Going on a whale watching tour is a fulfilling and magical experience. Getting up close and personal with these beautiful creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and during this time, you’ll want to make the most of every moment. One way to do this is to read up on some of the common behaviors you’ll see, so you can better understand why the whales act the way they do. 

3 Common Behaviors You’ll See on a Whale Watching Tour

1. The Pec Slap

Whales are highly social creatures, which means they thrive on pod communication. One of the most common ways they communicate with one another is through the pec slap. With this behavior, they’ll roll on their side or back and slap the surface of the water with their fins. The behavior may be used to get the attention of other whales or to serve as a warning. 

2. The Head Rise

Whales are curious creatures, and chances are, they’re just as interested in seeing you as you are in seeing them. During your whale watching tour, these mammals will likely exhibit the head rise, in which they poke just the tops of their heads out of the water to see what’s happening on the surface.

3. The Breach

The breach is one of the most well-known and exciting whale behaviors tour-goers often witness. This is when the creature uses its tail and fins to propel its entire body out of the water in a vertical, curved formation. This habit is considered playful and social.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience while on vacation in Waimea, HI, talk to the team at Na Pali Riders Raft Tours about scheduling a whale watching tour. With over 25 years of experience, they are proud to help visitors of the island make wonderful memories they’ll cherish forever. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, and call (808) 742-6331 to make your reservation today.