Copulation usually takes place under the water and is rarely observed by people. In general, whales are polygamous, and many males may mate with one female. Courtship varies from species to species. In many of the toothed whales, the males gather harems together during the mating season. After the mating season is over, the males go off alone, and the females remain together.
Larger groups offer better protection for the young calves.
Less is known of the mating behavior of baleen whales. Right whales have been observed in courting groups in the Bay of Fundy. In these 'rowdy groups' as they have been dubbed, many males attempt to mate with a single female. Humpback courtship involves a great deal of stroking and body contact and takes place in the warmer waters of the Caribbean. We know practically nothing about the courtship and mating behavior of minke, finback, sei and blue whales.