Humpacks, Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and More
What comes to mind when you think of “giants of the sea?” Perhaps massive creatures with unique shapes that seem otherworldly.
These gentle giants are among the largest animals on Earth and encountering them underwater is an unforgettable experience.
They may be among the biggest creatures in the ocean, yet they are also some of the friendliest. For example, the blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on our planet, yet they have a calm, peaceful, and serene disposition. Whales, like most ocean creatures, don’t find humans appetizing.
A whale’s throat is about the size of a basketball, but it can stretch larger to accommodate a hearty lunch of krill.
You may assume that these giants are slow swimmers. While they appear to cruise at a leisurely pace from a boat or plane, trying to keep up with them is a different story. Their large tail flukes generate immense power, and they can swim at speeds between 15 and 40 mph—impressive for such massive creatures.
Curious Whale Behavior
Whales display fascinating behaviors, many of which involve communication and social interaction. Some of the most common behaviors include breaching, blowing, spy-hopping, tail slapping, and more.
Breaching:
Breaching occurs when a whale lunges out of the water, often creating a splash heard from miles away. This behavior is thought to serve as communication and may also help whales remove parasites.
Blowing:
A whale forcefully exhales through its blowhole, creating a mist. This behavior helps identify different whale species and is a way for whales to breathe.
Spyhopping:
Spyhopping happens when a whale rises vertically out of the water to observe its surroundings. Whales don’t have sharp vision but rely on echolocation to navigate, as their sight is believed to be limited to shades of blue and green.
Tail Slapping:
Whales use their powerful tails to slap the surface of the water, creating a loud splash. This may serve as a form of communication or a defensive maneuver.
Flipper Slapping:
When humpback whales slap their tails on the water, they may be concentrating prey for easier feeding.
Bubble Net Feeding:
This highly synchronized behavior involves one whale creating a “bubble net” underwater to concentrate prey, which other whales then feed on.
The Giants of the Ocean
Let’s look at a few of the most notable ocean giants, starting with the largest of them all.
Blue Whales:
Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth, growing up to 100 feet long and weighing over 200 tons. They are endangered, with an estimated 15,000 individuals left in the wild. A newborn blue whale is already 23 feet long and weighs about 5,000 pounds. Their tongue alone weighs as much as an elephant! Blue whales can be found in all oceans except the Arctic, with Antarctic blue whales being larger than those in warmer waters. These whales spend summers in polar waters, feeding on krill, before migrating south to breed and give birth in the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Humpback Whales:
A bit smaller than blue whales, humpbacks can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh 40 tons. Humpbacks were once endangered but have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. They are known for their long flippers (up to 15 feet) and their complex songs. These whales can be found in oceans worldwide, most notably in Alaska during summer, where they feed before migrating to warmer tropical waters like Hawaii and the Gulf of California for breeding and calving.
Manta Rays:
Manta rays, with wingspans of up to 30 feet, are common in places like Hawaii and Socorro, Mexico. The largest manta ray ever recorded weighed 5,300 pounds. These graceful creatures are now classified as threatened. Manta rays have large cephalic fins (called “horns”) that they use for feeding. When not feeding, these horns are rolled up, which is why they are called “horns.”
Whale Sharks:
The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, growing up to 60 feet long and weighing as much as 21 tons. Despite being sharks, whale sharks are filter feeders. They can live over 100 years and reach maturity around 30 years. Whale sharks can be found in tropical and warm temperate seas worldwide, including the Atlantic, Caribbean, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. You can find these gentle giants off the coast of Honduras and Mexico, where they are often observed by divers.
Great White Sharks:
Great white sharks, though fearsome, are fascinating creatures. They are found off the coast of Australia and Guadalupe Island, Mexico, where cage diving provides an up-close encounter. Diventures partners with Fins Attached NGO to offer these thrilling experiences.
Orca (Killer Whale):
Despite their nickname, orcas are not whales but they are the largest dolphin family members. Orcas have a fearsome reputation, but they are not a threat to humans in the wild. They are powerful predators and should be respected. Orcas can be found in every ocean, especially in colder waters like Alaska, Norway, and Antarctica, and offer exhilarating sightings for divers.
Other Notable Giants
There are a few other giants worth mentioning, though they aren’t necessarily gentle.
Crocodiles:
Nile and saltwater crocodiles can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh more than 2,200 pounds. They have some of the strongest bite forces in the animal kingdom, and while they’re fascinating to observe, it’s best to do so from the safety of a large boat.
Polar Bears:
Polar bears, found in Arctic regions, can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. They are not filter feeders and are powerful predators, so it’s wise to observe them from a safe distance, ideally from a boat.
The Anaconda:
Anacondas, the largest snakes in the world, can grow up to 28 feet long and weigh over 500 pounds. They are constrictors with tremendous crushing strength. To safely observe anacondas, it’s best to travel with a knowledgeable guide.
The ocean is home to many awe-inspiring giants. Whether you’re swimming with humpback whales, diving with manta rays, or encountering a great white shark, the world’s oceans offer thrilling and unforgettable experiences. Life is short, so take the opportunity to explore these majestic creatures. Diventures is here to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you’re a diver or a curious traveler, the experts at Diventures can guide you to unforgettable experiences. Email travel for more details!
