What do Humpback Whales eat?

Like many other baleen whales, humpbacks gulp feed on their prey which mainly consists of krill and schooling fish. Unlike other whales, however, humpbacks have evolved a unique feeding technique of “bubble netting”. Swimming in circles around their prey, the whales will blow bubbles to create a curtain or net of bubbles that confuse and trap their prey, allowing them to gulp huge quantities of fish at once.

Where do the Humpback whales get their name from?

The Humpback whale gets its name from the distinctive hump on its back.

Where is popular to see Humpback whales?

Humpback whales are commonly found feeding off Iceland, southern greenland, Norway, Svalbard and east of Canada and the US.

How long can Humpback whales dive for?

They can dive for up to 40 minutes at a time and when they dive they raise their tail flukes out of the water. Each whale’s pattern on the underside of their flukes is unique, so can be used by researchers to identify individuals.

Why do we see fewer Humpback whales now than in the past in the UK?

Humpbacks used to be seen regularly off our coast historically, but their numbers depleted through years of hunting. Since a ban on commercial whaling was introduced in the 1980s, whale populations have finally started to recover and the last 5 years have started to show increasing sightings of humpback whales around the UK coast.

When is the best time of year to see humpback whales in Cornwall?

Although the majority of sightings have so far been in the winter months, there have been records of humpback whales throughout the year in Cornwall.

Can you tell the difference between humpback whales?

Humpback whales have a unique pattern on the underside of their tail flukes can be used to identify individuals like a fingerprint. There are two individual whales that have already been confirmed as returning visitors to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; but there is a strong likelihood that there are more who have visited our coast, but not been identified.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are a rare whale species found in UK waters. Late summer/winter is the best chance to see these beautiful creatures.

About Humpback Whales

Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whales are incredibly distinctive with their knobbly faces and huge 17 metre bodies flanked by long, white pectoral fins which are around a third of their body length. The “knobbles” on their faces are known as tubercles and are enlarged hair follicles which can be used as sensory receptors. Humpbacks are arguably one of the most charismatic whale species, known for their energetic displays, breaching out of the water, lobtailing and slapping their pectoral fins on the water.

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50 years

Average Lifespan

Crustaceans & Fish

Diet

84,000

Mature individuals

Did you know?

Male Humpback whales can create vocalisations which can be heard from 20 miles away and are around 150 decibels equivalent to an aircraft taking off!

How often do you see Humpback Whales on a boat trip?

Book a boat trip for a chance to see these beautiful creatures in Cornwall. Humpback Whales are more elusive than minke whales but much bigger so they should be easier to spot from the coast. We have had many whale sightings over the years and our sightings have increased year-on-year over the last 5-6 years. Padstow Bay is quickly becoming one of the best places to see whales in Cornwall.

Top Tip: look across the horizon. Make sure you scan your eyes slowly from left to right while on the boat and take note of anything that breaks the surface of the open water.

FAQs about Humpback Whales

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Padstow Sealife Safaris give you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Depending on the time of year that you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see a number of different species.

Humpback Whales

About Humpback Whales

50 years

Crustaceans & Fish

84,000

Did you know?

How often do you see Humpback Whales on a boat trip?

FAQs about Humpback Whales

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