Whales are incredible creatures and one of the oldest mammals living on the earth today. These remarkable giants have appeared in, religious texts, local folklore and modern fiction. There are said to be fewer than 2 million whales left in the world, with many of the species considered endangered. However, over the last fewyears there has also been a string of hunting and killing bans which has helped thousands of these innocent mammals slowly recover from the threat of extinction.
Kaikoura,New Zealand
You’re almost guaranteed to witness the world’s largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale which can be spotted in their natural environment all year round at Kaikoura. Heading out to sea off the coastline also provides you with the chance to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks and Minke Whales, as well as high-spirited Dusky Dolphins, the endangered Hectors Dolphins and New Zealand’s very own Fur Seals.
Hermanus, South Africa
Hermanus has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the twelve best whale watching destinations in the world. You can enjoy the scenery from land, by boat, or by air, giving you the perfect choice of how close you want to be. Being the mating and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale, during the winter and spring months you’ll witness males of thesemagnificent species migrate from the Antarctic to mate.
Trincomallee, Sri Lanka
Trincomallee is situated on Sri Lanka’s Eastern coast and provides the perfect spot for marine lovers; it’s here you’ll get to wit- ness the incredible Blue Whale in its natural habitat. Whale watching season in Sri Lanka is from May to October, and it’s within this time frame you’re guaranteedmore than a 90% chance of spotting notjust one, but groups of whales swimming together. During other times of the year, it’s also possible to see the whales further south near Mirissa.