Diving with Humpback Whales

The Masters of Acrobatics

Humpback Whales are the greatest acrobats and singers among all the whales. They enjoy breeching, propelling their massive bodies out of the water and falling back in with a huge splash, slapping the water’s surface with their fins, and spyhopping. In addition to the sporty performances of these animals, their singing talent is second to none. One of the most magical moments that can be experienced by any scuba diver is to actually listen to the beautiful symphony of humpback whales while diving underwater. Their songs are very unique because they consist of complex, individual stanzas that repeat themselves. Humpback calves are even known to “whisper” to their mothers.

The humpback whale is named after the special way its back curves, forming a hump, during its descent into deeper waters. Characteristic of these animals are their long flippers and the striking fluke with which the whale often slaps on the surface of the sea. The approximately 15-meter-long mammals are not shy to humans, which makes scuba diving with humpback whales even more remarkable. Seeing these active whales swimming and playing is an amazing experience that will never be forgotten. They make extensive seasonal migrations from nutrient rich polar feeding grounds in the summer to the warm waters of Hawaii and Mexico in the winter. Find out where you can find these fantastic singers here.

Dive Sites with this Animal View more on map

★★★★★ Historic Dive Wreck Clan Mc William

MUST DO Dive in Vava’u! 127m long steel copra freighter, caught fire and sunk on Christmas Day 1927 in the perfectly protected Neiafu Harbour, in Koko Bay. She lays approx 350m straight in front of Dive Center. Due to it’s depth it is recommended to explore her in 2 dives PLUS Night Dive here is a MUST!

★★★★☆ Los Arcos National Park

Los Arcos National Park is one of the most popular places to dive in Puerto Vallarta. Nestled in a cluster of granite islands in the southern part of Banderas Bay, this dynamic underwater world is full of places to explore like El Bajo and Devil’s Canyon. There’s lots of marine life to explore as well.

★★★★☆ South Sands

South Sands consists of a large sand patch surrounded by reef structure. Maximum depth is 14m with an average depth of 11m. This is the perfect dive site to spot large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks.

★★★★☆ Flat Rock - Shark Alley

A deeper site for advanced divers, Shark Alley is a seasonal aggregation zone for endangered Grey Nurse (sand tiger) sharks. Being further out to sea, it is also a great place to see whales and other large pelagic marine life. Max depth is 28m with the reef rising to 12m on either side of the alley.

★★★★☆ Cathedral

Cathedral is one of the most popular and impressive dive sites to visit on Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 27m with 18m on top of Cathedral. Both big and small aquatic beauties decorate this unique reef structure.

★★★★☆ Chunnel

This is a dive site for everyone, it has three main features – a pinnacle that spirals rapidly up towards the surface, an overhang that provides a sheltered hiding place for many of the shoal’s shier residents, and the famous Chunnel Cave.