Humpback Whales Grace Virgin Islands Waters Once Again

The Gentle Giants Return:

Each winter, something magical returns to the waters surrounding the Virgin Islands. As temperatures drop in the North, travelers from afar...stretching up to 50 feet long, begin an epic 3,000-mile journey from the icy feeding grounds of the North Atlantic to the calm, sunlit basins of the Caribbean.

These are no ordinary visitors. They are North Atlantic humpback whales and their annual arrival turns the seas around St. Thomas and St. John into a living postcard of awe, wonder and wild beauty.

“It’s like seeing a school bus fly out of the ocean—it’s that powerful.”

Humpback Whales return to the Virgin Islands

Why They Come: A Migration for Motherhood

From November through April but especially between January and March, Humpback Whales seek the warm, protected waters of the USVI and BVI to raise their calves. Unlike other whale populations that migrate primarily for food, these gentle giants come to nurture the next generation.

The shallow bays, gentle currents and predator-free channels around St. Thomas and St. John offer ideal conditions for baby whales to learn how to swim, breathe and build muscle for their long swim north.

Why the Caribbean Is Perfect for Calves:

• 🧡 Warm water helps regulate newborns’ body temperature

• 🌊 Calm bays reduce predator risk

• 🐳 Gentle currents aid in learning to surface and breathe

• 🛏️ Sheltered zones create peaceful, safe nursery areas

"The warm waters of the Virgin Islands become nature’s nursery each Winter."

Where to Spot Them

If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, there are several local hotspots known for reliable sightings:

1. The North Drop (north of St. Thomas) – A world-class viewing area where deep water meets the reef

2. Hull Bay & Botany Bay (north & west sides) – Known for early morning breaches

3. Pillsbury Sound (between STT & STJ) – A calm channel where mothers rest with calves

4. St. John’s North Shore Offshore – Between Mary’s Point and Maho

5. BVI Channels – Especially between Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada

Migration and spotting sites around the Virgin Islands

Why We Mostly See Moms and Calves

While adult males remain farther offshore...competing, singing and searching for mates; the island-sheltered bays are for mothers. It’s here that we most often witness the heart-melting sight of a calf breaching beside its mother, learning the ways of the ocean in sun-drenched safety.

The Magic of Their Presence

There’s something spiritual about seeing a whale rise from the sea, fully breaching into the air as sunlight dances off its fluke. Residents describe it as a sign of luck. For many, the first sighting of the season is a moment of celebration.

Be a Responsible Spectator:

• Stay at least 100 yards away

• Don’t cut across their path

• Reduce speed in nursery areas

• Avoid sudden noises or loud engines

• Support eco-conscious operators

A Reminder of Nature’s Rhythm

The humpbacks’ return each year is more than just a seasonal event; it’s a reminder of nature’s timeless rhythms and the Virgin Islands’ role in protecting something bigger than ourselves. As researchers document their journeys and locals watch in wonder, each splash and breach tells a story of survival, motherhood and wild beauty.

So this Winter, grab your binoculars and keep your eyes on the sea. The gentle giants are back and they’ve brought magic with them.

Read the entire article in December's issue of St. Thomas Magazine "Return of the Whales."

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