Spectacular whale images captured from bathroom window

A California photographer who shared some of his most spectacular whale images Wednesday let his followers in on an intriguing secret.

© Provided by For The Win

Doug Croft, who works for Blue Ocean Whale Watch out of Moss Landing in Monterey Bay, confessed that the images accompanying his Facebook post were not captured from either of the vessel’s two decks – but from its restroom.

“When I’m deck boss, I spend my time on the main deck [with passengers],” Croft wrote. “When I’m on the boat for fun, I spend a lot of time below deck, in the head. The porthole in the bathroom severely restricts field-of-view, but the low-to-the-water perspective more than makes up for it.”

© Provided by For The Win

The image atop this post was captured in April 2019, when a 40-ton humpback whale breached only 15 yards from the stern of a small boat as its captain trolled for salmon. The massive cetacean fell backwards, away from the fortunate angler.

ALSO ON FTW OUTDOORS: Yellowstone motorcyclists caught on video harassing bison

The second image, showing surface-feeding humpbacks close to the coast, won the 2018 NOAA Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest. The third, showing a lone breaching humpback whale in a graceful arch, was displayed in the State Capitol in Sacramento and featured in Outdoor California Magazine.

© Provided by For The Win

Croft allowed For The Win Outdoors to feature his images in this post.

Regulars aboard Blue Ocean’s vessel, High Spirits, know to bring their cameras into the head while answering nature’s call.

© Provided by For The Win

© Provided by For The Win

Kate Cummings, captain and naturalist, told For The Win Outdoors that the narrow porthole affords a unique perspective because it’s so low to the water.

“It’s also more satisfying when you nail a shot from the head, considering the added challenge of shooting through such a small area. You also can’t beat the comical bragging rights.”

© Provided by For The Win

Croft’s Facebook post generated several comments, including one that he jokingly wrote: “If I were designing a whale-watch boat, it would have multiple bathroom windows.”

High Spirits is a 60-foot twin-deck vessel that’s presently running with limited loads, in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions.

© Provided by For The Win

Humpback whales, along with a vast array of other marine mammal species, are commonly spotted in Monterey Bay.

–Images courtesy of Doug Croft

MORE:

The Lightning seem to be forgetting COVID-19 precautions while celebrating Stanley Cup win

Champions League group draw: See the full results

Is Jets – Broncos really the worst Thursday night matchup ever?

The easy rescheduling solution to the NFL’s Steelers-Titans postponement

What fantasy owners need to know about the Titans-Steelers postponement