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Humpback whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Acrobatic and curious. Long pectoral fins make them unmistakable. Breaches are common, especially in feeding grounds.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
40–50 ft
WEIGHT
25–40 tons
LIFESPAN
45–50 yrs
DIET
Krill, small schooling fish
RARITY
Regular
SEASON
Year-round, peak May–Nov
How to ID

What to look for

Long pectoral fins, knobbly head, dramatic breaches.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
BreachingPectoral slapBubble-net feedingTail lobbing
When

Best months to see

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Archive

Last 30 days

Total seen
90
Days active
25/30
Last seen
May 1
DAILY SIGHTING COUNT HOVER A BAR
TODAY
Book

Operators that often spot this species

NW
Newport Whales
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 11:00 AM
Visit →
DL
Davey's Locker
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 12:30 PM
Visit →
DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · NEXT 10:00 AM
Visit →
HB
Harbor Breeze
LONG BEACH · NEXT 12:00 PM
Visit →
FC
Flagship Cruises
SAN DIEGO · NEXT 1:30 PM
Visit →