Humpback whales begin their annual migration in May passing closest to land off Byron Bay, the easternmost coast in Australia. Byron Bay whale watching tours are available from June through December. Thousands of humpback whales pass the coast on this amazing round trip journey.
Thousands of humpback whales leave their summer feeding grounds in Antartica traveling north along the eastern coast of Australia. From May to August they travel to their winter breeding grounds in the tropical waters off North Queensland where they mate and give birth. From September to December they journey back to the Antartica with their calves.
The timing of the trip varies each year depending on water temperature, sea ice, food supply, location of food supply, and predators, the Killer whales and occasionally sharks. They leave in groups, not all at once, so the migration each way lasts several months. The northern route is farther offshore as they head to their breeding grounds. They travel slower on the return trip with their calves. They rest more and play more. Young males lead the migration. Mothers with calves and pregnant females bring up the rear. Gestation is 11 to 12 months. Pregnant females will give birth when they return to the northern, sub-tropical waters next year.
It's a short boat ride to find and view a pod of humpbacks on their journey. Although regulations require boats to stay 100 meters away, and 300 meters from pregnant females, usually curious whales will stray from the group approaching for a close-up view of the boat and it's passengers.
Playful and curious Common and Bottlenose dolphins are attracted to tour boats, often performing acrobatic jumps as they travel alongside the boat. Also residing or passing through these waters are Blue Whales, Orcas, Sperm Whales, and the Southern Right Whale. Numerous sea birds feed from these waters. The endangered sea turtle may also make an appearance.
If you must stay on dry land, excellent viewing spots include Flat Rock viewing platform, Angels Beach viewing platform, Pat Moreton Lookout, Main Beach Byron Bay, Little Wategos, Byron Bay lighthouse, and Rocky Point. Bring a picnic lunch and binoculars. Chances are good it won't be long before a pod comes into view. When the moon is bright whales can be seen playing in the waning light, a really breathtaking show.
On a Byron Bay whale watching boat tour, interpretive guides with degrees in Marine Biology will regale excursionists with scientific information and fascinating commentary. The migration is a stunning show as these graceful giants, averaging 16 meters in length, make their amazing journey.
Thousands of humpback whales leave their summer feeding grounds in Antartica traveling north along the eastern coast of Australia. From May to August they travel to their winter breeding grounds in the tropical waters off North Queensland where they mate and give birth. From September to December they journey back to the Antartica with their calves.
The timing of the trip varies each year depending on water temperature, sea ice, food supply, location of food supply, and predators, the Killer whales and occasionally sharks. They leave in groups, not all at once, so the migration each way lasts several months. The northern route is farther offshore as they head to their breeding grounds. They travel slower on the return trip with their calves. They rest more and play more. Young males lead the migration. Mothers with calves and pregnant females bring up the rear. Gestation is 11 to 12 months. Pregnant females will give birth when they return to the northern, sub-tropical waters next year.
It's a short boat ride to find and view a pod of humpbacks on their journey. Although regulations require boats to stay 100 meters away, and 300 meters from pregnant females, usually curious whales will stray from the group approaching for a close-up view of the boat and it's passengers.
Playful and curious Common and Bottlenose dolphins are attracted to tour boats, often performing acrobatic jumps as they travel alongside the boat. Also residing or passing through these waters are Blue Whales, Orcas, Sperm Whales, and the Southern Right Whale. Numerous sea birds feed from these waters. The endangered sea turtle may also make an appearance.
If you must stay on dry land, excellent viewing spots include Flat Rock viewing platform, Angels Beach viewing platform, Pat Moreton Lookout, Main Beach Byron Bay, Little Wategos, Byron Bay lighthouse, and Rocky Point. Bring a picnic lunch and binoculars. Chances are good it won't be long before a pod comes into view. When the moon is bright whales can be seen playing in the waning light, a really breathtaking show.
On a Byron Bay whale watching boat tour, interpretive guides with degrees in Marine Biology will regale excursionists with scientific information and fascinating commentary. The migration is a stunning show as these graceful giants, averaging 16 meters in length, make their amazing journey.
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