Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Brazil is experiencing one of its most vibrant whale seasons to date, with thousands of majestic marine mammals arriving earlier than expected along its extensive coastline. From the tropical waters of Bahia to the colder coves of Santa Catarina, the return of humpback and southern right whales in 2025 is unfolding as both a natural spectacle and a conservation milestone.

Each year, these whales journey thousands of kilometers from the freezing depths of Antarctica to the warmth of Brazilian seas—seeking safe havens to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. This ancient migratory ritual is not only a marvel of nature but also a growing driver of tourism, education, and environmental stewardship in coastal communities.

The (baleia jubarte) is one of the most recognizable and celebrated species in Brazilian marine life. Known for their athletic breaches, loud vocalizations, and long pectoral fins, they captivate all who see them. Once endangered, the species has made a powerful comeback, and in 2025, their numbers continue to rise.

An estimated are now believed to migrate along Brazil’s coastline, according to the latest aerial surveys conducted by the . This year’s early arrivals signal a potentially record-breaking season.

On Brazil’s southeastern coast, the cities of , and are experiencing a lively start to the whale season, which officially runs from .

Unusually, whales were spotted as early as in São Sebastião and in Ilhabela. By , more than had already been recorded—suggesting this season may exceed 2024’s total of 561 sightings and possibly approach the 2023 record of 786.

The has played a key role in tracking and documenting this seasonal movement. With to date through photo identification, their data supports conservation strategies and sustainable tourism practices across the region.

With over expected to visit during the season, the economic benefits are equally impressive. Local businesses anticipate revenues of more than through whale tours, accommodations, and related services. Certified operators in Caraguatatuba and trained guides in Ilhabela ensure that these encounters remain both safe and respectful.

The northeastern state of remains the heart of the South Atlantic’s humpback breeding grounds. The area surrounding the and offers optimal conditions for whales to mate, calve, and care for their young.

The whale-watching season in Bahia runs from , with peak activity in . At , the hosts educational programs and boat tours, helping visitors witness these giants in a responsible and informative setting.

In , has earned a reputation as Brazil’s top destination for . With breathtaking views from and , tourists can spot humpbacks breaching just offshore—no boat required.

The 2025 whale season launched here on with a festive opening event that featured educational exhibits, guest lectures, and a that let children explore marine anatomy up close.

Sightings in Arraial typically run from , peaking during the southern winter months. The area is also known for dolphin activity, adding to the richness of the wildlife experience.

While humpbacks dominate the tropical and subtropical zones, (Eubalaena australis) prefer the cooler waters of southern Brazil—particularly along the coast of .

Designated as a key calving area, the southern coast sees these endangered whales return from Antarctic feeding grounds to give birth and nurse their calves. Their season normally runs from , but 2025 brought early excitement: near , , and Garopaba.

These whales, identified as B743 and B871, were previously recorded in 2016 and 2021 by the Franca Austral Project (ProFRANCA). In 2024, aerial surveys between Cidreira (Rio Grande do Sul) and Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) recorded 216 individuals, nearly all mother-calf pairs.

Their early return highlights the importance of increased protective measures, including regulating boat speeds and banning drone use near whale zones during critical months.

With growing interest in whale tourism, Brazil enforces strict regulations to ensure minimal human impact:

These guidelines not only protect marine life but also ensure that future generations can continue to experience Brazil’s whale magic.

Brazil’s 2025 whale season is more than an annual migration—it is a shared celebration of life, resilience, and environmental cooperation. From the joyful leaps of a humpback in Ilhabela to the tender moments between a mother right whale and her calf in Santa Catarina, these encounters remind us of nature’s fragility and its power.

As Brazil’s coastlines echo once more with the songs of the sea, the country reaffirms its place as a global leader in marine conservation, sustainable ecotourism, and the protection of one of Earth’s most majestic migrations.