of Our Blue Whale
When the devastating news that a 73-ft long female blue whale had suffered a lethal injury from a ship’s propeller off our coast in 2009 became public, the community of Fort Bragg came together. Seeing this beautiful whale washed up on shore was so moving that members of our community voiced an idea to salvage the skeleton for Fort Bragg, regardless of the fact that there would be no agency or university leading the effort. Working with NOAA, the City was able to obtain rights to acquire the skeleton for eventual public display. More than 200 people walked away from their normal lives to participate in an unprecedented community effort to haul 70-tons of bones and blubber up a 40-foot cliff and bury the whale in compost out in the forest. It was a monumental task.
Students from all over got a once-in-a-lifetime blue whale-sized anatomy lesson during the flensing process as we worked with national experts to provide as many samples for research as possible. Go to our amazing blue whales page to see the cool research we’ve been able to contribute toward so far.
Recovery
After four years of sitting in compost and sand in large pits in the forest, our amazing volunteers once again came together with the City of Fort Bragg to carefully dig out each bone. Thankfully, microbes and insects had done a good job, and most of the flesh was gone. Some bones, like the caudal vertebrae near the tail, were still encased in very strong connective tissue and had to be put back in compost to finish the job. The bones were trucked to the wastewater treatment plant in Fort Bragg where we have been cleaning and scrubbing them (what a great place for this dirty job!) Watch the story unfold in pictures below!
The skeleton is now in storage awaiting funding to begin the next stage of the restoration process: degreasing to remove the (extremely smelly!) internal oils.
Swim with whales and dolphins on the Blue Whale Safari
The exclusive Blue Whale safari offers you a unique opportunity to swim with mighty Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Humpbacked Whales, Pilot Whales and several Dolphin species! Seeing a Whale in the wild is a rare privilege, but to swim alongside these massive, yet gentle giants is an experience like no other.
Groups are limited to just 4 guests per departure, thus maximising each guest’s exposure to the whales, while not putting pressure on the whales themselves. Adopting a let-them-come-to-you approach, you will have the opportunity to interact with the more curious individuals of the pod.
Returning to shore after an eventful day swimming and snorkelling with whales you can kick back and relax at an authentic seaside lodge set right upon the white sandy beaches amongst a grove of palm trees. Spectacular sunsets accompany flavourful food and friendly service.
Sri Lanka is so rich in wildlife biodiversity that you don’t need to travel far to extend this safari, and have close encounters with leopards, elephants and sloth bears! Contact our safari specialists to help you plan your dream safari!
Contact us for more information.
Gallery
Photos from previous safaris. Click to view at full-size.
Day 1
Upon your arrival in Colombo you will be met by a local guide and transferred to a modern lodge set right on the beach where you can spend the rest of the day taking in the wonderful sea views, and relaxing on the beach.
Day 2 – 8
You will set off early each morning aboard the expedition boat and spend 7 magical days searching the ocean for Blue Whales, as well as Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Risso’s Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and many more wonderful marine species that also abound in the region.
Sea and weather conditions permitting, you will have the unique opportunity of swimming with the world’s largest mammals and experiencing them in their natural habitat. Returning to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch, you have an afternoon of rest on the beach with a cocktail or two.
Day 9
After enjoying a well-deserved morning lie-in and a great breakfast, you will be transferred back to Colombo in time for your onward journey.
Highlights from The Blue Whale Safari in Sri Lanka
Best time to go:
This safari is available in March and April
Duration:
8 nights / 9 days
Accommodation:
5-star resort right on the beach front
Start/End point:
Colombo International Airport
Wildlife highlights:
Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Risso’s Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Turtles
Package includes:
Full board accommodation
All internal transfers
All scheduled safari activities
Drinks (excluding premium brand alcohol)
A La Carte:
FiveZero Tip:
If you would like to get that perfect shot, why not ask our professional photographer to guide you on this safari, and show you how! Make it a Photographic Safari!
