Top Whale Imagery of 2026
By Newfoundland & Labrador
Each year, Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes visitors from around the world, but some of our most frequent guests arrive on fins rather than feet. Catching a glimpse of these majestic giants is a sight you'll never forget, and capturing the moment on camera is the kind of postcard-worthy memory money can't buy. We've rounded up some of our favourite whale encounters from this year for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
Dynamic Duo
Around here, photobombing is encouraged, especially when it involves some of our most beloved visitors; humpback whales and Atlantic puffins!
Dinner’s Ready!
Every summer, the world's largest population of humpback whales returns to the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador. These gentle giants come to feast on local delicacies, including massive schools of capelin that spawn along our shores. Our friend David Sturge captured the incredible moment one of these majestic mammals surfaced for a feed, offering a front-row view of one of nature's most spectacular feeding displays.
Tail End of the Day
These humpbacks swimming in the waters off Twillingate reminded us that, much like fingerprints, no two whale flukes are exactly alike. Mother Nature certainly has an eye for beauty.
Making a Splash
@rajib_photography_to captured the exact moment a humpback whale reached the peak of its breach.
Nature's Best Show
Julian Earle had a front-row seat to the incredible spectacle this pod of humpback whales put on in the waters off Twillingate.
A Family Affair
It was family time in the waters off Bay Bulls when O'Brien's Boat Tours caught this special moment between an orca and her calf.
Slap Happy
Our friends at Ocean Quest captured this humpback showing off one of our favourite whale moves: lobtailing! This impressive move happens when a whale lifts its fluke high above the water before bringing it down with a powerful slap. Whether it's communicating, hunting, or simply making its presence known, one thing's for sure- it's amazing to watch.
Bellies Up!
At first glance, this humpback whale seems to have a lot in common with the family dog. Captured by Sea of Whales, this humpback is showing off its belly as it floats along the waters of Bonavista Bay.
Close Encounters
Guests aboard Dark Tickle Expeditions received a friendly greeting from a pair of curious humpbacks who surfaced to say hello in the waters off St. Anthony.
Double Feature
Jim Walsh got the ultimate two-for-one deal with this shot, catching both a humpback's rostrum and fluke in a single frame.
Sunset Send-Off
What better way to close out the season than with a classic Newfoundland and Labrador sunset? And by classic we mean a sunset that is photobombed by a stunning humpback whale, of course.
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Want to share your whale photos with us? Use #ExploreNL and tag us @NewfoundlandLabrador. To learn more about our neighbours from the north, migrate over to our whale watching webpage, or book a whale watching excursion by connecting with one of the many tour operators around our province.
Do you have a tale to tell about a visit to Newfoundland and Labrador?
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© Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism
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