Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

By Huynh Phuong, Hoang Duc Ngoc, Nguyen Dung   August 11, 2022 | 07:31 pm PT
Photographers are flocking to Vung Boi-De Gi beach near Quy Nhon in central Vietnam to capture the exciting images of a pod of whales.
Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Vung Boi - De Gi, an unspoiled destination in Phu Cat District around 40 km from Quy Nhon Town, has become the center of attention after some of the giant creatures were spotted off the beach earlier this month.

The beach is famous for its clear, blue waters.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Lensman Nguyen Phan Dung Nhan of Quy Nhon said he and his friends hired a boat to reach the area where the whales are.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Diving expert and local tour guide Tommy Toan said that he spotted the whales a month ago.

Initially he saw eight whales but now there are only two left, a male and a female.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Toan said he first encountered the whales on July 26 when he was taking tourists to Hon Trau Islet, about 8 kilometers from the shore.

He described the whales as "blue whales" but experts from Vietnam Institute of Oceanography said careful observation is needed to accurately determine the species.

Vo Van Quang from the institute said recent photos suggested there were whales from two species in De Gi.

According to folklore, whales are auspicious creatures because fishermen have a good harvest when they appear.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

The two remaining animals are estimated to be more than 17 and 10 meters long.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Nhan said his group gathered in Quy Nhon on Wednesday afternoon and traveled to De Gi fishing port and hired the boat for the 20-minute trip, and shot the whales for 90 minutes.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Whales feed on small fish, small plankton and krill which drift with the nutrient rich waters where they live.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

A flock of seagulls fly around looking for scraps as one of the whales feeds.

Whales put on a show off lesser-known beach in central Vietnam

Nhan hoped local authorities would keep the beach pristine and clean so that whales and other marine mammals return here to feed again in future.

Whales near Vung Boi-De Gi beach.

 
 
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