If you watch this video you may think the Humpback Whale chases the dolphin around the ocean relentlessly. But this is how a video can be taken out of context very quickly. I was lucky enough to be the person who filmed this incredible encounter and would love to share my behind the scene info!
Read to the end to watch the video!
Does this occur naturally?

Yes, yes it does. I had just hopped in off the boat and was floating around when a big group of dolphins passed by. They were making such melodious sounds and darting around playfully. The group started getting sparser and I naturally assumed most of the pod had past. But I was wrong!
What happened next knocked my socks off!

Next second, a giant Humpback whale appeared and passed by underneath me! Giving me the fright of my life! I remained calm and turned on my GoPro and waited patiently to see if any more were coming my way… A dolphin appeared but instead of darting around playing like usual, this one was once gracefully in a line. Then the whale appeared just after it!
Why do they do this?

Dolphins love riding waves. They have been spotted surfing along with the surfers in the waves. They love riding bow waves off the front of boat and playing in the wake behind boats. Dolphins never give up a chance at a free ride! This is the same thing! As the whale thrusts itself forward through the water, it creates a push of water forward as well. The dolphin was skillfully riding this underwater wave, cruising along with its friend.
Let’s explore the physical features of the humpback whale to understand them further…
Size

Humpback whales are large marine mammals. They reach lengths of 40-50 feet and weigh up to 40 tons.
Coloration

Their bodies are dark gray or black with distinctive white patches on their bellies and flippers.
Dorsal Fin

The humpback whale has a small, hooked dorsal fin. It is located about two-thirds of the way back on its body.

Pectoral Fins

Humpback whales have long, wing-like pectoral fins that can reach up to 15 feet. This is nearly one-third of their body length!

Fluke

The tail fluke is broad and flat. It has a unique pattern of notches and coloration on the underside.

Image by Jen Fitschen.
Baleen Plates

Inside their mouths, humpback whales have baleen plates made of keratin These are used to filter small fish and krill from the water.

Head

The head of a humpback whale is flat and covered with knob-like protuberances called tubercles.
Blowhole

It is located on top of their heads. Additionally the blowhole is used for breathing and can create a powerful spout of water when exhaling!
Throat Grooves

Whale Watching on the Dos Osos Sub Sea Tours 34Õ boat http://www.subseatours.com/ 805-772-WIND, 29 July 2010, Morro Bay, CA. Blog: http://whalewatchingsst.blogspot.com/2010/07/rouvaishyanas-log.html Crew: Owner & Captain Kevin Winfield; first-mate Ryan. We saw about four Blue Whales and Dozens of Humpbacks, some very close to the boat.
Photo by ÒMikeÓ Michael L. Baird, mike {at] mikebaird d o t com, flickr.bairdphotos.com, Canon 1D Mark III, Canon 300mm f/2.8 with with Canon EF 1.4X II Extender Telephoto Accessory, Circular Polarizer, handheld, RAW.
To use this photo, see access, attribution, and commenting recommendations at http://www.flickr.com/people/mikebaird/#credit – Please add comments/notes/tags to add to or correct information, identification, etc. Please, no comments or invites with badges, images, multiple invites, award levels, flashing icons, or award/post rules. Critique invited.
Keywords: subseatours,morro bay,whale,whales,whale watching,ocean, whale, 29july2010,
Blue Whale,Balaenoptera musculus
Humpback whales have 14-35 throat grooves that expand when feeding.
Eyes

Their eyes are small, positioned just above the corners of their mouths.
Skin

The skin of a humpback whale is smooth and can be marked with scars.
Flippers

The flippers have a scalloped edge and are often covered with barnacles and other parasites.
Blubber

A thick layer of blubber insulates humpback whales, helping to regulate their body temperature in cold ocean waters.
Vocal Cords

Humpback whales are known for their complex songs, produced using vocal cords located deep within their throats.
Eyesight

While their eyesight is adapted for seeing in dim underwater conditions, it is also functional above the surface.
The Video

Be sure to listen with the sound up to hear the dolphins communicating!
Find the link to the video here.
What a sight to see! Truly, I am so grateful for the spontaneous adventures that the ocean has blessed me with. My heart will forever remain in the big blue!
Thank you for following along with me –
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