The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most well-studied species of baleen whale and occurs worldwide in all ocean basins. These whales are migratory and typically follow the usual baleen whale paradigm of moving between summer feeding grounds in high latitude regions and winter breeding grounds in low latitude regions. Different populations of READ MORE
Humpback whales can be found in all the world oceans. They are classified as one single species, but there are sub populations that should be classified as subspecies. Humpback whales from the northern and southern hemisphere should be recognized as separate species because they do not cross the equator. Around Africa there are six breeding READ MORE
Humpback whales can be found in most oceans and are well known for their extensive migrations which are some of the longest documented for any mammal species (over 8000 km in one direction). They migrate from their feeding grounds in polar waters to their breeding grounds in tropical waters. Why do they undertake these long READ MORE
Humpback whales are baleen (filter feeder) whales and belong to the Balaenoptera family. They are probably the most easily recognisable and familiar of all the large whale species in the world. Their scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae is derived from the Greek words “mega” meaning large and “pteron” meaning wing (referring to their long pectoral flippers READ MORE
We had great Humpback Whale sightings on our boat trips with one whale playing (chasing) a seal around. They came up close to the boat and the seal seemed to enjoy the game as much as the whale. It’s amazing how different animal species can interact and play in the ocean.
Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) can grow up to 15m in length and weigh between 30-40 tonnes making it the 5th largest whale. They are normally found migrating single or in small groups aggregating in their feeding and breeding grounds. Humpback whales can live to 60 years or older. They are grey/black on their dorsal and READ MORE
The first humpback whales have been seen in the Plettenberg Bay area. They are on their migration up north towards the breeding ground in Madagascar. The whales that pass early through our bay are normally the males that want to get to the breeding ground first and wait for the females. After them comes the READ MORE
We still have Humpback whales passing on their southerly migration. According to records a Humpback whale was spotted off Margate on 14 November with shark netting and a buoy attached to it. All NSRI stations were notified along the coastline to keep a look out for this whale. This still shows that there are lots READ MORE
Today we had wonderful sightings with Humpback whale mothers and calves moving on their southerly migration from Madagascar down to Antartica.
On all 3 boat trips we managed to spot Brydes whales and Humpback whales today. We currently have shoals of bait fish (anchovies) off The Point of Robberg which these 2 species prey on. On our 12h00 trip we counted 6 Humpback whales and another 25 blows comprising of Humpback whales and Brydes whales.