Which whales live in antarctica

All Antarctic whale species migrate long distances, feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich Southern Oceans during the southern summer then heading to warmer northern waters to breed and give birth to their young during the winter months. Apart from the Orca or Killer Whale, these are all baleen species which feed on the rich krill small prawn like animals concentrations present in the summer.

In contrast, the Orca is a toothed whale and ruthless hunter, feeding on fish, seals and even other juvenile or small whales. These whales often travel in packs or pods and are known to chase and herd their prey which is then consumed by pack members. Some whale species, such as the Blue, travel alone whilst others also swim in large social groups or pods, for instance it is not uncommon to come across a pod of upwards of twenty-five humpbacks during the krill season.

Whale watching opportunities are therefore plenty on an Antarctic holiday, especially chances to see Humpback Whales and Orcas, both of which travel in pods. The first sighting is likely to be a whale blowing and then perhaps the fluke or tail of a Humpback as it dives. Nothing compares, however, to the display of a whale breaching, hurling two thirds of its body out of the water in a cloud of spray and then falling back into the sea — whale watching at its best!

Whales can be found throughout Antarctica across the whole Antarctica cruise season late October to March , however February and March are the optimal times for peak sightings. This is partly due to the fact that at this time of year the whales tend to gather together in large pods in preparation for beginning their migration north, meaning that observations of large groups at one time are very highly likely. The truly magical sight of hundreds of spouts of water projected into the air in unison from these majestic animals is a spectacle you are unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Travelling to Antarctica in February and March also means that you may well be able to snap up an Antarctica cruise at a lower price than you would during the high season of December to January. But it is not just whales that will be seen on your Antarctic adventure; the seas there are rich in other cetaceans. Most visitors are unaware of the distinction before travelling to Antarctica but soon become enthusiastic about dolphins too when whale watching in Antarctica.

Toggle navigation. Adventure Last minute Small ship cruising Wildlife. Whale watching in Antarctica Whale watching in Antarctica is an incredible opportunity to observe these enormous marine mammals against one of the world's most breathtaking backdrops - with towering blue icebergs, Antarctic mountains and endless black seas swirling around.

This rapid weight gain is necessary, of course, as the young whale needs the energy to swim many thousands of miles to the Polar Regions, and the blubber to survive in the icy conditions. These waters are rich in krill, the tiny food source which sustains these marine giants, the largest animal that has ever lived.

The legacy of whaling. Unfortunately, the thick layer of blubber that keeps all whale species alive is also what once nearly killed them. In the summer season of alone, 29, blue whales were killed in the Antarctic waters. The bounties were high, and whalers braved the harsh polar conditions and dangers of whaling in pursuit of the whales. Humpback whales also demonstrate intricate mating calls, having a longer and more complex form of song than most other whales in Antarctica.

You can find more details about this Antarctic whale at our humpback whale page. The orcas you might see on your cruise are famed among the whales of Antarctica, known for their distinct black and white coloring. Despite their name, killer whales are particularly family oriented and social.

Some orcas have been known to stay with their mothers their entire lives. They sometimes also make friends with seals they often see, only attacking unfamiliar seals found along their hunting routes.

Our orca whale page expands even further on this fascinating Antarctic whale. These well-known whales can weigh up to 10 tons, though the average adult weighs around seven. This might seem enormous and it is , but in fact, fins are among the smallest species of baleen whales in Antarctica. And if you thought fin whales were loud, you may be interested to know that a minke's call can spike over dB. That's equivalent to a really loud rock concert. Please see our minke whale wildlife page for more interesting details.

These Antarctic whales were chosen because they are slow swimmers, float when dead, and are found closer to shore than many other whales in Antarctica. The crusty-looking formations on their heads are calluses that play host to barnacles, lice, and worms.

You can learn more about this Antarctic whale at our right whale page. When they need to, they can burst up to speeds of 80 kph 50 mph for short distances, making them one of the fastest cetaceans in the seas. Sei whales are relatively shallow divers, preferring to stay near the surface. That makes them easier to spot than some of the deeper-diving whales of Antarctica.

However, they tend to prefer warmer waters, so we do not see them as often as other Antarctic whales. Our sei whale page will tell you more about this wonderful species. The sperm whales you might see on an Antarctic trip are usually going to be males, since female sperm whales prefer to remain farther north. These Antarctic whales dive deeper and longer than any other whale - as far down as 2 km 1. They can stay underwater for up to two hours in search of giant squid.

They produce one of the loudest calls of all Antarctic whales, once being recorded at dB. Head over to our sperm whale page for more info on these amazing whales. Though all the species mentioned here can also be seen in the Arctic, your trip to Antarctica will provide you some of the best whale-watching opportunities in all of the polar regions. This is why we offer a wide range of Antarctic whale-watching trips oriented around bringing you to best cetacean-spotting spots on the planet.