Humpback Whale

Description:

Humpbacks are baleen whales that measure up to 15m long and are identified by the dark body and long white pectoral fins. They are very acrobatic whales, capable of breaching quite significantly out of the water. Other behaviours include fin slapping and lying on their sides with the fins out of the air (both of which are recorded here). The fluke out of the water (pic 4) often signifies a deep dive. Humpbacks spend the summer months in the Arctic to stock up on fat reserves before heading to the equator for the winter to breed.

Habitat:

Humpback whales can be found in all the world's oceans

Notes:

This was a special sighting, as early in the morning the whales were spotted a way in the distance, but returned in the afternoon very close to the ship. Without warning, one of the whales breached completely out of the water, 10m from the ship. It was without a doubt the most spectacular thing I've ever seen, though I was too dumbstruck to take a photo. They continued to breach and fin slap right in front of us, the whole show was incredible. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to take more pics, or even record a video, but I'm also kind of glad I didn't because I got to just watch. Those memories will stay with me for a long time!