HUMPBACK WHALE Watching (Megaptera Novaeangliae)
The Humpback Whale is the third largest whale, reaching lengths of 50 feet or more. Often Humpback whales are covered with barnacles. As a baby Humpback travels through the ocean, it will pick up barnacle larvae, which will attach to the whale until the end of the whale’s life. Though it may look uncomfortable, the barnacles do not hurt their host whale.
Humpback Whales are a favorite when observed by whale watchers in Southern California waters as they often breach, coming completely out of the water in amazing aerial displays. Humpbacks are often located fairly close to shore as well and unlike the Minke whale not very shy.
Humpback Whales live up to 100 years of age or more. They often travel in groups and females are slightly larger than males. Humpbacks eat up to two tons of food a day and feed on krill and small fish.
The male Humpback is famous for its unique song used to attract females. The song can last over 30 minutes and is repeated for hours on end. Each year the same whale will change its song slightly.
Humpback Whales have the largest flippers of any whale and are easy to identify as a result.
Humpbacks are becoming increasingly more popular off the coast of Southern California. Unlike Blue and Grey Whales, sightings of Humpbacks seem to occur on a year-round basis. Often several Humpbacks will be viewed for multiple days in a row.