Australia is lucky to play host to a rare white humpback whale named Migaloo – a word meaning ‘white fella’ in some Aboriginal languages – that migrates past the East Coast every year. He is the namesake of our whale watching vessel Spirit of Migaloo II.
Migaloo was first spotted in 1991 swimming past Byron Bay and has been gracing Australian shores and delighting whale watchers ever since. Researchers estimate that Migaloo was born in 1986. He was thought to be 3-5 years of age at first sighting and is now approximately 30 years old.
Australian’s have lovingly adopted Migaloo as their own with the Queensland and Commonwealth governments awarding him a ‘special protection’ status that prevents any vessels from getting any closer than 500-metres to him or else penalties apply.
For a memorable wildlife encounter, join Sea World Cruises on their daily whale watching adventures and keep your eyes peeled for the beloved Migaloo.