The Ocean Contact Concept

Splash! A great humpback whale leaps, in safety, out of the water just metres in front of our boat! It frolics for a while, watching us, and then slips gently beneath the waves and disappears into the deep.

Imagine a "handful" of fin or humpback whales, amongst the world's largest animals, curiously coming alongside our research vessel in a peaceful, near shore setting. The coastline of the north half of Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, is one of the most spectacular imaginable, with bald eagles soaring over giant cliffs, hundreds of bird colonies, and abandoned "ghost" villages.

We transmit "Rhythm Based" acoustic signals to the whales; these encode a "key" to further communications. One whale mimics the "key" and a second round of messages are traded. Eye-to-eye the animal contacts you in graceful, friendly gestures, while an onboard computer translates whale concepts and emotions! We are then often able to predict when the animal will signal, including energetic tail, flipper and jumping behaviors. These signals have human-whale communication significance which everyone should be able to appreciate in real time. It is this "conversation" with the whales that some now call "the greatest experience of their lives".

Giant icebergs drift along the coast in June and July. It is here where they meet up with the whales and the extravagant beauty of nature appears once more. Our knowledgeable guides can teach you about the whales and their behaviour.

Dr. Peter Beamish, head of Ocean Contact, can take you on an incredible voyage to see and study the Great Whales. Our boat, a 26 foot ridged hull inflatable, is one of the safest vessels in marine architecture. It is extremely maneuverable and with our trained captains, we can "dance" with the whales and observe them in their natural environment. By far the most dangerous part of an Ocean Contact expedition is the drive, through "moose country", to scenic Trinity!

Outstanding photographic opportunities, spectacular hikes, debriefings, evening presentations, listening or singing to an accordion or piano, meeting local people who are well known for their friendliness, great food, a charismatic Inn (with modern comforts) and the very historic village of Trinity ("The Jewel of Newfoundland") with its many attractions, are also (besides the whales) awaiting! We can suggest many trails and sights from where to view nature.