Whales & dolphins

Roaming the oceans far and wide, dozens of species of whales and dolphins travel through the Coral Sea Marine Park on their way to distant locations.

For migrating humpback whales, the Coral Sea is also an important meeting location for breeding and calving.

Its tropical waters act as a comforting blanket for baby whales, which are born without enough protective blubber to keep them warm in their Antarctic feeding grounds.

Did you know?

• 5000 kilometres is the average humpback whale migration — among the world’s longest mammal journeys.
• 28+ species of whales and dolphins are known to visit the Coral Sea.
• Sperm whales dive more thank to feed on mysterious deep-water squid at the bottom of the ocean.

When to spot whales and dolphins in the Coral Sea

• June and July – dwarf minke whales. On some expeditions you can even float alongside them, waiting for the curious whales to come and check you out.
• June, July and August – humpback whales travelling north to meet up in their breeding grounds.
• October to December – toothed whales congregating with spawning groups of black marlin.

“Dwarf minkes are highly inquisitive and often approach snorkellers and divers to within close distances, sometimes interacting for extended periods.”
~ Minke Whale Project ~

Literally breathtaking

Although they swim like fish and easily complete 30-minute dives, whales and dolphins are mammals and need to breathe air.

They can’t breathe while asleep, so staying alive means keeping part of their brain awake at all times.

This allows them to concentrate on not drowning while still getting some much-needed rest.

The predators

Dolphins, porpoises and other toothed whales hunt fish, seals, sea lions and even fellow whales and dolphins. They’re quite sociable and often gather in large pods.