The ultimate Whale Watching experience: Being Mugged!

The ultimate Whale Watching experience: Being "Mugged"

The Humpback Whale migration along the east coast of Australia is a not-to-be-missed annual event, and Sydney is one of the best places to experience it!

From mid-May to November over 40,000 of these gentle giants travel over 3,500km from sub-Antarctic waters to the Great Barrier Reef and back. It's an amazing opportunity to experience a natural wonder up close.

Whales display a plethora of different behaviours from spectacular breaches to blows, peduncle throws and tail slaps. But there is one that sits above all else. One that dreams are made of. The thrill of being "mugged" by a whale!

How can you get "mugged" by a whale?

It may sound strange at first, but being mugged is one of the best things you can experience while whale watching!

A mugging occurs when a friendly or inquisitive whale swims closeby or approaches a vessel. The only option is to turn off the engines and wait until the whale passes by, hence the term "mugging". If you're lucky it might be a bit of a wait so sit tight, have those cameras at the ready and say thank you very much!

To ensure we are responsible whale watchers, many countries and regions (including Sydney) have their own regulations and guidelines to follow, and may include

• Ensuring the safety of marine life, passengers and vessels
• Maintaining a respectful and safe distance from whales, allowing them to exhibit their natural behaviors (such as feeding, resting, socialising, playing), without undue interference
• Minimising noise pollution, not approaching too quickly, and avoiding sudden or erratic maneuvers

Typical Whale Behaviours

Some of the most common whale behaviours you may observe on a Whale Watching tour include;

1. Breaching: One of the most spectacular whale behaviours is breaching, when a whale propels itself up out of the water, crashing back down (with a mighty splash). Although not yet fully understood, this may occur as a form of communication, to get a higher view of surroundings, cleaning off parasites, deterring predators, or simply for a bit of fun
2. Tail Slapping: This behavior of slapping their tail on the water's surface may serve a variety of purposes including communication and stunning prey
3. Spy Hopping: Humpbacks, orcas and other species occasionally lift their heads out of the water, taking in their surroundings and allowing a better view of what's happening above the surface
4. Social Interaction: Whales are very social animals often engaging in playful behaviours with each other - they may bump, nuzzle, or swim in close proximity, especially during mating season

For more info on whale behaviours, check out the below video with Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, renowned wildlife scientist and author who has been one of our experts onboard Captain Cook Cruises' Whale Watching cruises.

You can also catch Dr. Pirotta delivering an engaging lecture celebrating whales and the release of her new book The Humpback Highway as part of the Discover Lecture Series at Macquarie University on 14 August 2024. Register online.

Whales Species in Sydney

We're fortunate to observe several whale species along our coast;

Humpback Whales: Sydney is famous for its annual migration of humpback whales. These whales travel along the east coast of Australia, passing by Sydney, during their migration between their breeding grounds in the Great Barrier Reef and their feeding grounds in Antarctica.

Southern Right Whales: While less common than humpback whales, Southern Right Whales can also be spotted in the waters around Sydney. They are known for their distinctive callosities on their heads and are often seen during the winter months.

Orcas (Killer Whales): Occasionally, orcas are spotted off the coast of Sydney. They are known for their intelligence and hunting prowess.

Keen to catch a glimpse of these of these spectaular mammals? Check out Five of the best whale watching spots close to Sydney.

Whale Watching Cruises from Sydney

For those keen to head out on the water and experience one of nature's wonders up close, Captain Cook Cruises offer morning and afternoon Whale Watching Cruises from Circular Quay from May to November every year.

Gather the family and join us on a thrilling whale watching adventure and witness these magnificent creatures as they migrate along the coast. It's an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for these gentle giants. Or for the ultimate in animal experiences, choose a Whale Watching & Taronga Zoo package ticket.

Visit our Whale Sightings page for a summary of the amazing season we're having so far!

Whale Research, Conservation & Fun Facts

There are some great resources available online to increase your knowledge about these marvelous mammals, research and conversation projects, species guides, and also a few fun facts. Here are some of our top picks

• Whale Species Guide (Dolphin and Whale Conservation Australia)
• Whale Fun Facts (Dolphin Research Australia)
• Whales in Australia (NSW National Parks)
• Whale Protection (Australian Marine Conservation Society)
• Marine Protection & Conservation (Sea Shepherd Australia)