The Humpback Whale is famous for its elaborate, complex songs produced by males on breeding grounds—the most intricate vocalizations of any non-human animal. It has long, knobbly pectoral flippers up to 16 feet long and is a remarkably acrobatic species known for dramatic breaches, fin slaps, and lobtailing. Humpbacks employ cooperative bubble-net feeding, in which groups corral fish schools inside spiraling columns of rising air bubbles.
Best time to see a Humpback Whale
The best time to see a Humpback Whale is May–September, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,711 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Humpback Whale sightings near you
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