When it comes to planning your winter getaway in Hawaii, nothing beats whale watching out on the ocean. Humpback whales make their way to the Hawaiian islands from November to May, giving visitors the perfect chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures. While just watching the whales is enjoyable, it’s even more fun if you can understand what they’re doing in and out of the water. Here are a few common whale behaviors to watch for while you’re on a tour.

4 Actions You Might See While Whale Watching

1. Breaching

Breaching is one of the most notable whale behaviors that makes it into pictures. Whales jump out of the water and flop back down, creating a large splash. The whale might breach to the side or turn mid-air and land on their backs. This behavior is thought to communicate the whale’s presence to other wildlife, but it could also be an attempt to remove the stiff barnacles collected on their skin. It could even be the whale’s playful antics.

2. Tail Slap

Humpback whales slap their tails on the water to communicate with others miles away. While this is loud enough for most tour groups to hear from the boat, it’s even louder underwater to other whales. The sound echoes and carries on the waves.

3. Blow

Unlike fish, whales breathe above the water, so they come up to the surface about every ten minutes and exhale the air they held in their lungs. The result is a spectacular spout of water. On many tours, the blow is what notifies spectators of the whale’s presence.

4. Fluke Dive

When a whale dives into deeper water, they often stick their tails out of the water as they maneuver downward. This can look like a tail slap at first, but you won’t see a large spray; instead, the tail will slip into the water. If you’re fast, you might be able to catch a photo before it disappears.

If you’re interested in seeing these whale behaviors yourself, book a tour with Dolphin Excursions Hawaii in Waianae, HI. Their experienced crew will take you along the West Coast of Oahu where you’ll have the opportunity to see whales in their natural habitat. The staff of experienced marine biologists and naturalists will answer your questions and enlighten you on these gentle giants’ unique lifestyle. Learn more about their dolphin and whale watching tours online, and call (808) 239-5579 to reserve your spot today.