Whale enthusiasts in New York City are enjoying peak whale watching season, as humpback whales make their seasonal migration south along the Atlantic coast. The Rockaways in Queens have become a prime viewing spot for these majestic creatures, with multiple sightings of humpback whales spotted breaching and feeding just off the coast.
Chris St. Lawrence, a representative of Gotham Whales, an organization dedicated to documenting and conserving New York’s whale populations, confirms that the whale activity this season has been especially abundant. “We’re seeing fantastic activity out there,” St. Lawrence said, noting that the fall migration, which lasts from April to November, offers New Yorkers a rare chance to view humpbacks up close as they journey to warmer waters for the winter.
Humpbacks, which can grow up to 60 feet long, have become a common sight around New York’s waters in recent years due to conservation efforts and cleaner waters in the Atlantic. The seasonal migration brings the whales closer to the coastline, allowing visitors on whale-watching tours and residents along the shoreline to witness the spectacular scenes of whales surfacing, spouting, and sometimes breaching.
New York’s whale watching season has drawn increased interest from both locals and tourists, who can take advantage of tours departing from Brooklyn, Queens, and other parts of the city. Tour operators and conservation groups emphasize the importance of respecting whale habitats and adhering to responsible viewing practices to ensure these magnificent animals are not disturbed.
The resurgence of whales along New York’s coastlines serves as a positive sign for local marine health and highlights the city’s unique role as an urban whale-watching destination. As the migration season continues through November, New Yorkers and visitors alike have a rare opportunity to experience one of nature’s great spectacles right in their own backyard.
Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay
