Whale mums & calves

As the southern migration is in full swing, humpback whale mums are making their way back to the subantarctic feeding grounds with their calves, some only a few months old. Over the past week we ran 4 Prom Whale Cruises and encountered at least 30 whales, including 8 calves and more whales spotted in the area!

These young calves are smaller, slower, and still rely heavily on mum for nourishment. A mother and calf pair travel at a lesser speed than the usual speed, less than 5km an hour. They surface more frequently too as their lung capacity is relatively small compared to an adult, and need regular rests. 

Interestingly, these pairs are often spotted very close to shore, sometimes within 30m of the rocky coastline. It’s a delicate balancing act between staying near the safety of the shallows and navigating a long migration. Mum is never far away, often accompanied by a protective male escort, keeping a close eye out for potential threats like Killer Whales.

To avoid unwanted attention, these whales have even been observed ‘whispering’ to one another, using quieter vocalisations rather than the typical loud calls. It’s a remarkable strategy, allowing them to communicate while staying under the radar. 

On every cruise at the Prom we spot more  than just whales, including fur seals, seabirds and dolphins. 

There are only 3 weeks left of the Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise, call or book now to join us for an unforgettable experience.

Images by Alyn Spencer and Peter Fogarty, our Citizen Science Photographers on board.