Humpback whales in Cornwall

Adrian Langdon

Discover Cornwall's Humpbacks

Over recent winters, something extraordinary has been happening off Cornwall’s coast.

Humpback whales - vast, powerful and once rarely seen here - are returning to our seas. From the Isles of Scilly to the north coast, these ocean giants have been feeding, resting and sometimes staying for weeks at a time. For many people in Cornwall, it has been a once-in-a-lifetime moment: spotting a humpback from the clifftops, watching a fluke lift above the waves, or seeing a whale surface surprisingly close to shore.

At Cornwall Wildlife Trust, with your support, we run a wide variety of marine projects to monitor and protect our marine environment. This includes our Humpback ID project. For the last 4 years, we have been tracking the journeys of individual humpback whales as they make their way around Cornwall's seas - and beyond.

And now, we need you. This year we are launching our Humpback Tracker: A citizen science project where you help by sharing what you see, and we get to share these whale tales with you. It’s a place to follow individual whales, understand why they’re here, and discover how Cornwall’s seas are becoming an increasingly important part of their journey.

Every day our work builds understanding of why our marine world is so special - and so worth protecting.

Explore Humpback sightings in Cornwall

Become a Humpback tracker

We'd love to hear about your humpback whale sightings. Your records are one of the most valuable ways we learn more about these amazing animals.

You can share your observation easily using the ORKS app, supported by ERCCIS (Online Recording for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.) Just include:

Where and when you saw the whale
Photos if you have them
Any notes on the whale's behaviour or direction of travel

If you capture photos or videos which will allow for clear ID of the whale, please send any images, videos and notes to seaquest@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk. Find more information on the Seaquest webpage.

Mass gathering of spider crabs, Image by Alexander Mustard/2020VISION

Ocean Emergency Fund

Help protect Cornwall's marine life

Tales of Cornwall's Whales

Humpback whale 'Pi'. Image by Steve Truluck

Humpback whale Pi

First sighted: August 2019, near Mounts Bay
Claim to fame: Cornwall’s most famous humpback! Pi has become a regular winter visitor, returning almost every year since 2020.
Movements: Isles of Scilly, Irish waters, and even the Western Isles of Scotland.
Why it matters: Pi’s repeated visits give scientists valuable insight into site fidelity and seasonal patterns.
Fun fact: Pi is the only whale in the Southwest catalogue confirmed to overwinter here consistently.
Conservation note: Shows how recovery from historic whaling is bringing humpbacks back to UK waters.

Humpback whale by Chelsea Bradley

Holding image - request from Dan Jarvis

Humpback Whale Surf Rider

Surf Rider

First sighted: New Year 2024, off Newquay
Claim to fame: A true crowd-pleaser! Surf Rider has been spotted feeding close to shore and even riding waves - earning its name.
Movements: North Cornwall hotspots like Watergate Bay and Bedruthan Steps.
Why it matters: Surf Rider’s behaviour highlights the importance of prey availability (herring and mackerel) and how humpbacks adapt to coastal feeding.
Fun fact: Captured on camera surfing a wave - perfectly living up to its name!
Conservation note: Its visibility has sparked huge public engagement, making it a flagship for marine awareness.

Humpback whale (c) Richard Shucksmith/scotlandbigpicture.com

Holding image - request image from Dan Jarvis

Morvil (Cornish for Whale)

First sighted: 2016, Ireland
Claim to fame: A survivor with scars. Morvil has been seen multiple times in Ireland and Cornwall, but sadly bears the marks of entanglement - including a partially amputated tail fluke.
Movements: Ireland, Isles of Scilly, Mounts Bay, and Cape Verde breeding grounds.
Why it matters: Morvil’s story illustrates the ongoing threat of fishing gear entanglement, even for large whales.
Fun fact: One of the few whales linking Cornwall to a confirmed breeding ground in Cape Verde.
Conservation note: Highlights the urgent need for safer fishing practices and disentanglement response.

Humpback whale photographed near the Lizard Peninsula and sent to Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Image by George Deacon

Holding image to request from Dan Jarvis

Humpy

First sighted: January 2024, Isle of Man
Claim to fame: The connector! Humpy is the first whale to link three regions: Isle of Man, Pembrokeshire (Southwest Wales), and Cornwall.
Movements: Isle of Man → Pembrokeshire → St Ives Bay (February 2024).
Why it matters: Demonstrates how humpbacks use multiple UK coastal areas during winter feeding.
Fun fact: Its Cornwall sighting was confirmed thanks to a single photo - without it, this migration link might never have been known.
Conservation note: Shows the power of citizen science in tracking whale movements.

Watching whales responsibly

Seeing a humpback whale in Cornwall is an unforgettable experience. As these incredible animals spend more time feeding and resting close to shore, disturbance can disrupt these vital behaviours, or even pose a risk of stranding. Giving whales plenty of space helps reduce stress and allows them to use Cornwall's seas naturally.

The Marine and Coastal code offers simple guidance on how to enjoy wildlife responsibly, whether you're watching from the coast or out on the water.

If you're interested in learning even more about responsible whale watching then watch our webinar with talks from wildlife experts on the law and codes of best practise for behaving around marine wildlife. Watch the webinar here.

Humpback whale in Mounts Bay, Cornwall. Image by Rupert Kirkwood

All eyes on the horizon

Read our blog or listen to the Wild Cornwall podcast to learn more about these winter visitors.

Read now

Want to hear more about our marine life?

Humpback Whales in Cornwall: FAQs

Are humpback whales found in Cornwall?

Yes. Humpback whales are now being seen more regularly in Cornwall’s waters, particularly during the winter months. While they were once a rare sight here, recent years have seen an increase in sightings along the Cornish coast, from the Isles of Scilly to the north and south coasts.

When is the best time to see humpback whales in Cornwall?

Most humpback whale sightings in Cornwall happen between December and March, with peak sightings often in January and February. Some whales stay for days or weeks, while others pass through more quickly - every season is different.

Where are humpback whales seen in Cornwall?

Humpbacks have been recorded in several areas, including:

The Isles of Scilly
Along the North coast - from bays and headlands
West Cornwall and around Mount’s Bay

They are often seen feeding close to shore, which is why some sightings can be made from clifftop paths and beaches.

Why are humpback whales coming to Cornwall?

There isn’t one single answer, but we believe it’s likely due to a combination of factors, including:

Recovering humpback whale populations
Changes in the distribution of fish and plankton
Cornwall’s rich marine feeding grounds
Wider changes in ocean conditions linked to climate change

Cornwall’s seas may be offering important feeding or resting opportunities during the whales’ long journeys.

Are the same humpback whales returning each year?

Sometimes, yes. Thanks to distinctive markings on their tails and fins, individual humpback whales can be identified. Some whales have been recorded returning to Cornish waters in multiple winters, while others appear only once. Tracking these individuals helps us learn more about their movements and behaviour.

Can you see humpback whales from the shore in Cornwall?

Occasionally, yes. Humpback whales have been seen surprisingly close to shore in Cornwall, especially when feeding. However, sightings are never guaranteed, and whales can appear and disappear quickly. Always watch from a safe distance and follow wildlife-friendly viewing guidance.

Are humpback whales dangerous?

No. Humpback whales are not dangerous to people and have no interest in humans or boats. They are curious animals, but any close encounters usually happen on the whale’s terms. It’s important that people give whales plenty of space to avoid causing disturbance or stress.

What should I do if I see a humpback whale in Cornwall?

If you see a humpback whale:

Enjoy the moment from a safe distance
Do not attempt to approach the whale
Note the location, date and behaviour if you can
Take photos or videos only if it doesn’t cause disturbance

Report your sightings to Cornwall Wildlife Trust via ORKS to help build a better picture of how whales are using our seas.

Why is tracking humpback whales important?

Tracking humpback whales helps us:

Understand when and where whales use Cornish waters
Identify individual whales and their journeys
Monitor threats such as entanglement and disturbance
Strengthen the case for protecting Cornwall’s marine environment

It also allows everyone to stay connected to the whales beyond a single sighting.

How can I help protect humpback whales?

You can help by:

Following wildlife-friendly viewing guidelines
Reporting sightings responsibly
Supporting our marine conservation work here in Cornwall - by becoming a member, donating or volunteering your time
Sharing accurate information about whales and their behaviour

Small actions add up to meaningful protection for these remarkable animals.