Beluga Contact groups are limited to six people, and participants must be at least five feet tall. There were three other women in my group, and I'll be honest--we all approached our first close encounter with a beluga whale with a bit of trepidation. Magao said that it is rare for someone who has registered for the program to back out completely, though some do refuse to touch the whale, and that's perfectly OK.
"People warm up toward the end of the session," she said, and it was easy to understand why. Kela's friendly and playful demeanor soon had us all shuffling confidently to the very edge of the ledge where we stood for the program. One at a time, we followed instructions: bring your right hand up to your shoulder, then bring it down rapidly in a diagonal motion in front of your body. Kela responded by surging up into the air with her fin extended to give us each a high five.
To say that my encounter with this giant of the sea was intimate is an understatement. While my cold, wet fingers were ready for a reprieve, it was with reluctance that we each took our turns opening our arms wide and bending forward at the waist, waiting for Kela to ascend for a good-bye embrace.
If you would like to learn more about these fascinating mammals and maybe even climb into the tank for an unforgettable opportunity to appreciate their gentle majesty, plan a visit to the Mystic Aquarium Institute for Exploration, which is open daily year-round. Visitors can always observe the whales in their exhibit tank. Those who would like to participate in the Beluga Contact Program can register on-site if space is available, but if you have your heart set on hugging a whale, you should make a reservation in advance, particularly during the busy summer months. As of 2008, the price for the Beluga Contact Program including admission to the Aquarium and a professional photo of your encounter is $130 per person during the month of May and $159 from June 1 through August 29.
For reservations, call 860-572-5955, ext. 520. You may also purchase a gift certificate for the program if you would like to give someone an unexpected and very memorable gift.
Mystic Aquarium Institute for Exploration is located just off I-95 at exit 90 in Mystic, Connecticut. Use this online form to request a free Mystic Country Vacation Guide.
More Photos from my Beluga Whale Adventure:
Kela Up Close
Kela Plays a Practical Joke
Tickling the Roof of a Whale's Mouth
The Tail of the Whale
A Special Bond
