The Humpback Whale is the type most frequently seen swimming or feeding close to shore along the southeastern coast of Alaska. We saw many whales on our Inside Passage cruise on the Cruise West Spirit of Yorktown, but the largest numbers of Humpbacks were in Frederick Sound near Petersburg.
When beginning to dive, the Humpback Whales often lift their flukes (tails) out of the water, exposing a distinctive pattern of black and white which is used by biologists to identify individual animals. Although they were feeding, these Humpbacks appeared to be frolicking for our cameras, rolling and blowing in groups. They also breeched the surface frequently, doing huge "belly flops" as they slammed back into the sea. When feeding, Humpbacks may stay submerged for as long as 30 minutes, but most dives do not last longer than 15 minutes. After diving, the Humpbacks rest on the surface, blowing every few seconds.
Alaskan Humpbacks winter in Hawaii and adults range from 40-55 feet in length.
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