Before we take a look at whale watching, we should take a moment to get to know these magnificent animals …
What’s a Cetacean?
Cetaceans are mammals that live their entire lives in the water and include whales, dolphins and porpoises. They have hair, breathe air, are warm-blooded and bear live young in their families.
There are two types of cetaceans: the toothed whales, which (obviously) have teeth and include all porpoises and dolphins. (Dolphins and porpoises have different types of teeth: dolphins’ teeth are sharp, while porpoises have flatter, shovel-shaped teeth.)
And the baleen whales, which have giant comb-like structures on their jaws that are used to sift food, such as shrimp-like krill, from the water. Humpbacks (that pass by my neighbourhood) and Blue whales are baleen whales.
Baleen whales can eat up to 9,000 pounds of fish and krill daily. This hearty appetite is due to the fact that they don’t eat all year round, usually feeding about half the year in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of their summer feeding grounds. They store huge amounts of fat or blubber to get them through the breeding season.
Humpbacks can be over 200 feet long but can only swim fast about 25 mph. The largest whale is the Blue whale, which can grow up to 100 feet long but can only swim around 20 mph.
The Blue whale is often seen as a protector of other, smaller whales. This is Preserved by the fact that there are only 2 other baleen whales remaining: the Southern Right whale, and the North Atlantic Right whale.
The Blue Whale’s home is in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica, where it is found hanging out with its new “family” of whales (to which it is related but classically different). It eats penguins, seals, porpoises, whales, dolphins, basking sharks, flamingoes, seals, sea lions, seals, Grizedale turtles, Sarasota stingrays, Terrapinbles, crayfish, ocean crustaceans, southern right whales, echolocation and whales.
Worldwide there are thought to be about 10,000 humpback whales. They have been hunted to near extinction. By the 1950s, the species had been reduced to 10 whales. Since then, their numbers have increased and they can be seen from Florida to Alaska.
Why is humpback whale watching so popular?
Humpback whales are incredibly graceful and sneaky. This means that they blend in with their surroundings, giving themselves an impression that no one is around to see. This ability to slip away followed by a sudden rush towards the safety of harbour entrances is an effective way to avoid predators. It also gives youngsters an opportunity to cool off – the parents are never more than a few feet away.
What can I see?
Humpback whales can be found in several hundred locations around the world. The most popular destinations are listed below. To find these whales, various tour operators such as Marine Vans offer whales around the world trips.
Antigua
Antigua is a place that offers an amalgamation of world-class surfing breaks to its visitors. With the world’s second largest barrier reef, along with the presence of a bustling rainforest, the Antigua region is a must-visit region for those interested in ecotourism.
The Grand Canyon – US
The Grand Canyon, a towering attraction in the Grand Canyon National Park, is one of the most extraordinary landmarks in the world. It offers a range of different tour options, ensuring that visitors have the time of their lives. Starting with a helicopter ride and finishing off with a thermal spa, visitors can choose what suits their preferences.
Hawaii
Itectural marvels such as the Hawngillz should be the ultimate reason to visit Hawaii. However, the visitor may be hesitant to make the ultimate travel commitment to this beautiful state. For travelers who are hesitant to get the entire experience of Hawaii – either for health or work – there are many other tours to consider.
The Grand Canyon
The Colorado River bisects the Grand Canyon, making it one of the most amazing geographical features of the world. The interior of the canyon is a desert, with red rocks and barren desert sandstone regions. Remains of the forest which once covered the interior of the canyon are still visible to the visitor today.
Iceland
Iceland is a sparsely populated island in the North Atlantic. This sparse surface has made this island a perfect destination for whale watching. There are many sharp cliffs on the island that make it the perfect place for hikers and backpackers.
