What To Know
- The sighting of a humpback whale off the coast of Florida is an event as rare as it is incredible.
- “I caught something out of the corner of my eye—a splash that looked literally like a bus crashing into the water,” recounted one boater.
- With an average length of 46 feet and weighing up to 66,000 pounds, seeing such a behemoth in just 60 feet of water was surreal.
The sighting of a humpback whale off the coast of Florida is an event as rare as it is incredible. Two boaters had the chance to witness this unforgettable spectacle. Why are humpback whales so rarely seen in these waters?
an unexpected sighting
On April 18, two boaters observed a magnificent humpback whale near Palm Beach, Florida. This majestic creature, measuring around 46 feet, was spotted in waters only about 60 feet deep.
the surprise of a lifetime
The duo were fishing near the Jupiter Inlet when they noticed something extraordinary. The area, known for its natural opening through barrier islands of Martin and Palm Beach counties, became the stage for an unexpected encounter.
“I caught something out of the corner of my eye—a splash that looked literally like a bus crashing into the water,” recounted one boater. “It was the biggest splash I’ve ever seen in my life on a boat.” The men decided to approach the site of the splash, stunned by what they saw next.
a giant beneath shallow waters
The massive creature was none other than a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), one of Earth‘s largest cetaceans. With an average length of 46 feet and weighing up to 66,000 pounds, seeing such a behemoth in just 60 feet of water was surreal.
- The boaters quickly shared images with friends and family.
- Their loved ones were reportedly “freaking out” at the sight.
migration paths lead to rare encounters
This close-to-shore appearance is indeed unusual but can occur during the annual migration period. Humpback whales travel each year from the North Atlantic to warmer Caribbean waters for breeding and birthing purposes.
witnessing nature’s marvel firsthand
Shelby Loos, marine life conservation director at Coastal Stewards, explained that whale migrations typically occur from December through April. While sightings off Florida’s coast are possible, they rarely venture so close to shore.
- Occasionally, one or two whales stray closer than usual during migration.
- This allows for rare glimpses by boaters and coastal observers.
a memory etched in time
The two boaters captured breathtaking footage of their marine visitor. Reflecting on years spent at sea, they both agreed: nothing compares to this extraordinary moment.
