A spectacular rare encounter with a humpback in the waters of the Canary Islands

Social media platforms across the Canary Islands are buzzing with excitement over the breathtaking photographs captured by Gines Díaz of a humpback whale off the coast of Alegranza, a small uninhabited island within the marine reserve of the Chinijo archipelago near Lanzarote.

It's worth noting that the humpback whale, or "yubarta" in Spanish, is one of the largest whales, with adults measuring between 12 to 16 metres in length.

Díaz managed to capture impressive images that are not very common in the area, but they showcase a wonderful juxtaposition with the volcanic island in the background.

The humpback whale, known for its displays, is considered the most acrobatic whale species. It loves to leap, with its entire body out of the water, above the ocean surface.

They are a rare sighting in the Canary Islands, possibly passing through during migrations between its breeding grounds, primarily in Cabo Verde, and feeding areas in Iceland, Newfoundland, and Norway. It is estimated that the global population of humpback whales is around 80,000 specimens.