As October rolls by and November approaches, the season for Jervis Bay whale watching tours will soon come to an end. Though we’ll be sad to see the mighty humpback whales bid us adieu, we know that they will return next year. Their massive migration is an annual event, and these whales are nothing if not reliable. It’s one of many things to love about them—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are 8 more reasons we absolutely love humpback whales.
1. They have incredible stamina
Humpback whales undertake a massive journey each year. Their annual migration carries them roughly 25,000 km across the sea—the longest of any mammal. Not only does this extreme excursion take several months to complete, the whales do not swim particularly fast. Their committed, careful travels suggest amazing stamina.
2. Whales are a mainstay in myth and legend
Whales have been beloved and respected (and occasionally feared) throughout history. They’ve earned a rightful place in stories and tales of old, and this is one reason to love them. According to some Aboriginal beliefs, the whale is an immortal, meaningful ancestor whose power and presence should be worshipped and revered.
3. They know how to have fun
It seems that whales don’t take themselves too seriously. From the range of antics witnessed during a whale eco cruise, it can be deduced that the humpback whale enjoys a good time. Breaching, rolling, and expelling water through the blowhole are just a few of the ways whales show off. Scientists believe many of these activities serve a purpose in communication or hygiene, but to the untrained eye, it looks like the whales are simply determined to have fun!
4. Whales make beautiful, mysterious music
You may be familiar with the deep, haunting song of the humpback whale. There’s a great deal of wonder and mystery wrapped up with the humpback whale vocals, but it’s something which has captivated researchers and wildlife lovers alike. Why exactly do the whales sing, and what makes them repeat and echo one another’s songs? This beautiful music is another reason to love the majestic humpback whale.
5. They are gentle giants with no teeth
Big yes, but fearsome? No. Though humpback whales possess powerful strength (and it definitely wouldn’t be a good idea to go swimming with them) they are not vicious creatures at all. In fact, humpbacks have no teeth. Instead, they have baleen plates, which help them to filter water out of the food they eat, which is mostly massive amounts of krill.
6. Mothers love their young whale calves
Evidence suggests that there is a great deal of affection between mother humpback whales and their young. In addition to their feeding—in which calves consume nearly 100 pounds of milk per day—the whales stroke and touch fins and sides. This behaviour appears to demonstrate love and care, and can often be witnessed on a whale watching tour late in the season.
7. Whales are highly curious
Cetaceans like whales and dolphins (both of which you might see on a whale eco cruise) are very curious animals. It’s not uncommon to spot the whales giving our vessels the once over. Could it be that they are as curious about us as we are about them?
8. They have an impressive sleep method
You can’t deny that humpback whales are pretty cool. And their method of sleeping might be one of their most amazing qualities. Shutting down half their brain allows the whale to get that all-important shut-eye, but the other half remains awake and alert to remind the whales to surface and take a breath. A great way to simultaneously experience rest and watchful survival.
To experience amazing Jervis Bay whale watching, we hope you’ll choose the best around: the Jervis Bay Wild whale eco cruise. Departing daily, we’ll be sailing out to spot whales until they’ve finally and fully departed for the season. Join us now and don’t miss out!
