Last week, whale watchers aboard Sea World Whale Watch were treated to several mugging displays from inquisitive humpback whales.
Don’t worry, passengers didn’t have to give away their keys or wallets, as whale muggings aren’t the criminal kind. Whilst humans go whale watching, humpbacks go people-watching.
In a mesmerising display of natural curiosity and wonder, a pod of humpback whales approached and ‘mugged’ a whale-watching vessel off the pristine shores of the Gold Coast. The encounter left passengers and crew captivated by the whales approach to the vessel.
Imagine the excitement of stumbling upon an alien craft in your own backyard – that’s how especially curious whales might feel when they see a boat in their territory.
The term ‘mugging’ describes the behaviour of whales that approach boats. This behavior is most commonly associated with humpback whales, renowned for their playful and interactive nature. Mugging is characterised by the whales circling around and popping their head out of the water (also known as spy-hopping) close to the vessel, creating a surreal experience for those on board.
Whales can spend a lot of time hanging out with vessels. Last year, Sea World Cruises’ premiere whale watching vessel, Spirit of Migaloo II, was ‘trapped’ by three humpbacks who did not want the boat to leave. The trio spent over an hour with the vessel, much to the delight of the passengers on board. Due to whale watching regulations, the vessel was immobilised until the whales decided to wave goodbye and continue on their migratory journey.
Whale experts suggest that the reasons behind humpback whales approaching boats can be for many reasons. One primary factor is their natural curiosity, Humpback whales are highly intelligent creatures with complex social structures, and they are known for their inquisitive and interactive behaviors. They perceive the world around them through various senses, including their great eyesight and echolocation abilities. When a boat enters their environment, it emits unique sounds, vibrations, and movements that pique their interest.
The Gold Coast Bay offers warm and sheltered waters, a perfect place to rest and play before their huge swim back to the cooler waters of Antarctica. Mugging behaviour can be observed throughout the season but is more common in the second half of the migration when the whales take more time to rest in the region.
Whale Watching Cruises depart up to seven times daily from Sea World Cruises Terminal at Sea World in Main Beach. For more information, visit seaworldcruises.com.au.
