What Exactly Does whales watching Include and Entail?

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Whales watching around Sint Maarten

Sint-Maarten whale watch tour

Whales watching is a unique experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are planning a trip to Sint Maarten in March, you should definitely consider going on a whale watching tour. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters that are home to a variety of marine life, including whales.

Preparing for the Tour

Before embarking on a whale watching tour, it is important to prepare adequately. You should dress appropriately for the weather conditions and bring along sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.

Additionally, it is important to book your whales watching tour in advance to secure your spot.

Whale watching tours around Sint Maarten typically last around 5 hours. The tours usually depart from oriental bay area (French side), and you will be taken out to sea on a comfortable boat.

The boat will be manned by an experienced crew that will take you to the best spots for whale sightings (between Tintamarre island and Saint Barth). You will be given a briefing on the types of whales that are commonly seen in the area, as well as their behaviors and habitat. The boat is equipped with a microphone, to listen the whales talking to each other.

As you venture out into the open sea, you will be surrounded by the stunning views of the island’s coastline. You will also have the opportunity to see other marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and flying fish.

Once you spot a whale, the boat will slowly approach the animal to give you a closer look. You will be amazed at the sheer size and beauty of these magnificent creatures. The whales may breach, slap their tails or fins, or blow water from their blowholes, giving you a breathtaking display.

amazing facts about Humpback Whales

1. Humpback whales are known for their spectacular acrobatic displays, such as breaching (jumping out of the water) and tail slapping. They can breach up to 40 times in a row, reaching heights of up to 50 feet (15 meters) in the air!

2. Humpback whales are one of the largest mammals on Earth, growing up to 50 feet (15 meters) in length and weighing as much as 40 tons (36 metric tonnes).

3. These whales are famous for their beautiful and complex songs, which can last for up to 20 minutes and can be heard for miles underwater. Each population of humpback whales has its own unique song, which evolves over time and can change from year to year.

4. Humpback whales are known for their incredible migration patterns, traveling up to 16,000 miles (26,000 kilometers) each year between their summer feeding grounds in polar waters and their winter breeding and calving grounds in warmer tropical waters.

5. Humpback whales are one of the most studied whale species, and researchers have discovered many fascinating behaviors and adaptations. For example, humpback whales use a technique called bubble net feeding, in which they blow bubbles to corral schools of fish before lunging through the center of the bubble net with their mouths open to catch their prey.

Baby whales watching

Babies whales are known for their natural curiosity and playful behavior, which often leads them to approach boats as soon as we turn of the engines and other floating objects in the water. They are attracted to these objects because they are curious about their surroundings and eager to explore their environment.

When a baby whale sees a boat, it may approach it cautiously at first, swimming closer and circling around it to get a better look. The baby whale may then begin to interact with the boat, nudging it with its nose or bumping it with its body.

While some people may find this behavior intimidating, it is important to note that baby whales are not aggressive and are simply curious about their surroundings. They are not looking to harm the boat or the people on board. Most of the time the mum whale is following and offers beautiful and spectacular jump around the boats.

However, it is important to note that while whale watching can be a fascinating and educational experience, it is important to do so responsibly. Boats always maintain a safe distance from the whales to avoid disturbing their natural behavior or causing them harm. We take advantage of the natural curiosity of whales by positioning our boats in areas where whales are known to frequent. This allows passengers on the boat to get a closer look at the whales and observe their behavior up close.

In conclusion, baby whales are naturally curious creatures that enjoy exploring their environment and interacting with objects in the water. While this behavior may sometimes involve approaching boats, it is important to approach these interactions responsibly and with respect for the whales and their habitat.

amazing facts about babies Humpback Whales

1. Baby humpback whales are called calves and they are born weighing between 1,000 to 2,000 pounds (450 to 900 kilograms) and measuring up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) in length.
2. Calves are able to swim and dive within 30 minutes of being born. They are born with a layer of blubber that helps keep them warm in cold water and buoyant in the water.
3. Baby humpback whales drink up to 150 gallons (570 liters) of their mother’s milk per day, which is high in fat and helps them grow rapidly.
4. Calves stay close to their mothers for at least a year, learning important skills such as hunting and migration routes. During this time, they may also play and socialize with other young whales.
5. Humpback whales are known for their complex songs, but did you know that even baby humpback whales sing? Calves are able to produce a range of vocalizations, including grunts, squeals, and moans, which may help them communicate with their mothers and other whales.

FAQ

1. Is it safe to go whales watching by boat?

Yes, it is generally safe to go whale watching by boat, we are a reputable tour operator and if you follow the instructions, nothing to worry about. However, it is important to note that whale watching can sometimes be unpredictable, and weather conditions can change quickly. Always listen to the instructions of the crew and wear any safety gear provided.

2. What time of year is best for whales watching?

The best time of year for whale watching varies depending on the location. In Sint Maarten, the peak season for whale watching is from January to April, with a high peak in March, when humpback whales migrate to the area to mate and give birth. However, sightings are possible year-round, and different species of whales may be present at other times of the year.

3. How close can boats get to the whales?

Boats are required to maintain a safe distance from whales to avoid disturbing their natural behavior or causing them harm. In Sint Maarten, boats are required to stay at least 50 meters (165 feet) away from whales, and if a whale approaches a boat, the boat must stay stationary until the whale moves away.

4. What should I wear on a whales watching tour?

You should dress appropriately for the weather conditions and bring along sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, and avoid wearing high heels or sandals.

5. What should I do if I see a whale in distress?

If you see a whale in distress, such as a whale that is entangled in fishing gear or has been injured, report it immediately to the local authorities or to the nearest marine mammal rescue organization. Do not attempt to approach or assist the whale yourself, as this can be dangerous for both the whale and the rescuer.

Reproduction, birth and breastfeeding of whales

Humpback whales are sexually mature at around 5 to 10 years old, depending on the individual and the population. Males and females typically reach sexual maturity at around the same age.

During mating season, which typically occurs in the winter months in the whales’ breeding grounds, male humpback whales will compete for females by singing complex songs and engaging in physical displays such as breaching and tail slapping.

Once a male has successfully courted a female, they will engage in a mating ritual that involves close physical contact and rolling around in the water. The male will position himself underneath the female and transfer sperm through his penis into her reproductive tract.

Humpback whales have a unique reproductive system in which the female has two uteri and can therefore mate with more than one male in a single breeding season. This allows for genetic diversity within the population.

After mating, the fertilized egg will implant in the uterine wall and begin to develop. The gestation period for humpback whales is around 11 to 12 months.

Humpback whale mothers give birth to a single calf every 2 to 3 years. The mother will nurse and care for the calf for up to a year before it is weaned.

Overall, humpback whale reproduction is a complex and fascinating process that is still being studied by scientists. Understanding the intricacies of humpback whale reproduction is important for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.

Humpback whale mothers give birth to their calves in warm, shallow waters in tropical or subtropical regions. The exact location varies depending on the population of humpback whales. Some common birthing grounds include Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Great Barrier Reef.

The gestation period for humpback whales is around 11 to 12 months. When it’s time to give birth, the mother whale will typically separate herself from the other whales in the area and find a quiet, sheltered spot. She will then go into labor and the calf will be born tail first.

After the calf is born, the mother whale will nudge it to the surface to take its first breath. The calf will quickly learn to swim and will start nursing from its mother, who produces milk that is high in fat and protein to help the calf grow quickly.

Mother humpback whales are very protective of their calves and will nurse and care for them for up to a year before the calf is weaned. During this time, the calf will learn important skills such as how to hunt and migrate.

The bond between mother and calf is very strong, and humpback whale mothers are known for their nurturing behavior towards their young. They will often swim close to their calf and lift them to the surface to breathe, or use their flippers to shield their calf from danger.

Overall, the birth of humpback whales is a beautiful and fascinating event, and one that researchers are still learning more about.

Humpback whale mothers produce milk that is high in fat and protein to help their calves grow quickly. The milk is produced in mammary glands, which are located in the mother’s chest area.

Calves nurse from their mothers for up to a year before they are weaned. During this time, they will drink up to 150 gallons (570 liters) of milk per day, which is a significant amount given the size of the calf.

Humpback whale mothers will typically nurse their calves while swimming, as the calves are unable to support their weight for long periods of time. The mother will lift her calf to the surface to breathe while the calf nurses.

Calves will nurse from one of the mother’s two teats, which are located in the grooves on the underside of the mother’s body. Humpback whales have two teats because they have two separate uteri and can therefore nurse two calves at once, although this is rare.

Humpback whale mothers are very protective of their calves and will often use their flippers to shield them from danger while they nurse. They will also swim close to their calf and nudge them to the surface to breathe.

Overall, humpback whale breastfeeding is an important aspect of their nurturing behavior and helps ensure that the calves grow quickly and are able to survive in the wild. Understanding the importance of humpback whale breastfeeding is important for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.

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