Top 10's

Splash Town! Top ten city breaks to see whales and dolphins

2010-09-08T20:50:04Z

Skyscrapers, revolving restaurants, open-air markets, iconic statues and leaping whales. It’s not difficult to spot the odd one out – or is it?

Most people associate whale and dolphin watching with far-flung wildernesses such as icy polar seas or tropical island reefs. But in truth these mobile beasties are found close to nearly every coastline on the planet, and that means that there are probably trips running near you!

Indeed due to their development as major ports, some of our biggest and most visited cities are a mere stones-throw away from a number of premier whale and dolphin watching locations.

So if you love sea life but your partner prefers nightlife, or you fancy mixing your hotel suite with a cabin porthole, then this is the top ten for you:

1. Sydney, Australia

At the heart of Australia's oldest, largest and most diverse city is one of the most beautiful harbors’ in the world. Imagine passing the Opera House and famous bridge on your way to the open sea and the chance of seeing whales! In May, Humpback Whales begin swimming past Sydney on their northern migration, returning south between August and December. From July to September, Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks and dolphins spend time close to shore along with albatrosses and other unusual winter sea birds.

2. Halifax, Canada

The capital city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been called one of Canada’s best kept secrets. Halifax has a rich maritime history resulting from its Atlantic location as one of the world's great natural harbours’, making it a key entry point for European immigration in the past. Today, whale watching trips can be booked from the centrally-located harbour, with Humpback, Fin and Minke Whales, as well as dolphins, seals, tuna and Ocean Sunfish, present during the summer months.

3. San Francisco, USA

San Francisco’s unique cityscape of steep hills and skyscrapers overlooking a breathtaking bay has been immortalised in so many classic movies. The city boasts Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and one of the best bar and restaurant cultures in the States, with one restaurant for every 279 people!

Whale tours run from San Francisco Bay to the nearby Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, which is an important migratory route for several of the great whales. Humpback Whales are present between July and November, Gray Whales pass close to shore between October and January, and even Blue Whales are seen with some regularity between July and October. Several species of small cetacean are also present, including Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Northern Right Whale Dolphin and Dall’s Porpoise.

4. Hong Kong, China

Compact Hong Kong offers a range of memorable tourist attractions, including The Peak (amazing views), and Victoria Harbour. Here, where the clouded waters of the Pearl River mouth meet the South China Sea, around 1,000 ‘pink’ Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins reside. Half-day trips are run every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday throughout the year to provide opportunities to see the dolphins, known locally as “Chinese White Dolphins”. The backdrop of high rise buildings, green hill tops and the world's biggest outdoor sitting Buddha make for a unique experience!

5. Inverness, Scotland, UK

Historic Inverness on the Great Glen at the mouth of the infamous Loch Ness, so if you fail to see the monster, you can go dolphin watching instead! There are numerous places along the shoreline close to the city to watch the resident Bottlenose Dolphins, best seen on the rising tide when they often leap and grapple with fish in front of delighted onlookers. North Kessock and nearby Chanonry Point are the most popular spots to watch from shore. Alternatively, several companies run a range of boat trips to see dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

6. Vancouver, Canada

Cosmopolitan Vancouver, set in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, is famous for its world-class dining and its proximity to outdoor sports including kayaking to skiing. It is also the gateway to Vancouver Island and the most watched and studied population of Orcas (Killer Whales) in the world. The closest whale watching trips are based close to most hotels in the downtown area.

7. Hermanus, Cape Town, South Africa

Just an hour and a half away from Cape Town, the seaside town of Hermanus is the setting for some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. From May until November Southern Right Whales reside in these shallow waters in order to mate and raise their calves.

8. Reykjavík, Iceland

The largest city of Iceland is also the world's northernmost capital. Situated on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay and surrounded by a beautiful landscape, it is a vibrant place to see the Northern Lights, participate in outdoor activities, or sink into a thermal pool. Whale watching trips run from the old harbour in search of Humpback and Minke Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoise, all of which utilise rich feeding grounds nearby.

9. Florianopolis, Brazil

Florianópolis (nicknamed Floripa) is the capital city of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil. Considered a world class party destination, the city boasts outstanding surf, amazing beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. Southern Right Whales are present close to shore here from July until November to give birth and raise their young. Boat trips leave from Praia de Garopaba (Garopaba beach), and visits various beaches in accordance with instructions from biologists who carefully monitor the whales.

10. St Davids, Wales, United Kingdom

A cheeky inclusion, as anyone visiting St Davids will find a small, attractive village situated on the far south west tip of Wales. Nevertheless, it was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II because of the presence of its magnificent cathedral. Situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Davids is home to several boat operators running exhilarating trips on rigid inflatable boats to see Common Dolphins, sometimes by the hundred, as well as Minke Whales, Risso’s Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises along this wild and beautiful coast.

Top ten best places to see Orcas on the hunt

2010-06-07T08:19:25Z

There’s no point avoiding the issue so let’s just come out and say it. Encountering Orcas, otherwise known as Killer Whales, is the biggest thrill in the natural world!

We’re talking face to face with the world’s most powerful predator – a super intelligent pack-hunter known even to have made mincemeat out of a Great White Shark.

We’re talking monochrome maestros whose huge, sickle-shaped dorsal fins slice through the ocean like a hot knife through butter.

We’re talking about dropping a hydrophone that picks up their excited calls as they communicate to each other through a series of sophisticated clicks and whistles that have been defined by scientists as a form of ‘language’.

And we’re even talking about feeling their misty breath on your face as they surround your kayak or freezing as their sonar beam falls upon you as you float helplessly in the water!

All this is possible in just a handful of places where you can encounter Orcas with some regularity and predictability. Here’s our top ten:

1. British Columbia, Canada

The Orcas of this part of the Northwest Pacific are the most watched and studied on the planet. So what better place to see and learn about these amazing animals than on trips guided by experts that can identify each individual and give you its life story! Although regularly seen throughout the Inside Passage and outer coast, the two best areas are western Johnstone Strait / Blackfish Sound, and southern Vancouver Island. Here, the Orcas hunt Salmon, rest, travel, socialise and play, often travelling very close to shore. Boat trips and sea kayak tours are available from a number of locations.

2. Tysfjord, Norway

Since 1987, huge numbers of Herring have arrived in the deep fjords of Tysfjord to spend the winter. Since then, hundreds of killer whales have returned every autumn to hunt them. Although the Herring have moved further offshore in recent years, there are still boat trips and a swim-with programme running through the autumn and early winter.

3. Antarctica

Not a cheap place to get to but oh so worth it! The rich seas of Antarctica are home to high densities of Orcas of three different types. One type feeds mostly on Minke Whales, another hunts seals, and the third has only been observed eating Antarctic Cod! Most cruise ships visit the Antarctic Peninsula from South America, encountering Orcas on most trips.

4. Strait of Gibraltar, Spain

Every July and August a group of Orcas return to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet, to hunt migrating tuna. But this is no ordinary hunt. The Orcas take advantage of local fishermen using long lines to catch fish already hooked. The fish heads are always left with the hooks still attached! Trips run daily from the town of Tarifa.

5. Peninsula Valdez, Argentina

The tiny observation post and research centre at Punta Norte plays host to one of the most spectacular events in nature’s calendar as a small group of Orcas spend the month of March launching themselves repeatedly on to the beach to grab unsuspecting sealion pups. This highly dangerous technique, during which the Orcas risk stranding high and dry, lasts for up to 45 days.

6. Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

As if the Snaefellsnes Peninsula wasn’t impressive enough, this glacier-topped volcano, inspiration for Jules Verne’s novel ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, looks even more awesome as the backdrop to a pod of orcas hunting in the midnight sun. Try watching from land at the western tip of the peninsula or take a boat trip from the nearby village of Olafsvik.

7. Alaska

The northern resident population of Orcas are most easily seen during May and June, though they are present throughout the summer. Seward and Resurrection Bay are among the best places to look.

8. Shetland, UK

There are no dedicated whale watch operators based in the Shetland Islands, situated at the extreme northern tip of the UK. But that doesn’t really matter as every year several pods of Orcas hunt seals within touching distance of the shore. There are several prominent viewpoints and bays to look for them, including Sumburgh Head and Noss, both of which also support impressive seabird colonies. Spend a week and get yourself on the local grapevine to be part of the mad scramble when somebody spots them!

9. Monterey Bay, California, USA

Every April and May, Grey Whale mothers and calves migrating northwards face an unenviable challenge. Previously protected from Orca attack by shallow coastal waters and kelp beds, they must now cross a wedge of deep water that cuts across their path. The number of encounters with Orcas and attacks on Gray Whale calves varies from year to year, though the Gray Whale migration alone is impressive if you miss out on their deadly enemies.

10. Your back yard!

One of the most exciting things about Orcas is that they can, and will, turn up where you least expect them. They travel across huge areas of ocean, inhabit deep and shallow water, and will even swim up rivers in search of prey. So whether you are travelling by ferry, picnicking on the beach, walking a coastal path or out fishing, no matter where you are you might, just might, bump into Orcas!

Members can watch videos about Orcas in the amazing locations listed above by clicking here