50 breaches by young whale

Tue, 04 Jul 2017

By Eco Ranger Paul

50+ Breaches!

I have never seen a whale watch like today's! We were lucky enough to interact with 17 humpback whales, as well as seeing at least another 20 in pods further out into the horizon. After navigating the shallow banks through the northern side of the bay, we quickly found ourselves just offshore north point. With the harmonious sounds of anticipation, it dawned on us that we had a hard decision to make - which of the three breaching pods do we follow!

As we lay idle, it seemed that pods full of juveniles and large adults decided to use us as a meeting ground. We witnessed merging and splitting of pairs and individuals, until one incredible little acrobatic juvenile stole the show. This playful little guy breached over 50 times just off the starboard side of the jet and allowed all of the ecstatic guests to achieve their prized whale breach selfies. Juveniles and adults alike were drawn into the antics of this individual, often showing off with other behaviours including breaches, head lunges, pec slaps and tail throws. 

A couple of huge bulls decided to give chase toward the end of the cruise resulting in the feisty little juvenile taking a deep dive and detouring around Flinders reef. We turned to head back to Tangalooma with a boat full of satisfied guests left in awe at reflections of their humpback whale experience.

About the author

Eco Ranger Paul

Paul is one of the many passionate Eco Rangers at Tangalooma Island Resort's Marine Education and Conservation Centre. Paul also loves to jump aboard our Whale Watching Cruise and commentate to our guests on the amazing whale behaviour they are witnessing.

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