Gigantic humpback whale rises beside mesmerized swimmer in Tonga
Gigantic humpback whale rises beside mesmerized swimmer in Tonga

Humpback whales are beautiful creatures.

They are immense animals, larger than anything that has ever lived on earth, with the exception of a few larger whale species.

They never leave the water, but they breath air, using a vent hole in the top of their heads.

Humpbacks can hold their breath for long periods of time, resting on the ocean bottom and surfacing for a breath or two approximately every 11-12 minutes.