Humpback Whale Population Increasing!

Humpback Whale Sightings

Although we spend most of our time with Orca Whales we are getting to spend more and more time each year with Humpbacks. We have had some amazing encounters with Humpback whales this season! We are very excited that the Humpback whale population is increasing as the sightings will continue to grow. Humpback whales are seasonal feeders and eat about 4,400-5,500 pounds of plankton, krill and small schooling fish each day during the feeding season. They are one of the largest whales that swim in our waters and grow to be about 15 meters long and weighing about 40 tonnes. These whales usually live to be 45-50 years old.

For the past couple of weeks there have been several reports of Humpback whales in the area. On one of our afternoon tours we got suited up and headed down south to the report of 20 humpbacks!! As soon as we arrived on scene there was one playful humpback breaching in the distance welcoming us. This was quite a sight to see! The humpback whales are very acrobatic and are known for breaching, spy hopping and slapping their tail on the water’s surface. This season we also got to spend time with Big Mama and one of her calves. The calf has been very active in its behavior and enjoys breaching in and out of the water.

Humpback whales travel in large loose groups, or even alone with the exception of the mother and calf having a strong bond. We are so incredibly lucky that these gentle giants swim in and out of our waters. Please enjoy some of our best photos so far as we are hoping these endangered species stick around a little longer, as they make their way north to spend their summers feeding.