Whale sightings increase along the Brazilian coast

Whale sightings have increased significantly along the Brazilian coast, signaling a potential recovery for several species. In Rio de Janeiro, the 2026 season saw a higher volume of humpback whales, with sightings extending from April to September. For the first time in years, humpbacks were observed within Guanabara Bay, appearing near popular beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Experts note that the presence of three calves in the region and the increased proximity to the coast are consistent with species recovery.

Additionally, there has been a rise in sightings of southern right whales in the Southeast, a species typically concentrated in Southern Brazil. In Santa Catarina, a rare photographic record captured a group of four southern right whales engaging in mating behavior near Imbituba. This polyandrous reproductive strategy, where multiple males court a single female, is a key characteristic of the species during their reproductive season, which generally runs from July to November.