A long journey to Samana

Far North Caribbean
Our friends, humpback whales are prepared to leave the cold waters of the far north, and so make an extraordinary journey. Some are already “underway”.

Every year, several thousands that come in the warm, calm waters of the Caribbean, to mate or give birth. so they come in Samana Bay, considered one of the best places in the world to observe, between mid-January and late March.

Humpback whales are part of the great whales. Measuring fifteen meters long and weigh 40 tons on average.

marine mammals, they breathe air and, to this end, regularly rise to the surface. Remain in apnea twenty minutes (on average), but they can stay underwater for up to forty minutes.

After the long journey they perform and during which no feed, spend part of winter in our region, still without eating. So they will lose the fifth of its weight.

Why come to give birth to her little around here?

Simply because the calf at birth, have a layer of fat too thin to withstand the cold waters. When born, it is between 3.50 and 5 meters, and weighs a ton. Then form a greasy layer protective and gain enough strength to keep his mother for the return journey, it will consume daily, about 200 liters of breast milk … This milk is very rich and very nutritious, the ‘small’ it will take 45 kilos a day!

It is a real pleasure and a great thrill to see Mother playing with her offspring.

In this regard, the whale has only one small and this, every 2 years. The gestation period is 11 to 12 months. Well it come to give birth to her baby to the place where he conceived! Although rare, it sometimes happens that some are coupled during the same season that labor …

Humpbacks, songs and rivalry

As for the males … In order to seduce females, they sing and jump out of the water. Whales that have a highly developed ear (its main sense) can hear the song up to 35 Km.!

The rivalry between these gentlemen is important, and do not hesitate to fight for a cute female. ‘The maximum “gallant” that were observed behind a fertile female was 25! ! ! (Whao! …)

At the end of your stay in the region again travel to the far north where they will eventually feed. It is what is called the feeding season. Every day, they are given a ton of “krill” kind of small shrimp and small fish. They have no teeth but have species of large knives that were used before the birth of plastic for the manufacture of umbrellas and corsets.

Fortunately, whale watching (whale-watching) is regulated. For this reason, and in order to follow these rules on respect for these wonderful animals, and also for safety reason, go only with recognized bodies and have the necessary authorizations.

We wish an excellent trip to the whales and we look forward to!