Hello from the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora team!
Ia orana, ocean lovers!
If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing nature’s grandest show, French Polynesia offers a front-row seat to the spectacle of majestic humpback whales. These magnificent creatures bring a touch of magic to the warm waters of the South Pacific each year, and their behaviour is nothing short of fascinating.
The Annual Migration
Every year, humpback whales embark on one of the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom. They travel up to 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometres) from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica to the warm, tropical lagoons of French Polynesia. This incredible journey is not just a long-distance trek; it’s a quest for warmer waters where they can breed and give birth away from the predators of the open ocean.
Breaching and Dancing
When humpback whales arrive in French Polynesia, they often make a splash—literally. These giants can breach the water up to 30 times in a row, leaping as high as 40 feet (12 meters) above the surface. The record for the most breaches in a single session belongs to a humpback in the Caribbean, which achieved 130 breaches in 75 minutes. This dramatic move is thought to serve several purposes: communication, shaking off parasites, or simply for their own enjoyment. Witnessing a breach is always a thrilling experience for anyone lucky enough to see it.
The Songs of the Sea
Humpback whales are also renowned for their extraordinary songs. Male humpbacks produce long, complex sequences of sounds that can last up to 20 minutes and be heard over 100 miles (160 kilometres) away underwater, sometimes even more under optimal conditions. These songs are an integral part of their courtship rituals and are unique to different populations. Remarkably, humpbacks can sing these intricate melodies repeatedly for hours or even days on end, creating a captivating and enduring acoustic display in the ocean.
Mother and Calf
One of the most touching sights is the bond between a mother humpback and her calf. After an 11 to 12-month pregnancy, the calf, weighing up to 2 tons (1.8 metric tonnes) and measuring around 10 feet (3 meters) at birth, is nurtured in the warm waters of French Polynesia. The mother guides her calf, teaching it essential survival skills such as breaching, diving, and avoiding predators. She provides rich, fatty milk, crucial for rapid growth. Staying together is vital for the calf’s development and safety, ensuring it learns to navigate the ocean and prepare for the long migration to feeding grounds.
Feeding in Paradise
While French Polynesia is more about breeding and socializing for humpback whales, you might still see them feeding. They use sophisticated techniques like bubble-net feeding, where they create a ring of bubbles to trap small fish and then lunge through the bubble net with their mouths open. This feeding strategy is a testament to their intelligence and adaptability.
Conservation and Respect
While humpback whales offer incredible experiences, it’s vital to approach them with respect and care. Conservation efforts are crucial for preserving their migrations and displays. Here’s how you can help:
- Choose Responsible Tours: Select operators who adhere to guidelines that minimize disturbance to whales.
- Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about whale conservation.
- Support Conservation Organizations: Contribute to groups dedicated to marine life protection.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Cutting down on plastics helps prevent ingestion and environmental pollution.
- Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to regulations during whale watching to protect marine life.
- Eat Sustainable Seafood: Choose fish from sustainable sources to support healthy marine ecosystems and reduce the risk of bycatch and entanglement in fishing gear, which can cause serious injury or death to whales.
By supporting these practices, you help ensure that humpback whales continue to thrive and inspire awe for years to come!
Thank You!
French Polynesia offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic grandeur of humpback whales. From marveling at their impressive breaches and listening to their hauntingly beautiful songs to observing the heartwarming bond between a mother and her calf, these magnificent creatures bring a unique and unforgettable charm to the pristine waters of the South Pacific. If you’re planning a visit, keep an eye out for these amazing creatures—they truly make every encounter unforgettable.
Thanks for joining us on this whale-watching journey! Until next time, keep exploring and appreciating the wonders of our oceans.
Nana,
The WiseOceans Team at Four Seasons Bora Bora
Did you enjoy the Majestic Humpback Whales of French Polynesia?
Learn more about WiseOceans Discovery here
Learn more about our Marine Conservation work here
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