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Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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Humpback Whales migrate to the warm, crystal clear waters of Vava'u, Tonga
each year from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to either give birth or to mate.
Humpback Whales are present in Vava'u from late June and begin their return
journey to Antarctica in late October. During their time in Vava'u, we have the
privilege of seeing some amazing and spectacular whale performances!
Picture watching an adult Humpback Whale that weights in excess of 40 tonnes,
lunge its whole body out of the water just meters away from you and the boat!
We have watched male Humpbacks compete over prime position of escort to a female
Humpback, incredible displays of tail slapping, forward breaching and flipper
slapping!! We have also watched a mother teach her new born calf how to breach!
It is truly an amazing sight!
About Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales spend up to six months in Antarctica feeding off tonnes of krill
and tiny fish in preparation for their long journey north to the waters of Vava'u,
Tonga. During their stay in Vava'u, Humpbacks do not feed, they live off their
blubber.
Humpback Whales that are in Vava'u to mate can be here for up to 3 months in
search of a mate. Courting male Humpbacks are renowned for their singing because
it is only the male Humpback that sings and this song can be repeated continuously
for hours. Fascinatingly, all the male Humpbacks sing the same song. It is unknown
from which male Humpback the song originates from, but each year the song changes
and all male Humpbacks sing the revised version. A Humpbacks song can be heard for
miles in the water and if you have the opportunity to be in the water at this time,
you can feel his song vibrating through your body!
Pregnant Humpback Whales are commonly the last to make the journey north from their
feeding grounds to Vava'u, Tonga. This allows the mother-to-be to consume enough
food for both her and her calf. Like all mammals, the calf is fed milk from the
mother, which is at least 40% fat, compared to a human's milk, which is only 2%.
Mother and calf will remain in Vava'u the longest as she builds up her baby's
strength for their long journey back to Antarctica.
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| More than just Humpback Whales |
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Not only do we see Humpback Whales in the wild, but it is very likely that you could see Sperm Whales, Whale Sharks, Pilot
Whales, False Killer Whales, Pygmy Sperm Whales plus several species of dolphins and much more when you chose to join us at
Whales in the Wild.
Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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Photo: Scott Portelli 2008
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