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Humpback Whales
Humpback whales put on an incredible show as they migrate along the Queensland coast, making whale watching on the Gold Coast an unforgettable experience. Every year, they leave their feeding grounds in Antarctica from March to April and travel north between June and August to the Great Barrier Reef to give birth. They return south with their calves from August to early November, offering plenty of opportunities to witness their journey.
Breaching
Breaching is one of the most iconic and spectacular behaviours in whale watching. Humpbacks breach more frequently than any other species of whale. The whales launch themselves out of the water, twisting and splashing back down. Why do they do it? Scientists believe it could be communication, parasite removal, or just pure fun. Either way, it’s an unforgettable moment.
Spyhopping
Who is watching who? Spyhopping occurs when a whale lifts its head vertically out of the water, allowing its eyes to peek above the surface. While the exact reason behind this behavior remains a mystery, it’s thought to be a way for whales to survey their surroundings. Some theories suggest it aids in navigation, while others believe it’s simply driven by curiosity.
Mugging
Some whales are naturally curious and may approach boats; this is called mugging. They often stay metres from the boat, offering a close-up view of their impressive size and unique features. This rare interaction provides an incredible opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.
Fluke-down Dive
When a humpback prepares to dive, its massive tail, or fluke, lifts slightly before slipping beneath the waves. Unlike other whales species, humpbacks almost always fluke before diving, making it easy to spot when they’re about to disappear below.
Fluke Up Dive
For a deeper dive, humpbacks lift their tails high above the water before plunging down. The underside of each fluke is unique like a human fingerprint. Our onboard photographers capture these patterns to help scientists track individual whales.
Pectoral fin slapping
When a whale lies on its side at the surface and slaps the water with one or both front fins (pectorals), it is called a pectoral fin slap. With the longest pectoral fins of any whale, humpbacks love to slap them against the water’s surface. Sound travels further underwater than through air, which may serve as a means of communication to other whales or just for fun.
Blow
Whales are mammals and breathe air just like us. When they surface, they release a misty blow which is a mix of saltwater and whale snot! Unlike humans, whales must consciously think about breathing, which means they never fully sleep; one half of their brain stays awake at all times.
Spot The Marine Life
See majestic whales, playful dolphins, cruising turtles & soaring seabirds – a stunning display of marine life. More than just a Whale Watching adventure!
