The Humpback Whales Have Arrived!

Over the last two weeks the ORCA Foundation have enjoyed several exciting trips out to sea on the Ocean Blue boats. One of the main reasons is that the annual migration of the humpback whales has reached our shores and we have already seen many of these beautiful giants. The whales migrate northwards to tropical or subtropical waters to breed and give birth during winter which is when they can be seen passing the Bay.  The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. As one of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 metres and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is an acrobatic animal, often breaching and slapping the water. Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to 25,000 kilometres each year. If you keep your eye out you may be able to see one from land over the next few weeks.