Whales

Whale Spotting in the Whitsundays is Easy

Lots of people come to the Whitsundays to see the majestic whales and their calves swimming and playing in the warm waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Many guests have been surprised by how close they get and been able to see them from their accommodation here on Hamilton Island.

Prime Whale-Watching Season:

• From June to September, humpback whales travel through the Whitsundays.
• They are on a 10,000 km migration from Antarctica to warmer tropical waters.
• The purpose of their journey is to breed and give birth.

Close Encounters & Behaviours:

• It’s common to see mothers with their calves in sheltered waters near Hamilton Island.
• Humpbacks are often spotted breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping.
• These behaviors are thought to be for communication, courtship, or play.
• Male humpbacks are known for their long, haunting songs that can last up to 20 minutes.

Physical Characteristics & Diet:

• Humpback whales are “gentle giants” that can grow up to 16 meters long and weigh up to 40 tonnes.
• Despite their size, they primarily feed on tiny krill and small fish.

Conservation:

• Humpback whale populations on Australia’s east coast were once near extinction due to whaling.
• Thanks to protection laws, their numbers have rebounded, making sightings more common.