Curious yearling Humpback Whales are currently delighting in Flinders Bay with their playful antics. Today, they indulged in a seaweed spa day before local Bottlenose Dolphins raced over to join in on the fun. It was yet another beautiful day on the water, with numerous pods observed; some Humpbacks were on the move while others rested after their long journey from Antarctica. Occasionally, a breach was spotted as the young whales called out, eager to see who was nearby and scout the best areas in Flinders Bay to find a companion.
We observed a small cluster of multiple pods, and as we approached, a lone yearling was having the time of its life playing with seaweed. It’s truly fascinating to witness how sensitive these magnificent creatures are and how much joy they derive from a simple game in the seaweed. This youngster lifted its long pectoral fins and performed mini spy hops, thoroughly enjoying itself. Soon, another yearling joined in, and while they kept to themselves, they continued their playful antics. Suddenly, over twenty Bottlenose Dolphins raced through the sunshine to join the fun.
Gannets dived around us, targeting schools of baitfish and before long, we found ourselves surrounded by the inquisitive yearling Humpback Whales, each taking turns to approach us closely. Drifting alongside them was a remarkable experience, allowing us to see just how gentle and trusting these young whales are, our newfound friends!
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the water, the scene grew even more magical. The dolphins displayed their acrobatic prowess, leaping and spinning in the air, while the gannets continued their spectacular dives, adding a sense of rhythm and excitement to the serene afternoon. The yearling Humpbacks, with their playful curiosity, seemed to revel in the company, their joy infectious as they glided effortlessly through the seaweed. The air was filled with the gentle sounds of the ocean and the occasional splash as a whale or dolphin broke the surface. It was moments like these that reminded us of the incredible beauty of nature and the importance of preserving these pristine environments for future generations. As we watched the young whales and dolphins interact, it was clear that the ocean was a vast playground, full of wonder and endless possibilities.
Eventually, the day began to wind down, and the pods slowly started to disperse, heading off in different directions. We lingered a while longer, savouring the tranquility and the sense of connection we felt with these remarkable creatures. It was a day that would be etched in our memories—a testament to the magic of the natural world and the bonds that can form between humans and the magnificent marine life that share our planet.
