After several weeks without a sighting, we had officially called an end to the 2025 Winter Whale Season. The southern migration for the Southern Rights was well underway, and while we held out quiet hope of catching one last glimpse of a Humpback, we had begun to shift our focus to our spring season ahead.

But nature always has a way of surprising us.

Today, just when we least expected it, a baby humpback calf appeared only metres from our vessel—startling both our guests and crew! Gasps of excitement and awe filled the air as the young whale dove beneath the boat, with its small dorsal fin breaking the surface of the ocean only 5m form the vessel.

Though brief, the sighting was nothing short of magical. To witness a humpback calf so close, this late in the season, was an incredible reminder of the wild beauty of our coastline and the ever-changing rhythms of the ocean.

It was the perfect closing chapter to the 2025 Winter Whale Season—a quick but unforgettable encounter that left smiles on faces and hearts full of wonder. Fingers crossed for perhaps another chance encounter of a Humpback or two?

Whale Log

A Surprise Late-Season Whale Encounter

The Big Duck Boat Tours

The Big Duck respect & honour the ancestors & people of the Ramindjeri lakinyeri (clan) of the Ngarrindjeri Nation; on the Yarluwar-Ruwe (lands & waters) in which we operate our tours. We actively collaborate, share, preserve culture & protect ngaitji (totems).

We acknowledge the Ramindjeri & Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Yarluwar (waters) on which we meet & operate our tours. We pay deep respect to the past/present Elders & to all Aboriginal peoples.