Not surprisingly, Florida is a very popular summer destination for those who have braved the colder months in the United States.
However, it is shocking to see orcas, better known as killer whales, joining the Florida summer craze and joining tourists vacationing in the hot and sunny Florida Keys.
Although you won’t see them in the stereotypical tourist garb (Hawaiian shirts, big hats, and sunscreen), it’s still considered a pretty rare sighting.
A video, which has been verified as authentic by a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office, NOAA Fisheriesshows at least three orcas swimming alongside a boat, surprising many.
It seems that until top predator in the ocean is looking for a warm vacation.
NOAA Fisheries, an organization dedicated to the preservation of ocean resources and their habitat, confirms that the sighting occurred approximately 1800 feet deep between Cay Sal and Key Largo.
They explained that it is not the first time that animals have been seen trying to enjoy the weather in the Keys.
In January 2023, a 21-foot orca died after running aground on a Palm Coast beach, located about 60 miles from Jacksonville.
More than 20 years before that, marine mammal biologists at NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center confirmed a 2002 sighting of killer whales in the general area where .
So while quite rare, it’s not the first time these travelers have been seen enjoying Florida’s tropical and offshore waters, usually between 1,600 feet and 9,800 feet deep.
They have also been seen throughout the year in the Bahamas and the Wider Caribbean.
Not bad for a vacation.
However, as you would with other tourists, it is important to respect these animals and continue NOAA Fisheries Marine Life Watching Standards.
These regulations make it clear that the public is strictly prohibited from “harassing, harming, chasing, injuring, killing, capturing or collecting marine species protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Law for the Protection of Marine Mammals”.
Therefore, to ensure your safety and that of marine life, it is important to observe them from a safe distance and keep in mind that they are wild and unpredictable animals, even when you are on vacation.
Not only are you putting yourself and the animals at risk, but you could also be fined for violating a federal law, which would really ruin your summer.
To avoid problems when navigating, stay at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) from the whales or at least the same distance you would from your boss if they were away from work.
You can report any sighting, especially dead, injured or entangled whales, by contacting NOAA Fisheries at 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343).
