Species profile
About this species
The humpback whale is a large baleen whale known for its distinctive long pectoral fins & complex vocal songs. Adults typically reach 12 to 16 metres in length & can weigh up to 36,000 kilograms. They are renowned for their acrobatic breaching behaviour, making them a favourite subject for wildlife photographers & whale watchers.
Humpback whales inhabit all major oceans, migrating between cold, nutrient-rich feeding grounds at higher latitudes & warm tropical or subtropical breeding & calving grounds. They are commonly found in coastal & open ocean waters & are frequently spotted near continental shelves, seamounts & upwelling zones rich in krill & small fish.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Humpback Whale with us in the United States.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The best time to photograph humpback whales varies by location - in the Northern Hemisphere, summer months offer excellent opportunities in feeding grounds such as Alaska & Iceland. In the Southern Hemisphere, migrating whales can be photographed off the coasts of Australia & South Africa between June & October. Early morning light provides soft, warm tones & calmer sea conditions.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the motion of breaching & tail-slapping behaviour. A telephoto lens in the 100-500mm range allows you to capture close detail while maintaining a safe & respectful distance from the animal. Shoot in burst mode to increase your chances of capturing the peak moment of a breach or fluke dive.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Humpback Whale
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.