RIO DE JANEIRO — Sightings of humpback whales off Rio de Janeiro's coast are increasing in 2026, alongside an increased demand for whale-watching excursions. New observations indicate humpback whales are increasingly being spotted in Guanabara Bay.

The rise in whale sightings follows a population increase for humpback whales globally, from approximately 2,000 to approximately 35,000 over a period of about 40 years. The current humpback whale population is close to the level observed before commercial whaling began. In 1982, the International Whaling Commission decided to pause commercial whaling on all whale species and populations, effective from the 1985/1986 season.

Enrico Marcovaldi, co-founder of the Humpback Whale Project, noted the recovery. "It's wonderful. It shows that the whales are making a recovery, are healthy and thriving, and hopefully they'll continue to do so," Marcovaldi said.

Between June and November, thousands of humpback whales migrate through Brazilian waters. These whales travel approximately 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) from their Southern Ocean feeding grounds to breeding and calving areas off northeastern Brazil. Humpback whales feed on krill and small fish in warmer months and breed in tropical waters during winter. Most humpback whales in Brazilian waters gather around the Abrolhos Bank, a coral reef region spanning the coasts of Bahia and Espirito Santo.

The Rio Ocean Club, operated by Louise Raulais and Theo Andrade, began offering sailboat trips for whale observation in 2026, accommodating five to 10 people. The club includes a biologist on board its trips to share information. Raulais said that these animals can have a transformative effect on people. "These animals are so iconic and charismatic that they have the power to transform people, to change the way they see the world," Raulais said.

The Humpback Whale Project conducted a scientific expedition from June 26 to July 9, 2026. This expedition aimed to study the whales' behavior, size, and health. Biologist Pedro Fróes was part of this expedition, which also sought to identify travel routes, key gathering areas, and measure how far offshore the whales pass. "They're exploring this area," Fróes said. He added, "They want to find out whether, in the future, it could become a place for them to rest, to mate, or to give birth to a calf."