Hump Back Whale watching

Every year during the months of July to October, Humpback whales pass close to the Coral Coast's coastline (holiday makers at C Bargara see them from their balconies) on their annual migratory journey.

• The humpback whale takes its name from the habit of breaking the water surface with a large area of its back when diving.
• Approximately 3,000 Humpback whales will migrate this season between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef.
• Humpbacks are still the third most endangered species of all the big whales, but now their numbers are increasing 13% each year.
• They are the fifth largest animal on this planet, growing up to 15 metres in length with a weight of up to 45,000kg (99,000lbs) - equivalent to 11 elephants or 600 persons each!
• Humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all of the great whales.
• The species displays a wide variety of leaping, rolling and breaching movements which provide fascinating viewing for whale watchers.
• The humpback whale is also well known for its complex underwater vocalisations or whale songs particularly during breeding.
• Adult whales have been seen to breach 20 - 30 times within 5 minutes, displaying awesome grace and power.