In common with other rorquals (baleen whales with throat grooves), Humpback whales exhibit a range of behaviours, including tail slapping, spyhopping, porpoising, breaching and pectoral slapping.

The exact meaning of this behaviour is still not fully understood, but behaviour such as breaching may involve demonstrations to other whales to indicate territory or dominance.  Behaviour such as lobtailing may be used to school fish into tighter shoals for feeding.  Whales also appear to have a good sense of play.

Diving

Humpbacks often exhibit a tail display as they prepare for a deep dive.

Surfacing

Swimming near the surface with blowhole exposed.

Spyhopping

The whale elevates its head from the water to look above the surface.

Breaching

The exact meaning of breaching is unclear, but may serve several purposes,  including dislodging barnacles, as a threat display, as a means of alerting other whales to their presence and for play.  There are both forward and backwards breaches, and the body may leave the water entirely or not.