Whale Watching?
Consider an Image-stabilized 12x superzoom such as the Canon Powershot S3 IS ($499), Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H5 ($499), Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7 ($348), or Kodak Easyshare Z612 ($400). The long lens will bring the whales in close, and the combination of Electronic Viewfinder and Image stablization will keep you steady while onboard the vessel.