The morning sun reflects on the Mediterranean Sea as our research vessel, the WWF Blue Panda, cuts through the peaceful waters off Greece's northwestern islands. It's July 2024, and from the observation platform, I scan the horizon while our team listens for marine life through our specialized hydrophone trailing behind us - our acoustic window into the deep.

Tropical, sheltered waters are the perfect place for humpbacks to breed and raise their vulnerable calves. But mothers and their babies will soon set off on a perilous journey.

A story on how declining sea ice could be catastrophic for whales around the world, unless we act now to safeguard these incredible creatures for future generations 

From hearing the breathing of thousands of narwhals arriving peacefully in their summering grounds, to having a very close encounter with a blue whale, to listening out for singing humpbacks underwater - these are some of the most incredible whale encounters shared by WWF experts from around the world. Read on to discover more whale tales and celebrate this World Whale Week with us.