DO WHALES HIDE FROM BAD WEATHER?
This is a question we get very often, and rightly so. After all, most of us tend to avoid going out when the weather turns rough. Some land animals will also take shelter during thunderstorms or particularly windy days. But what about whales?
The current evidence suggests they do not necessarily stop what they are doing when the weather turns bad. Instead, they appear to adjust their behaviour to match the conditions.
During humpback whale migration off eastern Australia, stronger winds were associated with changes in diving and movement behaviour, with whales travelling more slowly as wind speeds increased.
Looking more broadly, a review of 148 studies concluded that humpback whales are regularly exposed to strong weather during migration. Despite this, there is still no direct evidence that weather itself changes their migratory routes. At least with the evidence we have today, the picture seems to be one of behavioural adjustment rather than weather avoidance.
So, when the forecast is less than ideal, our concern is usually not for the whales. It is for the people on board.
We never go out in conditions that are unsafe, but not every sea state is for everyone. If you get seasick easily, or simply do not enjoy being cold, wet, and bounced around by the waves, have a look at windy.com before booking your tour or ask our wonderful ticket centre crew for the latest weather information.
If none of that bothers you, we will happily welcome you aboard, even if it feels like the washing machine express. The whales, after all, will probably carry on with their day as if nothing happened.
- Charlie (guide)
Photo by Sarah (captain/head guide)
Photo by Vittoria Sesani
Photo by Joséphine (captain/head guide)
Title Photo by Vittoria Sesani