A Humpback Whale in Fishguard: An Unforgettable Pembrokeshire Visitor
In January 2024, Fishguard received an unexpected visitor. A Humpback Whale came to Fishguard.
A young humpback whale appeared in and around the bay, attracting attention from local residents, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. What initially seemed like a brief sighting soon became a regular event as the whale remained in the area for almost two weeks.
Having heard reports from Sea Trust Wales, I visited the Inner Breakwater on several occasions and was fortunate enough to see the whale repeatedly. Knowing how tides influence movement around the harbour made it possible to anticipate when the whale was most likely to appear, leading to several memorable encounters and some video footage that was subsequently used by local news outlets.
For many people in Pembrokeshire, it was a wildlife experience they will never forget.
Why Was A Humpback Whale In Fishguard?
Humpback whales are not commonly seen in Fishguard Harbour, which is one of the reasons this sighting attracted so much attention.
Although humpbacks are increasingly recorded in UK waters, particularly around western coasts, seeing one spend such a prolonged period around a harbour is unusual.
Reports at the time suggested the whale was a young male, approximately ten feet in length. While nobody can know exactly why it chose to remain in the area, the sheltered waters and availability of food may have contributed to its extended stay.
Whatever the reason, it provided a remarkable opportunity for local people to observe one of the world’s most recognisable whale species at close range.
Watching The Humpback Whale From Fishguard’s Inner Breakwater
One of the advantages of living and paddling around Fishguard is developing an understanding of how local tides influence wildlife movement.
After learning about the whale from posts shared by Sea Trust Wales, I began visiting the Inner Breakwater at times when the tidal conditions suggested there was a good chance of seeing it.
More often than not, the gamble paid off.
Over the following days I watched the whale surface repeatedly within the harbour area, sometimes disappearing for long periods before suddenly reappearing much closer than expected.
Even though it remained in the area for nearly two weeks, every sighting felt special. There is something extraordinary about seeing an animal normally associated with ocean documentaries swimming within a familiar local landscape.
Video Footage Of The Fishguard Humpback Whale
The footage below was filmed from Fishguard’s Inner Breakwater during the whale’s stay in January 2024 and was later used by local media reporting on the story.
Wildlife Encounters Are Part Of Sea Kayaking In Pembrokeshire
While humpback whales remain a rare sight, wildlife encounters are a regular part of exploring the Pembrokeshire coast by kayak.
Grey seals, porpoises, seabirds and occasionally dolphins can all be encountered throughout the year.
One of the great joys of travelling by kayak is the ability to move quietly through the environment, often allowing closer and more natural wildlife encounters than would otherwise be possible.
If you’d like to explore the Pembrokeshire coastline from sea level, take a look at our guided sea kayaking adventures.
Wildlife Around Fishguard Bay
Although the humpback whale was exceptional, Fishguard Bay regularly supports a wide range of marine wildlife.
Grey seals are perhaps the most frequently encountered marine mammals, while harbour porpoises are seen surprisingly often by paddlers and coastal observers.
Dolphins occasionally visit the area and the cliffs support an abundance of seabird life throughout the year.
These encounters are one of the reasons so many people fall in love with the Pembrokeshire coast.
Why Encounters Like This Matter
Events such as the Fishguard humpback whale remind us how rich and diverse our marine environment remains.
They create excitement and curiosity, but they also encourage people to develop a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that shares our coastline.
While most visitors come to Pembrokeshire for its scenery, many leave with memories of the wildlife they encountered along the way.
In this case, one young humpback whale gave an entire community something to talk about for weeks.
FAQ Section
Was there really a humpback whale in Fishguard?
Yes. A young humpback whale spent approximately two weeks around Fishguard Harbour during January 2024.
How long did the whale stay?
The whale remained in the area for around a fortnight.
Where was the whale seen?
Many sightings came from Fishguard Harbour and the Inner Breakwater.
Can you see whales in Pembrokeshire?
Whales are rare but occasionally recorded in Pembrokeshire waters. More commonly, visitors encounter seals, porpoises and dolphins.
What wildlife can you see while sea kayaking in Pembrokeshire?
Most wildlife encounters are over in a matter of moments.
This one lasted nearly two weeks.
The arrival of a young humpback whale in Fishguard Harbour gave local residents and visitors a rare opportunity to observe one of the ocean’s most magnificent animals at close quarters.
For those fortunate enough to witness it, the memory will last far longer than the whale’s stay.
It was a reminder that even in a familiar harbour, nature can still surprise us.
