Then, each winter, travels 5000 miles to the warm waters of Baja California. Whales are equipped with very powerful tails which give them ease of movement combined with delicate grace. The broad paddles of the tail are called flukes. By beating slowly, gracefully, the whale moves forward smoothly, rhythmically. Its horizontal tail is so powerful that there is no need for violent motions.
Violence is possible however when speed or defense is needed.
The slow tail is at once a weapon creating great turbulence in the water. Whales, weighing many tons, can propel their bodies clear out of the water by simply using their tails. A memorable sight occurs when a whale comes up for a look around. This is called spyhopping. The whale pushes itself up vertically until he can see above water.