Get ready for an unforgettable experience on the Right Whale Route! Between the months of July and November, you can witness the arrival of majestic right whales, which come to breed in warmer waters after escaping the icy waters of Antarctica.
Right whales are known for their grandeur and beauty, being one of the most sought after whale species for observation in the world. They can measure up to 16 meters in length and weigh more than 50 tons. Furthermore, right whales have a unique feature: calluses, a type of white crust that covers their head and lower jaw, which makes them easily identifiable.
Located on the south coast of Santa Catarina, the Right Whale Route is a fascinating tourist destination that integrates the municipalities of Garopaba, Imbituba and Laguna, offering stunning beaches, trails, history and culture.
Photo: Right Whale recorded in the high seas
Did you know that Brazil is one of the 10 best places in the world to spot cetaceans?
Santa Catarina is one of the most favorable states for observing right whales, which have been hunted in the past for their blubber and fins. Fortunately, since 1989, whaling has been prohibited in Brazil, and Right Whale APA was created in 2000 to protect these animals and their habitat.
Where to start the sighting?
The best way to start your trip along the Right Whale Route is to visit the Right Whale Museum, located at R. Itagibá, s/n – Vila Alvorada, Imbituba – SC, 88780-000. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Located in the south of Brazil, the last whaling station in the region was listed as Municipal Historical Heritage and, after closing its doors in 1973, it underwent a complete restoration to house the Whaling Museum. The museum tells the story of whaling and the fight for its protection, evoking the dark period through carefully preserved maps, illustrations and artifacts.
With a large and welcoming internal space, visitors are guided through interpretive panels that tell the story of the difficult coexistence between whales and humans. The museum is an important testament to the need to protect and preserve endangered marine species, and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the local history and traditions that have shaped the region.
Another tip is to visit the Visitor Center, installed at the National Right Whale Conservation Center, operational headquarters of the Australis Institute and the Franca Austral Project – ProFRANCA.
The space is located on Itapirubá Norte beach, in Imbituba, SC. Itapirubá beach is one of the coves with the highest frequency of right whale sightings in Brazil.
In 2020, the Visitor Center gained a completely revitalized exhibition, with many new features for visitors. The Center also has a video room, an outdoor deck, an observatory for whale watching, a replica of a life-size right whale calf and a store with exclusive products whose purchase helps with ProFRANCA activities.
Whale Watching Tips
If you want to see right whales up close, follow the tips of local guides and visit the best observation sites.
In Garopaba:
In Imbituba:
- Ribanceira Cove
- Ibiraquera
- Itapirubá North
- Water Beach
- Porto Beach
- Rosa Beach
- Vila Beach
In Laguna:
- Santa Marta Lighthouse
- Costão da Praia do Gi
- Iró Beach
- Sun Beach
Photo: View of Praia do Rosa (Imbituba)
Keep an eye on the cliffs and dunes, which are the best places to see them, and take advantage of the morning, when the sea and wind are calmer. And don't forget to stay close to the breaking waves, where mothers tend to stay with their babies in shallower areas. Get ready to be moved by the grandeur of these animals and to experience a unique and unforgettable experience on the Right Whale Route.
When visiting the Right Whale Route, it is important to remember that whale watching must be done responsibly and respectfully. It is essential to follow the guidance of local guides and operators, who know the rules and precautions necessary to guarantee the safety of whales and tourists. Whale watching in Santa Catarina only takes place from land, to minimize the impact of human activities on the whales' natural environment.
Therefore, if you are a lover of nature and marine life, the Right Whale Route is an unmissable destination for you! Take the opportunity to meet and be enchanted by the majestic right whales and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
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