Interesting Southern Humpback Whale Facts & Their Migration to French Polynesia

Humpback Mom & Calf on Shallow Reef

Humpback Whale Eye

Every year, a great journeys unfolds across the South Pacific. Southern humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) travel nearly 4,000 km from the icy, krill-rich waters of Antarctica to the warm, sheltered lagoons of French Polynesia. Between June and November, these waters transform into a sanctuary where whales breed, give birth, nurse their young, and rest before the long return south.

Interesting Humpback whale Facts

If you've ever wondered about humpback whales here is a look into some interesting humpback whale facts. Females have an 11.5 month gestation period and give birth to a single calf every one to three years. Unlike some animals, humpback whales do not mate for life. Each breeding season, they seek a new mate. Nearly all whales and dolphins, including humpbacks, are uniparous, meaning they typically have only one baby at a time. Calves are born weighing around one ton, and thanks to nursing on nearly 400 litres of milk per day, they can double in size in just two weeks. A calf will stay with its mother for about one year, sometimes up to two, learning vital survival skills while relying entirely on her for nourishment and protection. By the time they are weaned, they are ready to face the challenges of independence. Around the ages of 6–10, young humpbacks reach sexual maturity and can begin the cycle anew. Mothers, meanwhile, endure incredible sacrifice. As they lose up to a third of their body weight during the nursing season, yet ensuring their calves thrive in safety.

Males on the other hand sing complex songs. These songs evolve over time and can spread across entire Pacific populations.

Why French Polynesia?

The islands of French Polynesia provide something whales cannot find in Antarctica: calm, predator-free waters ideal for birthing and raising calves. Warm tropical seas and sheltered lagoons help newborns grow strong before they face the challenges of the southern migration. Islands such as Rurutu and Mo'orea have become seasonal gathering points, offering shallow reefs and relatively low boat traffic. Perfect conditions for both whales and those who respectfully observe them, like us.

Sanctuary & Haven

This wide spread archipelago is made up of 118 islands scattered across nearly 5 million km² of ocean, an area about the size of Europe. Since 2002, it has also been officially recognized as a whale and dolphin sanctuary, ensuring protection from whaling and making it a beacon for global marine conservation. With waters ranging between 21–27 °C, French Polynesia is home to rich ecosystems stretching from turquoise lagoons to deep ocean trenches.

Two Humpback Whales

Southern Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale Tail

A landmark in Ocean Conservation

At the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025, French Polynesia announced the creation of the world’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA), covering its entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4.8–5 million km². Within this vast ocean space, about 1.1 million km² have already been placed under strict or highly protected status: no deep-sea mining, no bottom trawling. Only traditional fishing, ecotourism, science, and Indigenous cultural practices are permitted. The government has further pledged to expand the high-protection zone by an additional 500,000 km² by 2026. This bold step has been hailed as a global milestone, demonstrating how small island communities can lead with vision and set powerful precedents in marine stewardship.

Read the entire Blog Post about this historical win here

Cultural Symbolism

For Polynesian cultures, whales are not just animals but revered ancestors. They are seen as guardians, spiritual messengers, and navigational guides. In many traditions, from Tahiti to Hawai‘i to Aotearoa, they embody aumakua: protective ancestral spirits that safeguard journeys across the sea. Their songs resonate like sacred chants, carrying echoes of heritage and connection across vast distances.This symbolism flows into art and tattoo culture as well, where whales represent strength, guidance, transformation, and the deep spiritual bond between people and the ocean.

Swimming with whales in French Polynesia

Four Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale Tail

✨ Witnessing humpback whales in French Polynesia is to catch a glimpse into their resilience, birthing cycle, cultural continuity, and a reminder of how protecting one species can ripple out to safeguard entire ecosystems. Make sure to sign up for next season!