Spotting a whale can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. After all, these animals spend most of their lives underwater, and even the largest whales only spend a few moments at the surface before disappearing beneath the waves again. The good news is that whales leave plenty of clues behind if you know what to look for.
Look for the Blow
The easiest way to spot a whale is by looking for its blow. Since whales are mammals, they need to come to the surface to breathe air. When they exhale, the warm air from their lungs hits the cooler outside air and creates a visible puff of mist.
A whale’s blow is often the first thing you will notice from a distance. On a calm day, it can be seen hundreds of metres away and is usually much easier to spot than the whale itself.
Watch for Movement
If you see something repeatedly appearing and disappearing at the surface, it is worth taking a closer look. Whales often surface several times to breathe before taking a longer dive, creating a predictable pattern that can help you keep track of them.
Many first-time whale watchers focus on looking for the whale itself, but experienced spotters often look for unusual movement on the water first.
Look for Fins and Tails
Once you’ve found a whale, keep an eye out for identifying features. Orcas are easy to recognize thanks to their tall dorsal fins and striking black-and-white colouring. Humpback Whales tend to show a smaller dorsal fin, but they often lift their tail flukes high out of the water before a deep dive.
Seeing a tail rise above the surface is often a sign that the whale is about to disappear for several minutes.
Why Do Whales Breach?
One of the most exciting things you can witness on the water is a breach. This happens when a whale launches part, or sometimes all, of its body out of the water before crashing back down with an enormous splash.
Scientists are still working to fully understand why whales breach, and the answer may vary depending on the species and situation.
For Humpback Whales, one theory is that breaching helps remove barnacles and other hitchhikers attached to their skin. Another possibility is communication. Humpbacks are famous for their songs, and a breach may be another way of sending signals over long distances, especially when the ocean is rough and noisy. Breaching may also help whales show off their strength during social interactions or courtship.
Orcas are highly social animals as well, and researchers believe breaching may help them communicate with pod members, reinforce social bonds, express excitement, or even coordinate hunting activities. Sometimes it may simply be a form of play.
Whatever the reason, seeing a whale launch itself clear of the water is something you never forget.
What Is Spyhopping?
Spyhopping is another behaviour that often catches people’s attention. During a spyhop, a whale lifts its head vertically out of the water and appears to pause for a few moments.
Orcas are particularly well known for this behaviour. It is thought that spyhopping helps them get a better look at their surroundings above the surface. Whether they are checking out boats, searching for prey, or simply satisfying their curiosity, it is a fascinating glimpse into how aware these animals are of the world around them.
Tail Slaps and Fin Slaps
Whales do not always need to leap completely out of the water to make a statement. Humpbacks are often seen slapping their massive pectoral fins or tails against the surface, creating loud splashes and sounds that can travel through the water.
Researchers believe these behaviours may help with communication, social interactions, or warning nearby animals. In some cases, they may simply be another way for whales to get each other’s attention.
Every Sighting Tells a Story
Every time a whale surfaces, it gives us a small glimpse into its life below the waves. A blow tells us it is breathing. A raised tail often signals a deep dive. A spyhop suggests curiosity, while a breach may be a form of communication, play, or even a way to remove parasites.
The next time you spot a whale, pay attention to what it is doing. Those behaviours can tell us just as much as the sighting itself.