eye to eye marine encounters

BBC & Channel 9 “Great Barrier Reef” minke whale expedition guides (2012)

Eye to Eye Marine Encounters offers the ultimate in underwater whale watching. Each year this unique company runs 4-6 day joint tourism/research expeditions to the northern waters of the Great Barrier Reef to connect people with nature in a profound and exciting way.

Founder, John Rumney (formerly of Undersea Explorer) was a key member in the formation of the Minke Whale Project, which together with scientists from James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical Queensland developed the Code of Practice for in-water dwarf minke whale encounters. These regulations ensure that all interactions are carried out ON THE WHALE’S TERMS and have been adopted as world’s best practice by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). This model for sustainable in-water whale watching has also been used in the establishment of similar legislation in several other countries.

Eye to Eye Marine Encounters is a locally run family business with over 30 years of experience working on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. John and his team go above and beyond to provide great wildlife encounters and unlike other operators, keep flexible itineraries (selecting sites based on weather conditions and seasonal marine highlights) to guarantee that passengers get the best out of each trip. The crew’s attitude, enthusiasm and a constant quest for adventure and fun have won them the respect and loyalty of many passengers who return year after year to join in these unique expeditions.

www.marineencounters.com.au or email them at info@marineencounters.com.au

MEETING OF THE MINDS:

A snorkeler and whale share a moment during a trip with Eye to Eye Marine Encounters. These expeditions offer the unique opportunity for scientists and tourists to join together and witness an unforgettable wildlife event.

Testimonials:

A minke whale expedition with Eye to Eye Marine Encounters leaves you with unforgettable memories. From the enthusiastic friendly crew, informative researchers, amazing food, spectacular dive sites and most of all the beautiful dwarf minke whales will have you coming back for more every year- its addictive! Spending hours in the water interacting with these very inquisitive and friendly whales is one of life’s most amazing wildlife experiences.

-Helen Robertson

For all professional photographers and film makers contemplating the prospect of documenting the dwarf minke whales, I highly recommend Eye to Eye Marine Encounters. John Rumney worked many late hours on my behalf to ensure I was with the minke whales for the entire season. This included finding boats to use under his permit and coordinating with other permit holders. No other company I've worked with has gone to these lengths and the results are evident in my photographs.

-Bryant Austin (Studio Cosmos) http://www.studiocosmos.com/

In 2010 I did 3 trips with Eye to Eye. The first 2 were back to back dwarf minke trips, the first was wonderful but the second was almost unbelievable. I am used to working around whales with Fisheries and Oceans Cetacean Research Unit in British Columbia but these trips were at least the equal of anything I have experienced in Canada. We use the term whale soup when we encounter large groups of whales in BC but in the case of the second dwarf minke trip we were part of the soup with whales appearing from all sides and making approaches as close as 1 metre. I thought that couldn’t be equaled.......

One warning for those thinking of booking with Eye to Eye. The food! It is so good that it is impossible to ignore. I thought I had good self discipline but that foolish belief is in ruins.

JR is a wonderful host, a first class mariner, an excellent naturalist. His bad points? He’s taller than me!

-Bruce Paterson

Guests from Eye to Eye enjoy some of the best whale watching in the world. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Learn more about the Rumney family and their love of the marine world through these short videos:

Jenna Rumney talks about her connection to her family and the environment growing up on

the Great Barrier Reef

John Rumney was selected as a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) ‘witness to climate change’ in

2008. Here he shares his story and passion for the Great Barrier Reef.