Humpback whales are found in oceans and seas around the world, generally in temperate and tropical waters. They are highly migratory and undertake long-distance migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. Some of the common areas where humpback whales can be found include:
- North Atlantic: During the summer months, humpback whales can be found feeding in areas such as the Gulf of Maine, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Iceland, Greenland, and Norway. They migrate to the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the coast of Africa for breeding during the winter.
- North Pacific: In the summer, humpback whales feed in areas like the Gulf of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands, and the waters off British Columbia. They migrate to breeding grounds in places like Hawaii, Mexico (particularly Baja California), and Japan during the winter.
- Southern Hemisphere: Humpback whales in the southern hemisphere generally feed in Antarctic waters during the summer and migrate to warmer waters near the equator, such as the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America, for breeding during the winter.
- Other Regions: Humpback whales are also found in other regions such as the Indian Ocean, where they migrate between feeding areas near Antarctica and breeding grounds in places like Madagascar and the Arabian Sea.
These migratory patterns may vary slightly among populations, and some humpback whales may also be found in less common areas or may stray from typical migration routes.