2025 Season Wrap

2025, that’s a wrap! What a season it has been! As we close out the 2025 whale-watching season here in Sydney, we’re filled with gratitude, awe, and genuine optimism. From the very first pods of humpbacks to surprise encounters with a rare white whale, this year’s journey along the Humpback Highway has been nothing short of magical.

Reading through our whale sightings page, it’s clear we weren’t the only ones thrilled — our onboard photographer summed it up perfectly: “mind-blowing breaching, excitable young whales, and even the encounter of a lifetime with the white whale Siale.” On our very last cruise of the season, a mother and calf treated us to a farewell breach in spectacular conditions, a fitting and emotional grand finale.

2025, that’s a wrap! What a season it has been! As we close out the 2025 whale-watching season here in Sydney, we’re filled with gratitude, awe, and genuine optimism. From the very first pods of humpbacks to surprise encounters with a rare white whale, this year’s journey along the Humpback Highway has been nothing short of magical.

Reading through our whale sightings page, it’s clear we weren’t the only ones thrilled — our onboard photographer summed it up perfectly: “mind-blowing breaching, excitable young whales, and even the encounter of a lifetime with the white whale Siale.” On our very last cruise of the season, a mother and calf treated us to a farewell breach in spectacular conditions, a fitting and emotional grand finale.

Across our May-to-November season, we saw the full tapestry of humpback behaviour: powerful breaches, playful tail slaps, curious calves, and mugging whales that came close to our vessels just to say hello. Our June update noted how the northern migration was in full swing, with healthy, energetic whales streaming past Sydney’s skyline. In August, as the southern migration began, we witnessed magnificent acrobatics from juvenile whales and fascinating communication via tail slaps — moments that left both crew and guests in awe. One of the biggest highlights of all was the white whale Siale, an extraordinarily rare albino juvenile, first spotted near South Durra, then sighted by us near Botany Bay. Her presence captured hearts and minds, reminding us just how wild and unpredictable nature can be — and how lucky we are to witness it.

Alongside the whales themselves, a season like this doesn’t happen without people — and we want to acknowledge them properly. To our incredible skippers, who navigated safely through swells and weather to give guests the best possible encounters: thank you. To our deckhands, who ensured everyone on board was safe, informed, and smiling all day long — thank you for your passion and care. And to our sales and reservations team, who spend months helping people plan their trips and answering every question with patience and enthusiasm — we quite literally could not do this without you. Every wave, every “ooh” and “ahh,” every life-changing encounter began with you. We are deeply grateful.

This season’s sightings reflect something deeply encouraging: the strength and resilience of the east coast humpback population. According to recent research, scientists now estimate there are over 50,000 eastern Australian humpbacks, a number that surpasses even pre-whaling levels. This isn’t just population rebound — it’s a recovery that underscores decades of dedicated conservation. Back in the 1960s, the population had dwindled to only a few hundred. Today, thanks to protected migration corridors, wildlife regulations, and public awareness, humpbacks are thriving along the coast. Their annual journey, often called the Humpback Highway, is more active and visible than ever.

But with success comes responsibility. As whale numbers increase, so do encounters with fishing equipment and vessel traffic. Entanglement remains a major threat, and it is vital that our industry continues working alongside ORRCA and NSW National Parks to ensure these animals remain safe. As whale watchers, we play a key role in this — advocating for responsible viewing, maintaining safe distances, and educating every guest who steps aboard.

This year felt like a turning point. We didn’t just watch whales — we connected with them. We saw calves learning from their mothers, heard the thunderous sound of breaches, and witnessed gentle giants communicate with slaps and rolls. For many of our guests, these moments become stories — of wonder, renewal, and a growing respect for nature. That’s what makes whale watching with Whale Watching Sydney more than a cruise. It’s a shared experience, tied to the health of the ocean itself.

If you’re thinking about joining us next year, here’s why 2026 should already be on your radar: the humpback population is healthy and active, the likelihood of incredible encounters remains high, and every ticket supports responsible eco-tourism and marine monitoring. And of course — if 2025 brought us Siale, who knows what surprises next season will hold?

Our 2025 season was a celebration of life, resilience, and shared adventure. But it also comes with a reminder: these whales are not here solely for our enjoyment — they’re part of a living ecosystem that needs our care. As their numbers grow, so does the importance of preserving their routes, reducing hazards, and ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come.

To everyone who joined us this year — thank you. To everyone joining us next season — we can’t wait to welcome you aboard. Here’s to more breaches, more tail slaps, and more unforgettable moments on the Humpback Highway in 2026!