Humpback Whales in the Virgin Islands

It is that time of year again where everyone in the Virgin Islands is keeping an eye on the water hoping to catch a glimpse of the Humpback Whale. Humpback whales migrate through the Caribbean to our warm tropical waters where they give birth to new calves and to mate during the winter months

In February and March they pass right by Coral World on St Thomas on their way back to the colder waters up north where they hunt for krill, plankton and small fish to eat.

Whales are very acrobatic and often breach high out of the water slapping it as they come back down. They also enjoy lobtailing, which is sticking their flukes, or tail out of the water slapping the surface. And if they have been traveling for a while the might just do some spyhopping, poking their head of the water to take a look around.

Just like on our long car rides when whales travel they sing songs to one another. Their melodies are long and complex and many believed they are used during the mating ritual. Only the males seem to sing and their sounds change from warmer climates to colder ones.

There are only and estimated 10 to 15 thousand humpback whales around the globe which why they are on the endangered species list.