Mammals · La Saladita, Guerrero

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Spanish: Ballena jorobada

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale. One of the larger rorqual species, adults range in length from 12–16 m (39–52 ft) and weigh about 36,000 kg (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is known for breaching and other distinctive surface behaviors, making it popular with whale watchers. Males produce a complex song lasting 10 to 20 minutes, which they repeat for hours at...

TaxonomyMammalia › Artiodactyla › Balaenopteridae

Local records28 research-grade observations within about 50 km of La Saladita (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones)

Global records42,042 on iNaturalist

Most recent records2025 – 2026

Months of the 8 most recent records

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Recent local sightings

2026-03-12 — observation by fer_alvarado
2026-03-01 — observation by soulbiol
2026-02-11 — observation by axymoron
2026-02-01 — observation by leo_ponce98
2025-12-14 — observation by scottveirs
2025-12-14 — observation by scottveirs

Interactive card with more photos, sounds and similar species Mammals guide iNaturalist Wikipedia

Cite as: “Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) at La Saladita”, La Saladita Field Guide, lasaladita.com/species/megaptera-novaeangliae/, updated 2026-10-18. Observation counts and months come from iNaturalist research-grade records within about 50 km of 17.8375°N, 101.7606°W (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones); summary text from Wikipedia where present.