They can be noisy things at times

For most of the times if you are lucky enough to interact with these majestic and graceful giants of the ocean then you are greeted with slow moving animals that simply break the surface to breathe before diving in search of food. However, from time to time you are beyond ecstatic to witness them launch their 30 + tonne bodies out of the water and landing with an insanely loud BOOM.

Now, each surface behaviour is by no means a clear correlation to what their current feeling or behaviour is, which can mean numerous things depending on how their breach the surface. For example, the photo below is a nice indication that this particular humpback is being somewhat territorial to that particular area. For what reason though? Well, this behaviour is what we refer to as 'chinslapping', which creates a sonic boom of a noise that can be almost deafening. To say the least, you stop with widening eyes and pay attention to that individual. Due to their elastic tissue under their jaw the sound is well.. noisy and can be heard quite a distance away above the surface of the water.

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