Humpback Whales

Megaptera novaeangliae

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 metres (39–52 ft) and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is an acrobatic animal, often breaching and slapping the water. Males produce a complex song, which lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is repeated for hours at a time. The purpose of the song is not yet clear, although it appears to have a role in mating.

Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to 25,000 kilometres (16,000 mi) each year. Humpbacks feed only in summer, in polar waters, and migrate to tropical or sub-tropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter. During the winter, humpbacks fast and live off their fat reserves. The species' diet consists mostly of krill and small fish. Humpbacks have a diverse repertoire of feeding methods, including the bubble net feeding technique.

Like other large whales, the humpback was and is a target for the whaling industry. Due to over-hunting, its population fell by an estimated 90% before a whaling moratorium was introduced in 1966. Stocks have since partially recovered; however, entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and noise pollution also remain concerns. There are at least 80,000 humpback whales worldwide. Once hunted to the brink of extinction, humpbacks are now sought by whale-watchers, particularly off parts of Australia, New Zealand, South America, Canada, and the United States.
Whale Watch trips
December 26 – April 30
Departure Time:
Weekdays: 9 :00 AM
Weekends: 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Type of Wildlife in the Channel Islands Region

There are several different species of whales that could be encountered on one of your trips. California Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Finback Whales and Orca Whales (Killer Whales) are common sightings in the waters surrounding the Channel Islands. Additional wildlife includes seals, sea lions, dolphins and a rich variety of bird life; some of which are endangered and protected.

Orca Whales

The killer whale (Orcinus orca), commonly referred to as the orca whale or orca

Humpack Whales

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale.

California Gray Whales

The gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, is a baleen whale that migrates between feeding.

Finback Whales

The fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), also called the finback whale, azorback, or common rorqual

Common Dolphins

The common dolphin is the name given to two species (and possibly a third) of dolphin .

Blue Whales

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal belonging to the suborder

Harbor Seals

The harbor(or harbour) seal(Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal

California Sea Lions

The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is a coastal sea lion of western North America.

Elephant Seals

Elephant seals (sea elephants) are large, oceangoing seals in the genus Mirounga.