Jun 14, 20 from june to october and sometimes even until december, the coast from doringbaai on the west coast to storms river mouth in the tsitsikamma national park offers one of the worlds most spectacular vantage points for whalewatching. The west coast is not only esteemed for its seafood. The west coast of vancouver island is another great place for whale. Peak calving season is july and august, but whales can still be seen through september and october. Come october, the whales head south for warmer waters. Most take 34 hours, heading out to the major whale feeding grounds of stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary off massachusetts, jeffreys ledge, or the gulf of maine, depending on the port. Blue whales swim and feed off the california coast from midjune through october when krill is abundant. This is when they come to breed and raise their young and is the best time to go on a costa rica whale watching tour. For many communities on the west coast, whale watching season is a big deal. Humpback whale sightings off the kerry coast, ireland s. We are the center of the worlds highest concentration of killer whales and other whale species, such as. The impact of whale watching thus is spread out along the entire 840mile coast.
When the first batch of maine brewing companys west coast ipa was finished, it earned the same name. Coast to coast am, the mostlistenedto overnight radio program in north america, is broadcast live seven nights a week from 1 a. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet. In response to the national lockdown announced by the south african government and in an effort to minimize the spread of covid19, cape whale coast tourism and our information offices in kleinmond, hermanus, stanford and gansbaai will be closed from 26 march until 16 april 2020. We start watching the california gray whale around about late october, when they begin to travel down our coast. Whales breach, lobtail and engage in courtship rituals often as close as 50 metres from the shore. Further south, along the california coast, the most common whale of the region is the blue whale which travels in pairs during their migration in july through october. Whale watching is one of our favorite sports on the sonomamendocino coast. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. The boardwalks of the head of the bight lookout the northern extent of the great australian bight on the countrys rugged south coast provide the perfect vantage point for whale watchers between june and october. The largest whaling port on the west coast, 1880s foundsf. Embarking upon a trip to one of the hotspots on the west coast of the usa grants you as good a chance as any to spot a gargantuan tail surfacing or a body spouting above the water.
Among the rarest of the marine mammals surveyed are sei whales. Another great whale watching spot nearby is cape sebastian. Apr 29, 2019 the best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is august and september. Whale alert west coast was formed by the office of the national marine sanctuaries, conserve. People are looking to see and hear these majestic creatures on the west coast of scotland. Wild ireland best season time place to watch whales in. The regions of the world providing whale watching opportunities are as diverse as the whale species. For northern california whale watching, consider the farallon islands off the coast of san francisco.
Best whale watching on the west coast outdoor project. May 10, 2017 a day on the water with jim borrowman is like sitting in the forest with jane goodall. The coming of the whales to the western capes southern coastline, also known as the cape whale coast, every year between june and november, not only creates a stir, but brings to our shores a large, intelligent and remarkable giant of the sea and the only mammal to have adapted to life in the open oceans. From coastal sites to what to pack for your seafaring trip, follow our guide to answer. Start in monterey with whale watching and then experience the history, culture and fun of the. Whale watching on the west coast, a rich haven for whales and.
It migrates annually from the antartic ocean to cape inshore waters in june and. Whales counted off us pacific coast current results. West coast whale watching national park foundation. Whale watching is a yearround activity on the oregon coast with gray whales by far the most commonly seen.
Season ends at the north american east coast with still good. Any location with an ocean view may yield whale sightings, and morning light with the sun at your back is best. Enjoy a summer whalewatching expedition in bar harbor, me. Go here from your mobile device and click your account to create a user login. Whale watching tours in depoe bay catch up with some of the 20,000 whales that swim the oregon coast during the whale watching season of march through june, or head to the whales feeding grounds to see the humpbacks, minke whales, and orcas that graze between july and october. In newport beach, whalewatching can be experienced yearroundhumpbacks, finbacks, and minkes stay all year, while gray whales are spied midwinter through spring, and blue whales make regular appearances during the summer months. Southern right whale populations were already depleted well before the end of the 19th century, and in between the years 1909 and 1915 some 17 000 humpback whales were killed off the coasts of south africa, namibia, gabon and angola. You are also more likely to spot whales north of cape town, than in and around the city the west coast gets its fair share of the southern right whale, particularly at melkbosstrand, bok point, yzerfontein, the rocherpan nature reserve near dwarskersbos, lamberts bay and. Whale watching on west coast of scotland loch melfort hotel. West coast ships kill more than 80 endangered whales annually. They can be viewed from cliffs and beaches, with boat operators offering trips out.
A key component of this effort is the use of downloadable apps, whale alert 2. This new smart phonetablet application was developed by conserve. Lunch, the finback whale, has visited the gulf of maine since 1982 and is a celebrity of sorts in the coastal towns. Dolphin and whale watching, west coast south africaweskus. Liz love of the monterey bay national marine sanctuary says the lighthouse point, also known as point santa cruz, is a great place to see whales from the shore. While some of the cruises can be pricey, many of the seasons activities are affordably priced or even free. The park visitor center has a tower with telescopes, and guided. Manatees may be the most lovable and panthers the rarest, but floridas biggest endangered mammal may be one you didnt know about the northern right whale. Visible tail fluke and spout if you see a whale off the oregon coast. Spanning several islands off the coast near santa barbara, channel islands national park is one of the best places on the west coast to see whales yearround. It was once suggested to me that as there were still living a few of the men who took part in the old shore whaling operations on our coast it would be a desirable piece of work to get, by personal interview, a history of whaling at monterey bay. Humpbacks, finbacks, minkes bar harbor is famous for its east coast charm, and its numerous whale sightings. Click on the months on our interactive map below to see the best time to go whale watching around the world including when to see the blue whale, largest animal on earth.
Cape whale coast tourism closed until 16 april 2020 due to covid19. Marchaprilmay they then swim north, hugging the west coast of north america. Whale watching in northern california and oregon via. They leave their summer home off alaska each year on a journey of thousands of miles to baja california. Visit the whale alert program to learn more about national efforts. The gulf of maine is an ideal whale habitat because its filled with all the staples of. The longest whale watching season follows the epic annual migration of humpback, southern right whales and the rare blue whale, from the foodrich southern ocean in the south west to the warm breeding grounds on the north kimberley coast. My wife and i will spend two weeks along the west coast at the end of august to early september. There is also a whale watching station by the lighthouse where you can get great views of the sea and sand dunes. Whale hunters on the howard street wharf, north of the arctic oil works, c. West coast community killer whales on the bbc one show. Where to go whale watching in the western usa visit the usa. The best time for whale watching in maine begins in the springtime, aka midapril, when sperm whales, sei whales, orcas, right whales, and fin whales normally hang out around 20 miles off the coast. Jim has been watching whales for over three decades he launched whale watching on canadas west coast and seems to sense where whales will show up or what they will do next.
To the delight of vancouver island whale watchers, some greys stop to eat at this latitude instead of continuing north with the rest of the population. In the fall pacific humpbacks are readying for their winter migration to hawaii. For many communities on the west coast, whalewatching season is a big deal. Other than whale watching, a whale coast holiday offers beautiful coastal drives and mountain hikes, tranquil sandy bays and rocky beaches. With some of the worlds largest mammals migrating past coastal points, feeding near the coast and swimming in inlets, youll find plenty of ocean creatures to see. There are no organized whale watching services such as guided tours, or charter boats. Since we first began to see whales around the blasket islands in 2009 our sightings record from our boat based eco marine tours has increased year on year. Whale watching is one of those things that has a broadbased appeal, visitors of all ages are attracted to a variety of location around the world. Best places to go whale watching on the oregon coast for rvers. Most sightings happen from july to october and, as the whales tend to come very close to the coast, you can easily see them from land. You dont even have to get in a boat to go whalewatching instead, some of the best cetaceanspotting in the country can be done from terra firmaespecially in northern california and central oregon, where coastal bluffs provide stellar vantage points for the whale spouts, those minigeysers that explode from the sea.
Eden is in the south coast region of nsw and is one of the few places in the world that humpback whales feed on their southern migration. Whale watching on the gold coast deals and tips for the 2020 season. Io and is a publicly available and userfriendly way for just about anyone to report whale sightings on the west coast. Whales vancouver island news, events, travel, accommodation. Planning a whalewatching route south african whalewatching territory runs from doringbaai, south of cape town, all the way east along the coast as far as durban. Whale watching tours are offered all along the new england coast see below typically from may through october. Whale watching is mostly a recreational activity cf. Season ends at the north american east coast with still good chances to see humpbacks and blues.
Monterey bay is one of the best places for whale watching, whether youre on the water or viewing from the coast. Every day an adult gray whale eats as much as one ton 907 kg of food comprised mostly of zooplankton, krill, amphipods and tube worms. My first whale was a 40ft grey, off the coast of california in 1979, and ive been a whale addict ever since. O ne of the best things about the pacific coast at this time of year. The main whale watching on the east coast of the us is up north, in new england, which includes the states maine, vermont, new hampshire, massachusetts, rhode island and connecticut. Pdf a suspended migration of humpback whales megaptera. Oct 07, 20 the other whale was bcy0324 after writing this blog post, whale names like j2 seem so much more manageable.
Top 5 whalewatching spots in new england and atlantic. These majestic creatures are southbound in a hurry through. Yearround monterey bay along californias central coast is famous for its artsy culture and its whalewatching opportunities. Now i have to go whale watching at regular intervals just to survive normal daily life. Sep, 2017 you might have heard us mentioned on the bbc one show last night and part two is due to air tonight th september. Scenic depoe bay on oregons northern coast is a prime place to spot gray whales during migration season. Io and point blue conservation science, working in coordination with the international fund for animal welfare ifaw, to help reduce the number of ship collisions with whales. With these userfriendly applications, it is possible for just about. On the central coast, channel islands national park is considered one of the best whale watching spots in the world. We wanted to give you a little bit more information about the west coast community and the hebridean whale and dolphin trusts hwdt research on this fascinating group of animals. Whale watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. If you continue from the argentinean atlantic coast to the chilean pacific coast, you. The most common whale is cuviers beaked whale, with 4300 living along the california coast. Whales counted off us pacific coast by liz osborn scientists have published results of the most comprehensive survey to date of whales, dolphins and porpoises off the united states west coast.
Explore the cape peninsula, before driving south along the coast to hermanus to observe southern right whales breeding. At that time, thousands of them can be found off the california coast. Nov 23, 2015 this idyllic location on the oregon coast is a great place to do whale spotting from the shore. Published on march 20, 2018 by west coast super stays. There is nothing as exhilarating as catching a glimpse of a creature as magnificent as a whale skimming the waters surface. The best time to see humpback whales in costa rica is august and september. Each year along the west coast, migrating whales travel from feeding grounds in the north to mating grounds in the south and back again start and end points vary by species, offering humans ample opportunities to witness the spectacle. The whaleplanner september a whale watching infographic. Its celebrated with festivals, lectures, and, of course, countless whale watching cruises. Weve also picked out some of our favourite whale encounters, from orcas hunting in patagonia to swimming with humpback in tonga. Blue whales feed off the california coast between bodega bay and san diego. Humpback whales the world over are known for their epic migrations, complex songs, and the acrobatic jumps that earn them their name. In the bering and chukchi seas, the whales spend the summer feeding. From years 2009 to 20 sightings were relatively scarce and usually restricted to the period midjuly to midoctober.
Whale watching is not difficult, but a few tips make it easier. Some of the most popular places to watch whales are the towns. There are several vacation companies offering whale watching tours and west coast tours to some of the most popular u. They were removed from the united states endangered animals list in 1994. The american whaling vessel essex from nantucket, massachusetts is being sunk by a sperm whale on open sea outside the west coast of south america. Thanks to the meeting of currents from the north and south. The worlds 8 best destinations for whale watching and. During whale watching week you can look for 26 vantage points all along the oregon coast with big whale watching spoken here signs. A guide to watching northern right whales in florida. Whale watching on the lost coast and at shelter cove,california is a big activity.
Whale alert west coast aims to use science, innovative technology, and collaborative community effort to decrease ship strikes to whales. A study prepared for international fund for animal welfare in 2009 estimated that million people went whale watching globally in 2008. Between may and december, humpback, southern right and blue whales make their way along western australia. Whale watching on the pacific coast covington travel. Unfortunately there is little regulation governing the industry here, so choose an operator with care. A suspended migration of humpback whales megaptera noveangliae on the west coast of south africa. The official humpback season in costa rica is december to march and. Monterey bay is also renowned for its whale watching. For prime whalewatching from land, drive south along the spectacular big sur coast, where high points along highway one provide great whaleviewing spots. If no one is able to help, plug whale watching and october into the search engine for the victoria forum. In california, whale watching is a popular thing for tourists to do, and its no wonder why. Bc whales have been identified in british columbia, and are given an x, y, or z depending on the amount of white on their flukes.
Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher williamwordsworth 17701850 the southern right whale eubalaena australis is a regular visitor to the west coast. Whale watching on the west coast, a rich haven for whales. New england whale watch tours discover new england. October is the perfect time to visit south africa main season for southern right whales. The best whale watching tours in the world 20192020. A west coast boaters whalewatching guide boatus magazine. Learn more about what youll see with a visit to the outstanding monterey bay aquarium. Bring a pair of binoculars or a few quarters to make use of the viewing machines. It was originally built in october 1857, making it the oldest lighthouse on the oregon coast. The whaleplanner october a whale watching infographic.
Its celebrated with festivals, lectures, and, of course, countless whalewatching cruises. January february march april may june july august september october november december. Beginning in midapril, hungry finback, minke and right whales travel to the areas cool waters just 20 miles off the maine coast to feast on sand eels, plankton, copepods and fish. To download the full whaleplanner as a graphic, please just click this link and. The coast off mirissa and galle is swimming with whales and dolphins from november to april, including humpback, brydes and sperm whales. Whale watching california coast gray whale blue humpback. Every year, an estimated 18 blue whales, 22 humpback whales and 43 fin whales. Numerous companies offer whalewatching tours departing from fishermans wharf. But in recent years, sei whales have remained scarce. You can use the species and date filters to see changes throughout the year. Whale watching east coast learn whale facts and dolphin.
Where to go whale watching on the west coast of the usa. Whale watching season april 1 to october 31 vancouver whale watch provides passengers with the adventure of a lifetime through excellent customer service, first class vessels, the highest possible safety standards and added value from an onthewater education of the west coast ecosystem. Released occasionally throughout the year, lunch is not so much one of beers white whales as it is a limitedrun ipa. But february and march is when youll find the mighty blue whale, the largest animal to ever live. The worlds largest population of humpback whales return each year to feed on capelin, krill, and squid along the coast. The northern right whale is slowly recovering from near extinction slowly, as in 5 mph and a new calf every three years.
To the delight of vancouver island whale watchers, some grays stop to eat at this latitude instead of continuing north with the rest of the population. They used to be harvested by the west coast whaling industry. The locals and tourist alike go to the headlands, the bluffs and beaches to see the great mammoth beasts that cruise the waters along this california coast. Top spots for whale watching in australia tourism australia. You can see whales all along the pacific coast of costa rica during those months. There are an estimated 200 whales that consider the waters of the oregon coast home between june and october. Whale watching in california pacific coast highway travel. These majestic creatures are southbound in a hurry through february so they can give birth in the warm waters of baja. The pacific coast has some of the best places for whale watchingyou dont even have to leave land. Gray whale migration is in full swing on the west coast. Gray whales only thrive on the west coast of the north american continent so california is one of just a handful of whale watching locations where you can see this unique species. It is intended to be used by researchers, commercial ship operators, charter fishing boat operators.
In 1991, there were more than 50 companies or nonprofit societies operating whale watching tours from some 20 ports all along the california coast. Once on the brink of extinction, gray whales are now protected by international law. Whale watching cruises are available from most of the. There have been a few comments in the past about whale watching in october. Up to now the data from whaling stations represent the only information available on the west coast whales. Best time of year for whale watching by seasons daveys. Blue whales are the largest animals on earth at 7090 feet long, so sightings make a big impression.
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. Ranked among the best whalewatching sites in the world by the world wildlife fund, the stellwagen bank national marine sanctuary, a protected marine area situated off the coast of massachusetts. They are often called the galapagos of california because of their. Whale watching is a major attraction for many visitors coming to victoria. Whales are seen as one of the best things to see in scotland. The australian coastline provides bountiful opportunities to observe any number of whale species on their annual migration. They migrate north, hugging the west coast of north america. Between 5 october and 19 november 1993, 62 sightings of 155 humpback whales were made from the. The santa barbara channel harbors 27 whale and dolphin species, including blue whales, orcas, and bottlenose dolphins. Arrive in september in time for the annual whale festival, or avoid the crowds and whalewatch from as early as june.