Jumping for Joy! Migrating Humpback Whales Breach In Indian Ocean

By Amanda Stringfellow @Amanda_L_S

A HUMPBACK whale waves its fin at a stunned photographer as it breaches in the Indian Ocean

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Breathtaking: the leviathan splashes into the water

The friendly giant was one of a frolicking pod who were migrating from Antarctica to the waters of Saint Marie in Madagascar.

The majestic creatures travelled for more than 5,000 kilometres to reach the warm waters where photographer Paolo Torchio captured their incredible display.

Head First: a breaching whale emerges from the sea

During the migration period the whales are unable to feed as their diet, krill, is not available in the warm Indian Ocean.

Photographer Paolo Torchio caught up with the pod in Saint Marie, Madagascar

Adult humpback whales range between 12 to 16 metres long and can weigh upwards of 35 tonnes.

A migrating whale plunges back into the Indian Ocean

The pod breach out of the water with spectacular jumps - combined with tail and fin slapping to communicate with each other.

An incredible tail: the ocean giant splashes back into the water

The wildlife photographer from Nairobi, Kenya, said: “Until you see with your eyes one of those enormous animals breaching in front of your boat - you can’t really imagine what you are going to see.

The majestic creatures travelled for more than 5000 kilometers to reach the warm Madagascar waters

“The immense power that the whale is showing during those jumps out of the water is unimaginable and unforgettable.

The pod breach out of the water with spectacular jumps - combined with tail and fin slapping to communicate with each other

“Taking pictures was a real challenge because of the endless rolling of the speedboat, and because you don’t know exactly when the whale will breach, but it was a very exciting exercise and a very emotional moment.”