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Whale-watching tourism is growing in the world, mostly due to the charisma that cetaceans exert on humans as well as the constant conservationist appeal that shows a strong argument for no return of commercial whaling. Nevertheless, this activity may harm cetacean populations, in the form of behavioral changes, acoustic masking, or physiological impacts. In a long-term study on the acoustic ecology of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in its breeding ground off northeastern Brazil, behavioral and acoustic data were collected during whale-watching boat approaches in Praia do Forte, a touristic traditional center. Measurements and observations indicated potential impacts on the surface and underwater behavior of the humpback whales, and potential masking of important biological sounds when these animals come to breeding areas. Implications for the species as well as for environmental conservation, educational awareness and more use of nonintrusive research tools as the modern acoustic methods, are discussed.