Is It Legal To Swim With Humpback Whales in Australia

The humpback whale is a majestic marine mammal that lives in all of the world’s oceans. While they are often seen near the surface, they can dive down to depths of more than 1,500 meters and can be found in coastal and open waters. They are one of the most widely distributed species of whale and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Humpback whales are found in temperate and tropical waters, typically between the latitudes of 40°N and 40°S. Their preferred habitat is near the coast, where they can find food and protection from predators. They are often seen near the surface, but they can dive down to depths of more than 1,500 meters. They also prefer areas of upwelling, which is when cold water from the deep rises to the surface, bringing with it nutrients that can support a variety of marine life.

The humpback whale’s diet consists primarily of small fish, krill, and plankton. They will often feed on schools of small fish, such as herring and mackerel, as well as krill and plankton. Due to their large size, they can swallow large quantities of food at once, so they usually feed near the surface.

Humpback whales can be found in many different habitats, ranging from shallow coastal waters to deep open ocean areas. They are often seen in groups, which are called pods, and these pods can range in size from just a few individuals to hundreds of individuals. Humpback whales will often migrate to warmer waters during the winter months and return to cooler waters during the summer months, although this behaviour is not always consistent.

Humpback whales are often seen breaching the surface of the water, which is when they leap out of the water and land on their backs. This behaviour is believed to be used for communication, courtship, or play. Humpback whales will also use various vocalisations to communicate with each other, including moans, clicks, and whistles.

Humpback whales are considered to be a keystone species, meaning that their presence is vital to the health of the marine environment.