Breathe. Listen. Watch. Go Whale Watching!
Southern Fleurieu Peninsula Whale watching
Seeing a whale in its natural environment is one of the most coveted experiences in the natural world. It can be such a thrill that it sends a shiver up the spine or raises the hairs on the neck.
You may see a whale thrash her tail or shoot water many metres in the air from his blowhole or breach the surface with half her body shooting out of the water or, if you are extremely lucky, see a mother and her calf frolicking and playing for half an hour.
In South Australia, most of us are are privileged to live so close to many world class whale watching spots. Only an hour’s drive from the Adelaide CBD is the majestic southern Fleurieu Peninsula and each winter we are fortunate to see the return of Southern Right whales to our coastline.
People in other parts of the world travel to Alaska to see the whales, whilst we can catch them romping in our own backyard.
Where to See Whales near Victor Harbor?
Encounter Bay (near Victor Harbor) usually enjoys the first glimpse of the whales around the middle of May. Many avid whale watchers record what they see and the SA Whale Centre keep a log entry of sightings – you can view it HERE
The best vantage points are up on the cliffs and headlands along the coast, but the whales can easily be spotted on the beach too.
Port Elliot and Middleton Point are also great areas to go whale watching. Some of the best spots for whale watching are:
• Boomer Beach, Port Elliot
• Basham Beach, Middleton
• Petrel Cove, Encounter Bay
• Granite island, Victor Harbor
The current version of the map below is available on the SA Whale Centre website or you can call 1900 942 537 for an update.
map courtesy of The Whale Centre
The best part of the southern Fleurieu whale experience, is that the whales are not just passing through – this is their destination! This means they spend a lot more time in these aters.
“The annual migration to South Australia is a key part of the whales’ breeding cycle. They come to either find a mate, or to give birth and raise their calves in the protected bays and coves. Encounter Bay has long been recognised as a breeding and nursery area for Southern Right whales, and plays a role in the recovery of this endangered species”.
The best part of the southern Fleurieu whale experience, is that the whales are not just passing through – this is their destination! This means they spend a lot more time in these aters.
“The annual migration to South Australia is a key part of the whales’ breeding cycle. They come to either find a mate, or to give birth and raise their calves in the protected bays and coves.
Encounter Bay has long been recognised as a breeding and nursery area for Southern Right whales, and plays a role in the recovery of this endangered species”.
Whale Species You Are Most Likely to See
The whale species that you could see along the coast include:
• Southern Right Whale – 14-18M
• Humpback Whale – 13-16M
• Blue Whale – 25-20M
• Sperm Whale – 12-18M
• Orca (Killer Whale) – 8-9M
To learn how to recognise each species from the colour, shape, and behaviour, head to the SA Whale Centre’s Whale Species page.
SA Whale Centre FAQs
Here are some useful questions and answers from the SA Whale Centre’s FAQ page:
When is the whale watching season in SA?
May to October. The first whales are usually seen in mid – late May and can be found until early October. The most reliable time to see a whale is during July and August.
What kind of whales can we see in Encounter Bay?
Southern Right whales visit Encounter Bay each winter to breed and calve. They are good whales to watch because they come close to shore and can be quite active.
If you are lucky, you could see a Humpback whale – small numbers pass by the coast each season. Large numbers of Common and Bottlenose Dolphins live in local waters year round.
For more information and all enquiries visit the SA Whale Centre website.
What: Whale Watching Season
When: May to October each year
Where: Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor, Middleton, Port Elliot and Goolwa
Who: All Ages
If you’re planning a trip to the Southern Fleurieu for a spot of whale watching or are staying in one of our many beautiful holiday homes during this time and wish to enjoy this spectacular event, the SA Whale Centre’s Information Booth is a perfect place to start!
They are open daily and will answer any questions you may have. Remember to take some binoculars on your trip for a closer look or if you decide to take us up on our ‘Winter Whale Watching Holiday Special’, WE will supply the binoculars for your use!
SA Whale Centre
2 Railway Terrace
Victor Harbor SA
Phone: 08 8551 0750
PetLet’s Winter Whale Watching Holiday Special
Have you ever been whale watching? Would you like to spend some time with the whales, enjoy a pet friendly holiday and get lots of freebies?
It may be winter but that doesn’t mean you need to stay home on the couch with the heater turned right up. Right now is the best time to book a whale watching winter escape to the Southern Fleurieu coast!
We’re doing a special package that gives you an extra discount on top of our already low-season prices, plus a range of other little gifts and treats to add an extra thrill to your whale watching expedition.
We have properties very near the best whale watching locations:
• Port Elliot
• Middleton
• Encounter Bay
• Victor Harbor
• Hayborough.
Book a stay at one of our many stunning pet friendly holiday homes on the Southern Fleurieu and receive –
• $50 gift voucher you can use towards your stay
• 2 for 1 Whale Centre admission voucher
• Binoculars provided for your use
• A Bottle of South Australian wine waiting for you at the property
• Chocolates waiting for you at the property
This special is on from now until 30th September 2016, for new bookings only.
To book, email or call us and quote “whale watching special”
*At Pet Let Holiday Homes we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend checking times, dates and details directly with the SA Whale Centre before making any plans.