Whale Mugging!

On the very first Whale Cruise at Wilsons Prom this season, our boat, the Arafura Pearl, got mugged by two pods of humpback whales! But unlike sea pirates these whales only took away our breath. For a total of nearly two hours passengers and crew watched in awe as each of the five whales approached the boat, diving under the vessel and displaying very calm and curious behaviour.

Whale mugging occurs at random when  whales decide to approach the boat on their own terms. With our strict Marine Mammal permit Wildlife Coast Cruises can come up to 100m of a whale. After slowing down and not making any sudden changes in speed or direction, the boat would then follow the whales, continually monitoring their behaviour and response to our presence.

Whales have different personalities and moods, some are shy, while others are inquisitive. On this very lucky day, both pods had obviously felt very comfortable and decided do some people-watching!

Being up close and personal with an adult humpback whale gives you real perspective of their majestic size, and shows you remarkable detail of their unique bodies. Growing to around 18m these adult whales are three quarters the length of the Arafura Pearl! Their pectoral fins being proportionally the largest fins of any whale, extending upto 4m either side of their sleek body.

Coming up to breathe, the whale’s head lifts above the surface, showing its enormous blowholes, and large portrusions called tubercles on their rostrum. Each one of these lumps has a single hair in it! Who would have believed that whales have beards!

Our Wilsons Prom Whale cruises are a wonderful way to see humpback whales on their southerly migration, see you on board next time, prepare to have your breath taken away!