Humpback whale makes a splash off Encounter Bay as migration season begins

Whale season is officially underway in SA, with a humpback seen playing as it passes through Encounter Bay. Here’s where you ‘orca’ be to see them yourself.

Humpback whales have been spotted frolicking off the South Australian coast as the creatures of the deep set out on their yearly migration north.

Andrew Chuck was at The Bluff on Friday when he photographed a humpback breaching about 1km offshore.

His images and the distance from which they were taken reiterate the size of the mammals.

The Department for Environment and Water says southern right whales are the most common whales spotted in South Australian waters – which are distinctive for their barnacle clusters.

Humpback whales are regarded as playful and, when passing through, are frequently seen breaching.

A humpback whale passes through Encounter Bay. The images were taken from The Bluff at a distance of approximately 1km. Picture: Andrew Chuck

A humpback whale breaches off Encounter Bay. Picture: Andrew Chuck

Their sighting marks their first return for more than a year, with few seen in 2023 in the Encounter Bay and Victor Harbor area.

Sue McKay from the Victor Harbor Visitor Information Centre said whale season was typically May to October, but some had been seen as early as April this year.

The Department for Environment states June and September are the whale watching season’s busier times, when southern right whales mate, give birth and nurse their young.

Toothed whales such as sperm whales, pilot whales and orcas are around, but are usually found further offshore.

The world’s largest animal, the blue whale, feeds offshore in the upwelling zones near Kangaroo Island and the Bonney Coast.

Other recommended vantage points to see the whales include Head of Bight at Nullarbor, Fowlers Bay Conservation Park, and Sleaford Bay.

Originally published as Humpback whale makes a splash off Encounter Bay as migration season begins