Important Things to Know About Whale Watching

If you are in Sydney and are planning to go whale watching, it’s recommended that you keep a few important things in mind. First of all, you need to understand your own social responsibility before you go whale watching. Between the months of April and November, the eastern coastline of Australia becomes incredibly active, as humpback whales begin to migrate north toward the subtropical waters, where they mate and give birth. They usually travel back after an entire feeding on krill throughout the summer months in the Antarctic waters.

They travel a distance of around 10,000 kilometres, and you can get to view them as they pass around you if you book a whale watching tour. Sydney whale watching tours are incredibly popular and many tourists who are in the city prefer booking one for themselves. If you are thinking of going whale watching, there are some important things that you should keep in mind. Here are some key things you should know about whale watching.

The Seasons

As May begins, humpback whales start passing through Sydney as they begin their Northern Migration. They start returning from the Antarctic waters in the South, and they pass close to Sydney. This is an ideal time for people who want to see the acrobatics and the majestic way they travel. This continues on until early August, so you have quite a window. However, from July to September, you are also likely to see Southern Right Whales from time to time. These aren’t seen as often as humpback whales, though they are similar in size. But, they do not follow the same pattern for migration as compared to the humpback ones. By September, you will also begin to see the first sightings of the whales as they start returning south again. Then, from September until December, the whales start returning to the south, and you will also see mothers with their calves as well.

It’s easy to spot them as they swim slower and usually spend more time on the surface. However, you will have to keep your eyes peeled, because from time to time, you are also going to experience a considerable downtime.

Preparing for the Trip

These trips are usually around two to three hours, so you don’t need to pack anything extra. You can take snacks along with you, though it’s important that you do not litter. Make sure you listen to the captain of the boat as he or she explains to you everything regarding the trip, and follow his or her instructions. If you suffer from sea sickness, you might want to take some medication before you decide to embark on the boat.