The next time you visit Sydney, you should consider going on a whale watching tour. There are plenty of things to do in Sydney, but humpback whale watching is one of the most interesting. If you live in or near Sydney, you don't even have to wait until you are on holiday. You can take your family on a whale watching adventure any time during the whale migration. Whale watching tours are also excellent learning experiences for children of all ages.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales belong to the group of mammals knows as baleen whales. The adult whales grow to be very large, up to 52 feet and weighing up to 79,000 lbs. Humpback whales have a unique appearance, with black backs and heads and white on the underside of the body. A humpback whale also sports a long pectoral fin and a bumpy head. The knobs on the head are called tubercles and are actually hair follicles. The fluked tails are unique to each whale, making individuals easy to identify. Males produce long, complex songs lasting up to 20 minutes, and both genders are known for breaching the surface of the water often, which is one of the reasons whale watching is so exciting.
The humpback whale has an interesting migration pattern. Whales typically migrate up to 16,000 miles every year. The humpback whales that live near Australia migrate north to calve and breed during the months between May and August. Then they return to the southern Antarctic waters during the months of August, September, October, November, and December. Humpback whales spend the summer months feeding in the Antarctic region.
Whale Watching Tours
Whale watching in Sydney occurs between May and November. There are a number of companies that offer whale watching tours. When you are choosing one for your trip, one of the most important things to look for is a company that promotes environmental responsibility and respect for the whales. Whales have historically not been treated well, and humpback whales nearly went extinct due to the whaling industry. The population has recovered, but there are still threats to the whales. That's why it is so important to choose a whale watching company that respects the whales and operates in a way that supports them and their environment.
One example of respectful and responsible whale watching is adherence to the whale protection regulations. For example, boats are required to stop advancing once they are 100 metres from an adult whale. You should choose a company that follows regulations such as this one, as it shows a great respect for nature. As it happens, humpback whales are naturally curious and often will approach a whale watching boat of their own accord. Sometimes they even get so close to the boat that it can't move until the whale swims away! Whale watching allows you to see and experience whales in their natural habitat. It's an exciting, interesting, and special experience unmatched by other tourist attractions. The next time you visit Sydney, consider booking a whale watching tour.
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