Humpback Whales are the majestical gentle giants of the Oceans. Here in Exmouth, we get to enjoy their playful nature between the months of June- September whilst the Mothers socialize their newly born Calves. Whereas in Busselton, we can enjoy them seeking their last point of sanctuary before heading back to Antarctic waters. The best of both worlds!

Humpback Whales are some of the largest Mammals in the Ocean, weighing up to 40 tones and growing to lengths of up to 16 meters! These blue giants can live up to 50 years old and will begin breeding typically after 5-10 years of Ocean exploration. In different areas of the world, Humpbacks will display different behaviors depending on what is favorable in that environment. For example, nursing Calves in the Exmouth Gulf or feeding on thousands of Krill daily in Antarctica. 

The Migration

Humpbacks have an extraordinary distance to cover annually to ensure their survival not only as an individual and as a species. Humpback mothers begin by mating in warmer waters, for example Exmouth or Broome. The phenomenon of a ‘heat run’ occurs where several males will play survival of the fittest for a particular female’s attention. A group of Male Whales will essentially chase after the strong Female and slowly but surely be worn off until the last male remains. It is not uncommon for several males to be involved in the mating itself due to the complexity of the actual mating process. Attached to the Female, there may also be an ‘escort’ which is usually a Male Whale, guiding and attempting to protect the Female. 

Once the female has been impregnated, she will carry her young for approximately 11-12 months before birth. In that time, she will travel back South to Antarctica to feed on Krill, ensuring strength for her passage back up the Coast in the coming months. Fun fact: The West Coast and East Coast Whales display very similar behaviors and passage plans however do not mix. The same whales travel up and down the East/ West every year! 

In May, Mum will carry her unborn Calf to warmer waters in either Broome or Exmouth where she will give birth and nurse her baby. During this time, she may face struggle with larger predators such as Orca attempting to hunt and kill her Calf. In 2024 on the Nyinggulu, it was the first time we have recorded Orca calving which, of course, has its pros and cons. Orcas calving shows a very healthy Ecosystem that can support many forms of life. However, also means that as the Apex predators of the Oceans, they will be praying upon the Megafauna of the Nyinggulu such as Sharks and baby Humpbacks which will have an effect on these species overall population. 

In 1979, Australia banned Whaling which was absolutely amazing and had a huge impact on their populations as a whole. Whales were listed on the endangered species list for quite some time. On the East Coast of Australia, it has been estimated that we were down to our last 1,500 Humpies and on the West, the last 600 remained. Since the ban, we have seen astronomical growth. It is now estimated after the recent census that over 100,000 whales travel up the West Coast of Australia annually. Plus, with Female Whales having a waiting time between birth and becoming pregnant again of only 72 hours, we believe it could be the same females travelling up and down each year. Maybe they’re trying to replenish their species? 

In October, as long as both have made it through the calving and socialization period, they will together hug the Coast back down South to the cooler climates of Antarctica to feed. 

Socializing

The Exmouth Gulf is a magical place to experience Humpback Whales in their natural environment safely and sustainably. 

Humpbacks are highly emotional, intelligent and social creatures. They display several behaviors and it’s super fun to watch! The Exmouth Gulf provides the perfect environment to host the Humpies during their time ‘learning how to be a Whale’. With maximum depths of 20 meters, the Gulf offers shelter and sanctuary from larger predators wanting to prey on the young Whales. 

When it comes to Humpback social skills, they sure know how to show them off. Humpbacks use their massive 40 tone body to create a commotion. From slapping their tails and Pectoral Fins to breaching their whole body out of the water, they know how to make a splash. Whales use these techniques to both socialize and clean their bodies free of Barnacles! Baby Humpbacks can breach up to 20 times consecutively to demonstrate themselves to mum and it only takes 3 strong tail kicks to breach the water and move 40 tone!

Humpbacks are also massively inquisitive Mammals, they can ‘spy hop’ to check out what’s going on in the surrounding areas. This is when the Whale emerges from the water in a vertical position ‘bobbing’ up and down just above eye level. 

Feeding 

Throughout the whole migration period up to Exmouth, teaching the Calve how to survive in the wild and back to Antarctic waters, the mother not only doesn’t feed but will feed her baby for the duration. The mother will lose approximately ⅓ of her bodyweight and is definitely ready for some Krill in cooler waters! 

The mothers Nipple is located underneath her Pectoral fins and her milk provides essential nutrients for the survival of a baby Whale.

The best places to experience Humpbacks in the South West and Exmouth

The absolute best place to experience these beautiful creatures is up close and personal on the water. If you’re lucky, you can literally make eye contact with them as they spy hop or check out the boat! With over 80,000 resting Whales in the Gulf throughout the season, you can’t miss them! Lucky for you we have an intimate and personal experience that you really can’t miss! Hop on our vessel as we cruise around the Gulf and enjoy nature at it’s wildest over a stunning Pilbara Sunset. 

When travelling back down South towards Antarctica, the Humpbacks last stop to rest before hitting Open Ocean is in Geographe Bay. Our Eco Tour is a magical way to hopefully spot some spirts, tail slaps and breaches. If not though- not to worry- we have an amazing Seal colony to go and check out along with pods of local Dolphins that love to hang out and say hello!

Written by Meg.