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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
|
|
 |