Whales like inhabiting the land down under as 45+ species of porpoises and whales make Australian waters their home. Most whales that are viewed off Australian shores include humpbacks and southern rights, each of which migrate to both the east and west coasts of the country. The whales make their sojourn from Antarctica in order to breed and mate.
Where to View Whales on Land
Whilst humpbacks and southern right whales are seen the most frequently, you can also catch glimpses of minke whales, orcas, and blue whales. The best places for viewing whales on the ground are close to secure headlands. During the northern migration, the whales stay close to the shore or about five kilometres from the strand in order to bypass the easterly current.
A Favourite Season in Sydney
Should you visit Sydney, you will find that whale season is a favourite part of the year. Whale watching tours depart each day from Darling Harbour. The humpbacks visit the Sydney waters during the months of May through August. A southern migration takes place from August to December.
A Well-Known Whale Watching Spot
If you elect to take a cruise for whale watching in Sydney, the tour normally takes almost four hours. Tourists not only see whales during the excursion; they also watch dolphins. Whilst you can whale watch in a variety of areas in Australia, Sydney is usually preferred for reasons of diversity. A large variety of marine species makes a cruise all that much more worthwhile. That is why Sydney is a well-known whale-watching destination.
Taking a Cruise: Reviewing the Boat Details
If you want to make the most of your watching experience, then make sure you choose a tour operator that provides boats that are designed specifically for the activity. Ideally, boats should take the form of a catamaran, which provides a deck for 360-degree viewing.
Watching Whales Is a Pastime That Takes Place a Good Part of the Year
As noted, whales migrate twice a year, or from south to north and north to south. When they travel northward, they can be seen in May, June, July and August. Southward migrators are noted from September to November. So, either of these two time spans are good for watching whales.
The Peak Season for Watching Whales
However, the peak season for watching whales occurs from June to July. At this time, you can see large pods of the animals and view a variety of behaviours. If you set sail in the morning, you will find that the ocean is generally more peaceful. Plus, more boats inhabit the water in the afternoons, which can also affect marine behaviour.
Seeing the Whales up Close
Boats used for viewing whales must limit their distance to 100 metres from the animals. However, sometimes a whale will come closer on its own.
Watching Whales Breach
Also, visitors expect to see the whales breaching or leaping from the water. However, breaching is not an everyday occurrence. So, if you do not see a whale leap, at least you can still see the animal up close.
To avoid any difficulties with motion sickness, tablets obtained through the local chemist can be taken before you set out on your journey. Make the most of the experience by booking an appointment with a knowledgeable tour operator and guide in Sydney.
