Humpback Whale Facts

Scientific Name:  Megaptera novaeangliae

Of all large whales, the humpback is perhaps the most well known. The humpback first gained international attention in the early 1970's when researcher Roger Payne (with Scott McVay) discovered the complex "songs" that the males sing. This discovery prompted the beginning of the "Save The Whales" movement. 

SEE Humpbacks on these Adventure Tours:

• Alaska By Sail: Get close to wild Alaska's tidewater glaciers & humpback whales       (July / $6,150)
• Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure: Observe whales and macaws and learn about jaguar research (Jan-April & July-Nov / $1,995)
• Glaciers & Grizzlies: Venture into some of Alaska's most stunning wildlife habitats (June-Aug / $6,250)
• Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands): Sail Canada's Galapagos in search of whales (May-Aug / $4,500)
• Mozambique: By Land & By Sea: Snorkel with whale sharks and whales and see lions (June-Dec / $5,500)
• Nicaragua's Wild Side: See turtles or whales and birdwatch at some of the country's finest parks (Nov-March / $2,695)

Humpback Whale Facts & Tidbits

• The common name "Humpback" came from the curvature of their back when diving.
• These whales can reach lengths up to 60 feet, with females being slightly larger. 
• The Humpback is known for its long pectoral fins which can reach 15 feet in length.
• The pattern of white on the underside of the tail fluke is unique to each individual, allowing scientists to use photo identification to ID individual whales.

Distribution

The humpback whale is widely distributed around the globe. They migrate annually between summer feeding grounds in northern and southern regions like Alaska and Antarctica, to tropical calving grounds where they give birth and remain until calves are ready to undertake the migration with their mothers.

The annual migration from feeding grounds to calving grounds may take several months to complete and may cover up to 10,000 km.

Hot Spots: Alaska, Hawaii, Haida Gwaii (Canada), Tonga, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic

Status

IUCN Status: Least concern

Population Trend: Increasing

In the United States, Humpback populations are Federally listed under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as endangered.

Learn more about their threats here. 

What Is SEEtheWILD?

We're a non-profit wildlife conservation travel organization that supports local efforts to protect endangered animals.  We work with quality tour operators who have passed our criteria to ensure low environmental impact.  We're part of The Ocean Foundation.

For more information about humpback whale facts, contact us!