Breach of an Adult Humpback Whale.

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The Pec Slap (pectoral slapping) is one of the commonly recognized humpback whale behaviors. (Photo © Lisa Denning, Ocean Eyes Photography used with permission.)

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Humpback Whale Behavior

In the northern hemisphere's winter months of January through April, the world's largest congregation of North Atlantic humpback whales occurs in the waters of the Dominican Republic's roughly two hundred square mile Silver Bank. During that time, between 3,500 and 5,000 North Atlantic Humpback Whales gather to calve, court and mate. Here, even experienced whale watchers are often surprised by the sheer number of whales and the variety of behaviors on display.

Having migrated south from rich northern waters provisioned with tons of blubber, the North Atlantic humpback whales do not feed for the duration of their tropical visit. Instead they devote all of their energy to birthing a new generation of young, or in courting and mating to create the next. The topside observer is treated to a full array of individual and group surface behaviors including a variety of thrilling breaches, pectoral fin slapping, spyhopping, peduncal throws and lobtailing. It is possible to not only witness all these behaviors in a day's excursion, but to have to choose which one to observe more closely!

Humpback Whale Mating is Serious Business

But not all behaviors are playful. Procreation is serious business on the Silver Bank. When the males arrive, their testosterone levels are high and they are eager to find a mate. The presence of a receptive female can lead to competitive rowdy groups as challenging males physically struggle to displace her escort.

These conflicts can be very physical, last for hours, and cover many miles as each bull fights for the favored position at the female's side. Being on the water in a small boat when four to fifteen (or more!) male humpback whales brawl for dominance will redefine your concept of "running with the bulls"!

Peduncle Throw. (Photo © Holli Byerly, used with permission.)

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Encountering Humpbacks in the Water

While the topside displays are spectacular, what brings most visitors to the Silver Bank is the chance to enter the warm waters and experience these humpback whales in their own environment. Imagine looking into the eye of a playful, curious, weeks old calf while the mother naps fifty feet below. Then imagine the mother surfacing nearby when it's time for a breath, and, accepting your presence, settling back down to continue her rest. Or imagine not only watching but participating in two mate's graceful courtship dance once the competition is over and the happy couple pairs off.

In this celebration you can witness 40 ton dancers as they swoop, spin and cavort in an exquisite exhibition of dexterity as they use their long pectoral fins to precisely control their every move.

The Song of the Humpback Whale

Curious Humpback Whales Come In for a Closer Look

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If you are truly fortunate, you may have a front row seat to one of the greatest performances on earth, a singing male humpback whale. Imagine listening to the most sophisticated animal song on the planet in an auditorium where you are literally immersed in the music. The power of these songs makes them audible for miles. Being mostly water, our bodies allow this energy to flow right through. It is not unusual for visitors to experience different resonance frequencies from the song of the humpback whale, with some feeling the reverberations in their chest cavities, others in the long bones of their arms or legs. Close your eyes and the music doesn't come from without, but from within. Imagine a concert where the song literally moves you to the core!