According to local residents, the whales first appeared in the waters off Vung Boi on July 6 and continued feeding in the area through July 7. Their powerful movements, dramatic surfacing and close-to-shore hunting created a rare spectacle against the backdrop of the area's clear blue waters and unspoiled coastline.
The sightings quickly drew crowds hoping to witness the giant marine mammals in their natural habitat, transforming the normally quiet beach into a popular gathering spot from early morning until late afternoon.
Among those documenting the event was Nguyễn Minh Tài, a nature videographer from Phù Cát Commune, Gia Lai Province. After learning about the whales' appearance from a friend, he immediately travelled to Vung Boi with his filming equipment.
Capturing the whales proved challenging, requiring hours of patience as he monitored wind direction, water currents and seabird activity to anticipate where the animals would surface in search of food. Despite long periods of waiting, only a few seconds of usable footage were sometimes possible.
Local tour guide Huỳnh Bảo Ngọc said mother-and-calf whale pairs have returned to the waters off Vung Boi for several consecutive years, suggesting the area continues to support a healthy marine ecosystem with abundant food resources and suitable conditions for the animals to feed.
The recurring whale visits are seen as both an opportunity to promote nature-based tourism and a reminder of the importance of protecting the marine environment. Maintaining clean coastal waters, reducing plastic waste, supporting sustainable fishing practices and respecting wildlife are considered essential to preserving the habitat for future whale visits.
Local residents hope Vung Boi will continue to welcome whales in the years ahead, viewing their return as a valuable natural asset for the eastern coastline of Gia Lai Province.