There’s nothing quite like observing whales in their natural habitat. Watching these magnificent creatures in the water is exciting and humbling, particularly when the whale is a humpback. That’s why lovers of marine life should go whale watching at least once in their life. Read on to learn more about what makes the humpback so distinctive, and why you won’t be able to resist booking a boat tour to catch a glimpse.

3 Reasons Humpback Whales Are Fascinating

1. The Name

Despite their name, humpback whales don’t have humps on their backs. In fact, the name is derived from the sizable hump that develops as they arch their backs while diving into the water. Its scientific name is Megaptera novaeangliae, which translates to “big-winded New Englander.”

2. The Bond

If they aren’t traveling alone, humpback whales move in small groups known as pods. These pods consist of two or three whales, and they’re extremely social together. The noises they produce are complex and have varied meanings. Mother whales also make contact with the fins of their offspring as a sign of love.

3. The Birth

Female humpback whales give birth every two or three years. They carry their young for approximately a year before birthing a baby, called a calf. The calves typically measure as much as 15 feet long and can drink nearly 160 gallons of milk every day!

Smart and beautiful, the humpback whale is one of the ocean’s most stunning creatures. When you embark on a whale watching excursion, you can expect to see plenty of them swimming along. Dolphin Excursions Hawaii, based in Waianae, HI, provides locals and visitors with epic whale watching opportunities that provide more than great picture-taking moments — they also create lasting memories. Get in touch to learn about their dolphin experiences, whale watching excursions, snorkeling, and boat tours. Visit their website, or give them a call at (808) 239-5579.