Nguyen Thanh Vuong said he spotted the whales on May 15 while transporting visitors from An Hai Wharf to Cu Lao Mai Nha Island near Phuoc Dong fishing village in O Loan Commune.
Just minutes after leaving the wharf at around 9 am, passengers noticed the pair repeatedly surfacing as seabirds circled overhead searching for fish.
Vuong estimated the larger whale was about 14-15 metres long, while the smaller one measured around 7-8 metres.
“The whales surfaced near An Hai Wharf for nearly a minute before diving again,” he added.
Vuong, who has worked in marine tourism for nearly a decade, said whale sightings in the area were uncommon and usually occurred only once or twice a year, mainly between May and June when food sources were more abundant.
He said boat operators and guides always kept a safe distance from whales to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour and ensure passenger safety.
Whales are regarded by many Vietnamese fishermen as sacred guardians of the sea and are commonly referred to as Ca Ong, or Lord Whale, as a sign of respect.
Whale sightings have become increasingly common in central Vietnam’s coastal waters in recent years, including off Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa and Nha Trang. Authorities advise people not to approach or fish near areas where whales appear.
