Humpback whales are known for three signature behaviors: breaching (leaping out of the water, possibly to communicate or shed parasites), bubble-net feeding (blowing a spiral of bubbles to trap fish before lunging through the school), and singing (long, complex songs produced only by males that can be heard for miles underwater). These behaviors make humpbacks one of the most active and visible whale species to spot on a whale watching trip.
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a whale launching its entire body out of the ocean, there’s a good chance it was a humpback. Of all the whales that pass through Southern California waters, humpbacks are the showoffs — and understanding why they do what they do makes spotting one from the deck of a boat even more rewarding.
Here’s a closer look at the behaviors that make humpback whales one of the most exciting species to watch off the coast of Long Beach.
Why Do Humpback Whales Breach?
Breaching — throwing most or all of their 40-ton body out of the water — is the behavior humpbacks are best known for, and marine biologists still debate exactly why they do it. The leading theories include:
- Communication: The slap of a 40-ton whale hitting the water creates a sound that can travel for miles underwater, possibly signaling location or status to other whales.
- Parasite removal: Breaching may help dislodge barnacles and skin parasites.
- Play or excitement: Juvenile humpbacks in particular seem to breach simply because they can, especially in calm conditions.
- Communication between competing males: During mating season, breaching can be part of competitive displays between males vying for a female’s attention.
Unlike a lot of whale behavior that happens just below the surface, breaching is impossible to miss — which is exactly why it’s such a highlight for anyone on a whale watching trip in Long Beach.
Bubble-Net Feeding: Humpback Whales’ Signature Hunting Trick
Humpback whales are baleen whales, meaning they filter small fish and krill through comb-like baleen plates instead of hunting with teeth. What sets them apart from other baleen whales is a hunting technique called bubble-net feeding.
Here’s how it works: a humpback (or a group of them) swims in a shrinking circle beneath a school of fish, releasing a steady stream of bubbles from its blowhole. The bubbles rise and form a “net” that traps the fish inside a shrinking column of water. Once the school is packed tightly enough, the whales lunge upward through the center, mouths wide open, swallowing thousands of fish in a single gulp.
This is a learned behavior, not an instinct every humpback is born with, and it’s often passed down or picked up by observing other whales — one of many reasons scientists consider humpbacks to be remarkably intelligent.
The Songs Only Male Humpbacks Sing
Perhaps the most famous humpback behavior doesn’t happen at the surface at all. Male humpback whales produce long, complex “songs” made up of repeating patterns of moans, cries, and other sounds that can last upwards of 20 minutes and be heard for miles underwater.
A few things make humpback songs particularly fascinating:
- Only males sing, and all the males in a given population sing roughly the same song during a breeding season.
- The song slowly evolves over time — and every male in the population adopts the changes together.
- Researchers still aren’t certain whether the songs are used to attract females, establish dominance among males, or both.
While you won’t hear the song on a surface tour, knowing it’s happening beneath the boat adds another layer of wonder to every sighting.
Where to See Humpback Whale Behavior in Long Beach
Humpback whales are seasonal visitors to Southern California, typically appearing as they migrate along the coast. Because their behavior includes some of the most visible displays of any whale species, they’re a favorite among first-time whale watchers and photographers alike.
Curious what else shares these waters with humpbacks, and when you’re most likely to catch them in action? Take a look at our guide to gray whale migration for how the two species’ patterns compare, or browse Our Whales to see the full range of marine life you might encounter on a trip with Harbor Breeze.
Ready to see breaching, feeding, and maybe even a little tail-slapping for yourself? Book a Long Beach whale watching trip with Harbor Breeze and let our crew help you spot the behavior up close.