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Humpback Whales Newport Beach |
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 Southern California Humpback Whale DescriptionIt is easy to spot a Humpback whale (scientific name, Megaptera novaeangliae) during a Newport Beach Whale Watching tour---just keep a look out for their two signature traits: a “bumpy” head and extensively long dorsal fins. It is very likely to see them come to the surface because they very much enjoy doing this. They are also known to be very fit creatures.
Singing is another distinctive and charming ability that Humpback Whales are known to have. They will can sing a song that is anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes long and then repeat this same song for hours. It is believed that the singing is a ritual Humpbacks use when looking for a mate.
Southern California Humpback Whale Population
As with all other whale populations like it, Humpback Whales have too seen their population killed off in masses because of whaling, or whale hunting. One statistic reveals that before whaling bans were enacted in 1966, nearly 90 percent of the Humpback Whale population was gone. Today, the Humpback Whale population worldwide is 80,000 whales strong. Still, they face the dangers of being injured or even killed daily by either colliding with ships, getting caught in commercial fishing nets, or from the effects of noise pollution.
Southern California Humpback Whale Feeding Habits
Humpback Whales are the only whales that are known to hunt and store food. Typically, they will eat only throughout the summer, but will eat and conserve enough in their "fat reserves" to last them through the winter. They rarely have to hunt to and restock during this time. The Humpback whale's hunting style involves slapping its prey with its flukes or pectoral fins, in order to weaken the fishes' defenses and making them easier to catch and swallow. Humpbacks also eat krill, like Blue Whales do, but fish is their primary source of food.
Newborns are not born with teeth, so they must be nursed by their mothers for the first 6 months of life. By the time they reach 6 months old, Humpback calves develop the ability to eat solid foods, but must continue to be nourished by their mother's fatty, light pink milk until the surpass the their first year of life.
Southern California Humpback Whale Migratory Patterns
In a single year, Humpback whales will travel about 15,000 miles, migrating from place to place on any given season. They, like many other types of whales, will often travel with a companion. However, these relationships are short-lived and hardly ever exceed two months. Humpback whales reside in Southern California waters during the months of June and October. Thus, if you are especially eager to see the Humpback Whale, it is best to reserve a seat on one of our Humpback Whale Watching tours in Newport Beach when they are in season (from June through October). After October, these whales migrate out of Southern California in masses and thus are rarely seen until the start of the new season.
Los Angeles Whale Watching Tours
The Humpback Whale is one of the most spectacular of the whales to view because of the real possibility of a significant breach. Instead of hunting these majestic creatures, people have become more interested in viewing them. Create your own adventure by going Humpback Whale Watching in Newport Beach. Give Harbor Breeze Cruises a call at 562-432-4900 to find out more information or to make a reservation on one of our humpback whale watching tours.
Newport Beach Whale Watching conducts whale and dolphin watching cruises daily, with tours at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. The tours do fill up quickly so it is a very good idea to arrive a little early. Tours usually last from two to two and a half hours. Ticket prices are as follows:
Individual Ticket Prices – Two Hour to 2 ½ Hour Cruise
Adults $30
Seniors (62 and over) $25
Children (11 and under) $18
Children (2 and under) FREE!
Ticket Prices for groups of 25 or more.
Adults $22
Seniors (62 and over) $18
Children (11 and under) $12
Children (2 and under) FREE!
You can order your tickets online by clicking the button, or calling 562-432-4900. If you have a discount coupon, please present it at the ticket booth.
We look forward to seeing you and continuing to make Newport Beach Whale Watching your choice for whale watching in southern California. We offer convenient parking and are located near many area attractions such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Lighthouse and Queen Mary. We are within walking distance to many local restaurants and shopping areas so you can make a day of it. Whale watching is a wonderful experience regardless of age. We can’t wait to provide the Best Whale Watching in Los Angeles experience possible.
For more information about other California Whales or other sea life in California, please click on one of the links below:
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