Whales are one of the most fascinating sea creatures. Though they are intimidating in size, they aren’t really scary in reality. In fact, they exhibit various interesting behaviours on the sea surface, i.e., tail slapping, breaching, spy-hopping, etc. In this post, we will let you know what whale behaviours you can expect to see on your whale watching tour.

Lobtailing

Also known as tail slap, it will make an amazing spectacle on your whale watching tour. A whale does so when it raises its tail fin out of the water and brings it down with a massive force to slap the water surface. This results in a massive splash and loud boom. The lobtailing boom is so loud that it can be heard from a great distance, above and under the sea.

The whales probably do it as non-verbal communication, similar to breaching and mugging. The purpose could be to draw an individual’s attention, impress a mate, frighten an enemy or warn the pod about a possible threat.

If a whale is near, you might get lucky to see the other whale(s) answer to the lobtailing, of course, by lobtailing themselves.

In this regard, humpback whales are very famous, since they can be found lobtailing for quite a few minutes. They may take a rest for a few minutes and restart.

Breaching

Breaching is a jump whales make. To perform breaching, a whale pushes itself in the air and hops out of the water. It falls back into the water with a great splash.

On your whale watching tour, it is breaching when you can see this giant sea beast completely in the air. Among all whale behaviours, this is the most stunning moment whale watchers can expect. In Sydney, humpback whales can often be found breaching. In fact, among all species, they are known for the best breaching.

Usually, whale breaches in a series, so you can get to watch multiple breaches. This amazing spectacle can be very cute at times, especially when a calf accompanies the mother in breaching.

Breaching Variations

Whales are very creative with their breaching practice. So, you can get to see a few breaching variations too.

Classic Twisting Breach

To perform classic twisting, a whale leaves the water with a rotation which makes its pectoral flukes fly before the whale lands on its back.

Chin Breach

To perform chin breach, a whale leaves the water at an angle, moves forward and makes the landing into water on its chin.

Breaching is an extremely common behaviour and can be seen from a great distance too. So, on your whale watching tour, you can expect to see breaching the most. In fact, the tour guides at Oz Whale Watching know about the best times to watch whales’ behaviours like the back of their hand. Hence, they can plan a tour at the best times to go whale watching.

Pectoral Fin Slapping

Also known as pec slapping, it occurs when a whale lifts the pectoral fin into the air and either drops or swings it back to the surface while swimming on its side or back. Pec slapping also makes a huge splash and a loud boom. A fin is 15 feet long, so it is surely a worth-watching moment.

Spyhopping

It occurs when a whale pokes its head out of the water and remains still to observe its surrounding. It is a rare behaviour among whales since their eyes are quite far back on the head.

To ensure you get to see these behaviours on your tour, pick the best whale watching season. In this regard, a professional service can arrange your tour on the best dates.

*Collaborative post