Breaching Humpback Whales and Sea Lions Just Outside the Harbor

Surface-active humpback whales greeted us almost immediately after clearing the harbor mouth during our afternoon trip aboard Sanctuary. We observed fifteen humpbacks exhibiting energetic surface behaviors, including repeated breaches and forceful chin slaps, just outside the harbor entrance.

Chin slapping and breaching are prominent surface display behaviors often observed when whales are in close proximity to one another or moving through dynamic coastal waters. While the exact motivation for these displays can vary—ranging from acoustic signaling and social interaction to dislodging surface parasites—the physical impact produces a sharp sound that travels effectively both above and below the water.

Conditions across the bay were calm with a light chop, supported by a mild west-southwest breeze of 5.8 knots and air temperatures near 60°F. Working the same nearshore area alongside the humpbacks were fifty California sea lions scattered throughout the surface waters.

Observing such vigorous activity so close to shore offers a clear window into the daily movement and social dynamics of Monterey Bay's summer whale population.