Most pets enjoy having a hobby of some sort. It is an escape from a chaotic and stressful life. Hobbies are usually chosen for a particular animal, such as dogs, cats, or horses. However, there are many pets that are not able to have any hobbies of their own because they are so large and heavy. For these large pets, there are certain aquatic pets that are perfect for them.

The Orca (or Orca Whales) are large, strong and flightless marine mammals that live in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean in Australia and South Pacific. They can breathe both air and water and have white, fluffy fur with black stripes. They have distinct black and orange eye colors and a deep, mellow voice. The Orca’s name came from a French scientist who named them after the ship that first encountered the great animal, the ship calling itself the Orca.

One of the most interesting characteristics of the Orca is that they have excellent vision. This is one of the reasons why they are so well-known in the area as the ‘blue whales’ or the ‘killer whales.’ These killer whales can be seen in the colder waters off the coast of the islands of Tahiti in South Pacific and around the coasts of Chile and Peru. They can be seen anywhere around these shores during the summer months, when the warm Pacific Ocean is covering the sky. Their migration route is very long and involves thousands of miles of ocean currents.

Not only are these amazing naturalist fascinating to watch, they are also very important to preserve for future generations. Many marine mammals spend their lives at sea and are not able to make it back to land to breed or rear young. A great example of this is the Endangered Southern Right Whale, which was saved from extinction due to being reintroduced to the Humpback Whales in the last century. Even though it took several years for this amazing animal to be able to breed with its cousin the Southern Right Whale it has done so successfully and is now a valuable component of the marine mammal population.

Another wonderful experience for nature lovers and keen students of nature is the opportunity to participate in a whale watch tour. Participating in a guided tour of the environment is a great way to learn more about nature and the wildlife that live close to us. In addition to studying the natural world around us, participants will enjoy seeing the different species of whales and dolphins up close, including those which are members of the Humpback, Orcas and Blue Whales. Participants in a state university’s whale watching program in the springtime will have the opportunity to witness the mating season between the 2 species.

For those interested in marine biology, pod searching may be a more fulfilling experience. The southern resident killer whales (RSKW) are normally found off the Cape Hatteras and Chatham shores. Sightseeing through binoculars is often an option when attempting to view these majestic animals. Many of the whales are shy and easy to spot through sightseeing glasses; however, a closer look may reveal their fierceness as they approach and then leave the shoreline. RSWW pods are among the most common pods in the Chatham area.

The final of the top three Hobbies for a 3rd season participant is whale watching in the spring. This can be accomplished at several locations throughout the state. Two of the most popular locations for a whale watching excursion in the spring include Point Lookout State Reservation and Fisherman’s Wharf in New Hampshire. Both of these popular spots can be reached by taking a train or a bus into New Hampshire and catching a ride out to the coast. From there, participants can travel either north or south to reach the whales depending on weather conditions. A state university in Massachusetts also offers a marine study program in which students can choose to focus on any number of marine species.

If viewing whales is not within the schedule of an individual or couple, perhaps a more primal experience may appeal. Fortunately, New Hampshire boasts a multitude of opportunities to see a variety of prehistoric creatures from the stone age to the ice age. In the area known as the Black Hills, experts have discovered the remains of ancient mastodons and dinosaurs. These sites can easily be reached by driving up a gravel road or hiking up a hillside. In some cases, guided tours of the caves and other geological formations may be arranged through a local guide service or online.