Humpback Whale breeding season runs from late May through to October as thousands of Humpbacks make the annual migration to find the perfect mate. Today was a perfect example on both our morning and afternoon tour of the importance of the Humpback Whale breeding season as new calves were spread through the sighting grounds amongst bachelor and competition pods. The morning observed two big males pec slapping away as they called out to attract attention towards themselves. It was repeated for a long time as they did their best to be noticed and although they hadn’t captured the attention of nearby whales they managed to make enough noise for the local Bottlenose Dolphins to come over and say hello. Nearby mum and calf pods had heard all the pec slapping but were looking to rest quietly in the calm morning conditions and allow their calves some time to sleep, feed and recoup energy in preparation for the journey south.
The afternoon tour was a different tempo again as we spotted a few mums and calves resting but a commotion was underway further ahead as we approached 5-6 whales in a powerful competition pod. It was incredible to watch as through the still conditions the boys pursued the female at speed through the resting grounds while diving around and underneath the Steep Point. It was a great intensity level for this late in the season as the peak breeding time and intensity levels is during the winter months of June to August. Today the boys were building in numbers as more and more bachelor males arrived until we had a total of 12 charging after each other. One male broke away form the main pod and began to breach, tail lob and tail slap as he attempted to call out to other whale nearby and perhaps a small amount of frustration after not being able to keep up with the comp pod. It certainly was a fun filled day with picture perfect weather conditions and the company of beautiful, boisterous Humpback Whales.
