20th - 26th July 2018 - Weekly Whale Watching Wrap
It’s been a totally sensational week for a whale watch this week we had close encounters with 67 whales! We have had a real change in the whale’s behaviour this week with the arrival of a few early season calves with a “greyish milky” colouring which is a great indication they are only a few days old. The calves develop more melanin in their skin over time which protects them from the sun.
The whales have been enjoying the shallow waters of Cape Moreton allowing us plenty of Postcard worthy shots of the lighthouse, and also allowing the guests that get sea sick a chance to whale watch from the headland with a “Northern Explorer tour”
| Weekly Whale Count |
Adults |
Juveniles |
Calves |
Total |
| 20/07/18 - 26/07/18 |
59 |
8 |
1 |
68 |
Everyday this week was great weather and Wednesday we only had a total of 2 whales but this mother and calf were star performers! The baby looked a little clumsy flicking his tail and rolling on the surface being playful with a sharp flick of his tail we knew he was doing a deep dive before he charged out of the water getting around ¾ of his body clear before spinning 180’ degrees before showering down in a champagne patch of bubbles we would have had over 30 breaches from this baby, in the last 2 minutes before we had to begin our return journey the mum erupted and did a few great peduncle throws while her calve breached.
The winter solstice is well passed us so the days are getting longer and the whales are well into their migration we are in that very interesting stage of the year were we are beginning the crossover of those whales heading north still and some have already reproduced and are starting to head back down south. This is great as we get to see Adults Juveniles and calves!
A breach is described as a behavioural explanation mark! It isn’t very common and definitely isn’t seen everyday but we have been so spoiled we have had over 100 breaches this week but the great thing about whale watching is it never gets old seeing a 15 meter long 45 tonne animal clear the water or seeing the 4 meter long 1.5 tonne calve leap out of the water NEVER gets old!