Whale Watching Tours St Lucia iSimangaliso Zululand
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia iSimangaliso Zululand – What Whales?
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia iSimangaliso Zululand sightings are predominately the Humpback Whale and to a lesser degree the Southern Right Whale. Both adult species are about 15 meters in length but the Humpback about 30 tons whereas the Southern Right is 20-30 tons heavier.
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia Isimangaliso Zululand – Where?
From the beach area at St Lucia in the World Heritage Site, Isimangaliso Wetland Park is the most popular location. 4 x 4 road transport is provided from the town to the beach. If there are sufficient numbers whale watching can be arranged from Richards Bay Harbour when unberthing and berthing is alongside a quay at Tuzi Gazi Waterfront.
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia iSimangaliso Zululand – When?
Humpback Whales migrate annually from the summer feeding grounds of Antarctic to Southern Madagascar for warmer winter waters to mate and breed. Whale Watching season opens on 1 June and closes on 30 November and most tour operators offer a substantial discount if no whales are seen.
Although whales can be seen throughout the day, many of the boat trips are done at sunrise in the early morning. Zululand can be rather cool at sunrise in the winter months.
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia iSimangaliso Zululand – Whale behaviour.
Holders of a “Boat Based Whale Watching Permit” allows operators within 50 meters of whales. On many trips the curiosity of the whales has them diving under the boat and often gently bump the hull.
Tail slap, sail, spy hop and to breach are a few of the actions the whales perform and the guide on board will further inform.
Sightings of whale sharks, dolphins and marine birds are also common.
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia Isimangaliso Zululand – Conditions.
Boat viewing is entirely dependent on weather conditions on the day. All passengers will wear a life jacket provided by the tour operator. No young kids, pregnant women or people suffering from neck and back injuries are permitted. An exhilarating surf entry and beach landing occur at St Lucia. Bring waterproof jackets and a towel. A sealable plastic bag to secure cameras and electronic equipment is recommended.
Whale Watching Tours St Lucia Isimangaliso Zululand – Duration.
Most operators offer a 2-hour boat trip but allow 30 minutes each way for road transportation.
Whale Watching St Lucia
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