South Africa’s oceans are alive with incredible news!!! Humpback whales have skyrocketed in numbers, making this season one for the record books!
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 March 2025) – South Africa’s oceanic giants have delivered some truly spectacular news! Whale Expedition SA has just shared their latest findings, and the numbers are nothing short of extraordinary.
The 2024/25 season has seen a staggering increase in Humpback whale sightings, signalling a remarkable resurgence for these marine marvels.
With over 1,100 Humpback whales identified in this season’s Super Group gatherings, the figures are nothing short of extraordinary and a cause for celebration. Whale Expedition SA alone recorded an impressive 635 individual humpbacks, a remarkable leap from previous seasons. The standout moment came on 20th February, when a breathtaking 115 whales were identified in a single day, a sight that reinforced the growing strength of these populations. Among the many unforgettable encounters, one particular whale, MN0804345, became a season highlight, spotted 11 times throughout the months and incredibly surfacing on both the first and last expedition. This extraordinary whale-watching season has not only provided valuable insights into humpback populations but also reaffirmed the incredible resurgence of these ocean giants.
But the most astonishing comparison? In the 2023/24 season, the team counted 211 individuals. This year, they’ve tripled that number!
“Confirming, for sure – that the past few months have been INSANE, and a great sign of Humpback whale populations returning to their former glory,” the team shared.
Whales are far more than just majestic ocean giants; they are essential to the health of our planet. Often called the engineers of the ocean, their presence shapes marine ecosystems in remarkable ways, many of which scientists are still uncovering. Their nutrient-rich waste acts as a natural fertiliser, feeding phytoplankton – tiny ocean plants that absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide, even more than rainforests, making whales unexpected but vital players in the carbon cycle. Even in death, their impact continues, as their massive bodies sink to the ocean floor, creating a “whale fall” that sustains deep-sea life for decades. Their movements and feeding patterns also regulate prey populations, helping to maintain the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Beyond their ecological role, whales contribute to human economies and conservation efforts. South Africa’s thriving whale populations attract visitors from across the globe, driving eco-tourism, creating jobs and inspiring greater awareness about protecting our oceans.
Once pushed to the brink by whaling, Humpback populations have been slowly recovering thanks to global protection laws and conservation efforts. Seeing their numbers not just stabilise, but grow, is proof that nature is resilient when given the chance. Every splash, breach, and tail slap tells a story of survival, reminding us that positive change is possible.
Whale Expedition SA operates along South Africa’s Cape West Coast, one of the world’s prime feeding grounds for Humpback Whale ‘Super Groups’. Their private and small-group expeditions offer a front-row seat to this breathtaking spectacle—one that is now more awe-inspiring than ever.
With more whales in our oceans, healthier marine ecosystems, and a thriving conservation movement, this isn’t just good news… it’s whale-sized good news!
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