I was told by an art gallery owner in provincetown in mid april that whales had been spotted from land thats a bit unusual, but it happens, and it tends to suggest that the whale watching season will be a good one. If youre in the victor harbor area with kids, then its well worth a visit particularly when combined with a tram ride as it sits right alongside the trams station. Experience the thrill of sighting these magnificent ocean giants, up close and personal, in the pristine waters of the south west coastline. During a good season it is estimated that approximately 400,000 people visit the region. Depending on the season, you can watch the whales on their way north or. Viewing season whale watching along the coastline of south australia has become a popular attraction for visitors and locals in adelaide. A pair of whales were spotted near bremer bay on wednesday, an early sighting, with whale watching season generally running from june to october. Whale watching in south africa home brand south africa. Here is a chart with weekly humpback whale sightings in sydney between 2010 and 2012. Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa. Victor harbor whale watching adelaide weekendnotes.
Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Quick cat ii was operated by brian and jill perry for 30 years who founded the industry in 1987. Whale watching in sydney official sydney tourism website. The two most popular whalewatching spots are at opposite ends of the coast. Pdf blue whale habitat selection and withinseason distribution in. With up to 35m long it is the largest animal to have ever lived on our planet. Whale watching season victor harbor may october only an hours drive from the adelaide cbd is the majestic southern fleurieu peninsula and each winter we are fortunate to see the return of southern right whales to our coastline.
Weve been walking sydneys coastline for years, so here are our tips on how to take advantage of nature to get the best out of your whale watching time. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale. A young adult humpback whale breaches the surface near seal cove. However, it is important to do your research before embarking, as not all whale watching tours are created. The overall whale watching season in the greater fraser island area typically begins in late july and lasts through to late november, so if youre looking to get the best out of two of the most visually impressive naturebased destinations in qld, then a trip to fraser island during whale watching season is a great choice that can make for. Nicole kelby is a naturalborn storyteller who manages to be very funny and very wise at the same time. World heritage listed ningaloo reef, on western australias mid north coast, is where the whale sharks call home from around march to july of each year, although the season can sometimes run right through until. Whale watching season in sydney is incredible, and its something you need to see for yourself. Pdf blue whales balaenoptera musculus aggregate to feed in a regional upwelling system during novembermay between the great.
Western australian whale whisperer busy now whaleseason is. Best place to go whale watching in australia whale watch. Whale watching in sa sa whale centre whale watching tips. Whale watching southern right whales at head of bight take up residence for an entire 5 month period between june and october and generally remain within a 15km long section of coast. Whale of a tale, join us at the south australian maritime. The whale watching season in sydney is quite long and extends from may winter through to september spring and on into december each year.
But, fueled by enough beer and an inventive tourist guide, tourists have seen whales. We get to see southern right whales around 45 times a season. Sep 18, 2017 hermanus, the whale capital, was ranked in the top 12 whale watching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund. Spectators on both the east and west coasts have the chance to enjoy their own whale show, twice a year, as the mammals travel to and from antarctica for what should be known as the worlds longest lunch feasting on all types of fish, krill, and plankton. The humpback whale migration passing sydney takes place between april and december each year. Top 10 tours in adelaide 21112019 top things to do on rottnest island 22102019 top things to see and do in perth 17092019 whale watching season 12092019 western australias whale watching season. May 15, 2018 our winter whale season has finally arrived, and we are so excited to share even more of these absolutely magical experiences with you. In adelaide the south australian whale centre is launching the 2018 whale watching season on at the intersection of gawler place and rundle mall on saturday 19. Between may and november, you can spot majestic whales from many scenic spots along australias coast. Off the coasts of california, there is no shortage of whale watching tours available for whale season.
Watch as whales come within metres of the shores, and join in on the festivities of the annual hermanus whale festival this year held on. May 08, 2019 the whale watching season in sydney is between may and november each year but some times are better than others to increase your chances of seeing whales. Praise for whale season whale season is purely delightfulrich, clever, and crawling with affectionately twisted characters. Encounter bay in victor harbor usually see their first whales arrive around the middle of may. Warm water white lies in the south australian gulfs west of adelaide. Your whale watch experience offers the opportunity of watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat in one of the most majestic regions in the world.
For more info about whales in sydney download the about whales whale watching guide. Below you will find the whale centres top 10 tips for whale watching in south australia. Physical copies of this map are available for the duration of whale season from the sa whale centre. The people who named the town did so to create a tourist trap, one of the first in the nation.
Whale watching cruise with lunch, melbourne adrenaline. Last season encounter bay was visited by groups of courting adults up to 3 or 4 at a time and. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. Western australian whale whisperer busy now whaleseason.
In south australia, the whale season runs from june to october. Once you see a whale, there is a good chance you will see it display one or more of the following behaviours. The southern right is the most commonly sighted, coming into the bay to calve, but look for humpback, brydes and orcas as well. First whale of 2018 season spotted at encounter bay. Adelaide and south australia whale watching world guides. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins cetaceans in their natural habitat. Only genuine 100% guaranteed blue whale tour in australia from april may. Cruise the coast in comfort to see the local wildlife. Whale watching cruise departs darling harbour, sydney. Whale season is the name of a town in fl that isnt visited by whales.
Offering halfday whale watching cruises morning and afternoon during the whale season, which runs from mid july to the end of october. Make sure you bring your camera as you may see seals and dolphins as well as the migratory southern whale. Carl hiaasen kelby has created a crazyquilt of unforgettable characters. Only a two hour drive from cape town, this little town is the heart of the whale route. Whale watching australia 2017 sydney, gold coast, hervey. Port stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and the hinchinbrook explorer is the largest whale watching vessel in the bay with two viewing decks. Subscribe to naturescapes for the latest news from nsw national. Cape jervis is an easy drive from adelaide and whales have been reported off the coast of this sleepy village recently. Whales often cruise close to shore, so they are easy to spot, and have even been known to pop up inside sydney harbour. This 75 minute dolphin cruise is a must do activity whilst in adelaide. The high cliff line provides fantastic views for the landbased whale watchers, and boardwalks are available at head of bight to take visitors to two main. Nsw whale watching season wild about whales nsw national.
A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008. You can see them in the waters around adelaide but for the best experience you. Welcome to one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world. Since late april this year, we have spotted the humpback whales of the coast of mooloolaba. Breaching where most or all of the whales body leaves the water.
Best time for whale watching in australia about australia. These whales are particularly acrobatic, so you might see them splashing about on the surface of the ocean in addition to coming up for air. Whales can be tricky to see despite their immense size, and once you do find one, getting a clear view or a photo can still be difficult. Whales have already been spotted off was south coast as they begin their annual migration along the coast. Each day we record whale sightings which can be viewed online below, or view a selection of last seasons reports here. The wild about whales website and app lists all the best viewing locations. Dec 25, 2016 the whalewatching season in mossel bay runs from june to november, when four species are seen. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to join in a truly lifechanging experience, swimming alongside one of the worlds largest and most gentle creatures over the course of a 3 hour tour with a limited maximum group size of 20 people to keep the experience. Apr 27, 2020 whale watching is a popular activity in sydney, so to receive the best rates on a whale spotting cruise try looking on the outskirts of the season, meaning early april and late november.
Seal island boat tour from victor harbor 21 take an exhilarating 45minute boat ride from the. However, in winter months from june to august, whale numbers are fewer and rough seas preclude many of the whale watching cruises from leaving the harbour. The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. Please be understanding that whales are wild and it is not possible to predict their behaviour. Oct 01, 2015 the whale watching season in sydney is quite long maynovember, but it is not always very busy. Throughout this time there are many opportunities for brisbane kids and adults to. From 2hour trips to multiday cruises, whale watching during whale season is a highly popular activity. Hit the waters for an australianfirst aquatic experience, on a tour to swim with humpback whales in the waters off the sunshine coast. They dont migrate like the humpback whale does and there are not as many. Daily whale sightings cruise info and bookings whale watching. Whale watchers can also collect a free whale information booklet from the centre during the season, which includes a detailed map of encounter bay to help locate the whales quickly. Whalewatching season is here and that means albanys whale whisperer bernie hill will once again spend every day of the next four months spotting the mammals for whale boats and tourists.
Whether youre a swimmer and ready for the once in a lifetime experience of swimming with whales, or if youd rather keep your feet on the ground and see whales frolic in the ocean from the beach or a cruise, theres a spot in australia perfect for your style of whale watching. Whale watching sydney offers daily cruises from darling harbour and circular quay to watch humpback whales. Unit 262 flinders parade, victor harbor sa 5211, australia. All along australias coastline are fantastic spots to see whales. Another whale species you might see in the offseason is the humpback whale, whose adults range in length from 40 to 50 feet and often appear from april to june. Whale watching is an incredibly humbling experience. Southern right whales are a particularly rare species of whale and often travel in huge groups of 100 whales or more. Physical copies of this map are available during whale season may to september from the sa whale centre at 2 railway terrace, victor harbor.
Elyss larkham, moonshadow cruises the port itself is a bustling hive of aquatic activity throughout the year, and the whale watching season between may and november is no exception. This is the time of year that the southern right whales come to our shores from the subantarctic to give birth and raise their young. Whale watching in australia is a popular recreational pursuit and a tourist activity along various coasts. Whaling in australia took place from 1788 to 1978 and was once commercially successful. The 2020 whale watching season operates approximately 23 may to 28 october. Setting sail from glenelg marina on a catamaran, youll sail out onto the bay for a 3.
Download our free app to find the top whale watching spots in nsw and submit your sighting. Here on our beautiful west coast, from may december the humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whales, can be seen on their epic migration, from the foodrich southern ocean, as they hug the coast and journey north, to warm breeding grounds of kimberley coast. Its winter in adelaide and apart from it being cold, wet and windy its also whale watching season. Protected from from the weather, enjoy adelaide s coastline with informative local commentary. If you love australian wildlife and outdoor experiences download this list and. Check out our pick of the best whale watching vantage points, tours and accommodation in nsw. The season is split into two distinct sections depending on the direction of travel of the majority of whales at that time. Another whale species you might see in the off season is the humpback whale, whose adults range in length from 40 to 50 feet and often appear from april to june. South coast whale watching season approaching the west. Apr 30, 2009 the whale watching season started in late april. Whale watching in sa south australian whale centre.
Whales can be spotted right along the coast of the southern fleurieu peninsula. Whale watching cruise with lunch, melbourne phillip island join us for a halfday whale watching cruise around the beautiful phillip island. Lobtailing or tail slapping where a whale lifts its tail flukes out of the water and then slaps them down onto the surface of the water. Australia the best tips for whale watching in australia whaletrips. We were told that oct is not ideal as it is almost the end of season but we saw in sydney while at the beach and gold coast in the tour.
The migrating population is named the group 5 southern hemisphere humpback whale population or the australian east coast humpbacks. The adelaide and south australia whale watching season generally runs from midjune to early november, when the enormous southern right whales pass close to the south australian coastline, during their annual migration south from the indian ocean. Adelaide whale watching tours adelaide weekendnotes. Spot dolphins in holdfast bay on a dolphinwatching cruise from adelaide. On this whale watching cruise youll spend around two hours and 45 minutes out on the water, enjoying an unbeatable view of sydneys iconic landmarks and the migrating humpback whales. The south australian whale centre, sa experience oz. Whale watching season is here and that means albanys whale whisperer bernie hill will once again spend every day of the next four months spotting the mammals for whale boats and tourists. Whale watching south australia tours spirit safaris. Departing from fowlers bay, less than two hours from ceduna, youll venture out into the stunning bay on kayak at sunset or sunrise with an experienced local guide. Regular boat trips from south australias victor harbour allow closeup views of the friendly whales.