Introduction
Between July and November, the southern coast of Santa Catarina transforms into a stage for one of nature's most exciting spectacles: the arrival of the southern right whales. They travel thousands of kilometers from the icy waters of Antarctica to find, here, a calmer and warmer sea, ideal for mating and caring for their calves. Those on land have the privilege of witnessing this unique moment, feeling the grandeur of these animals that can reach 16 meters in length and weigh more than 50 tons.
And the best place to live this experience is the Southern Right Whale Route — a complete tourist destination that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy in the municipalities of Garopaba, Imbituba, and Laguna. More than just whale watching, the Route is an invitation to explore paradisiacal beaches, hike trails that reveal unforgettable views, discover stories preserved through time, and taste flavors that have the freshness of the sea.
Before heading out to find the best viewing spot, it's worth learning a little more about each of these destinations. It's this diversity that makes the Southern Right Whale Route so special!
A journey between three cities
The journey can begin with Garopaba, where the tranquility of fishing villages blends with the beauty of beaches such as Gamboa, Ferrugem, Silveira It is Siriú. Walking along the coast at dawn, with the sound of the waves and the expectation of seeing a whale appearing on the horizon, is a feeling that remains etched in the memory.
Following the coast, the scenery changes and reveals Imbituba, the heart of the Route and the national capital of the southern right whale. It is in this city that you will find the Whale Museum, in the old whaling station, and the Visitor Center of ProFRANCA, on Itapirubá Norte beach — one of the spots with the highest number of bird sightings in Brazil. Its 9 beaches, including the famous Praia do Rosa, They offer spectacular views and the chance to see mothers and calves resting near the surf.
A few kilometers away, Lagoon The itinerary concludes with an irresistible combination of history and nature. The Historic Center, with over 600 buildings listed by IPHAN (National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage), is a dive into the colonial past. On the rocky shores and beaches like Farol de Santa Marta, Praia do Gi, Praia do Iró, and Praia do Sol, the spectacle continues. And, to complete the experience, there's interactive fishing with dolphins, a unique partnership in the world between fishermen and dolphins, which is as enchanting as the sight of whales on the horizon.
This connection between the three cities creates a complete experience: visitors can immerse themselves in preserved landscapes, learn about local history, and, as a bonus, have the chance to observe one of the largest mammals on the planet up close.
Where to see the whales
After getting acquainted with the setting, it's time to plan the meeting with the season's protagonists. Southern Right Whale Route, Observation is done exclusively from land to protect the animals and their habitat. The best spots are on rocky shores, dunes, and viewpoints, and the ProFRANCA It maintains an updated sighting map to help visitors plan their route: baleiafranca.org.br/avisagens.
Going in the morning, when the sea is calmer, bringing binoculars and choosing locations with good visibility increases the chances of witnessing the moment these giants emerge. It's impossible not to be moved — and each sighting is unique, with different behaviors and interactions between mothers and calves.
An experience that goes beyond whales.
The season is the perfect excuse to explore everything that Garopaba, Imbituba It is Lagoon They offer a wealth of experiences. Coastal trails lead to nearly untouched beaches, restaurants serve fresh seafood, markets and events reveal the local culture, and every conversation with a resident reveals stories and interesting facts about the community's relationship with whales. So, even on days when they don't appear, there's always something to discover and enjoy.
Whales in Florianópolis, Palhoça and Paulo Lopes
Although the Southern Right Whale Route is the most famous destination for seeing southern right whales, it's still possible to spot whales in Florianópolis, Palhoça, and Paulo Lopes (between Guarda do Embaú Beach and Gamboa Beach) during the season. Whenever we're lucky enough to do so, we record and share the images on our Instagram. @Visitefloripa, so that everyone can closely follow these special moments.
Responsible tourism
The thrill of seeing a whale so close comes with the responsibility of preserving this encounter. Maintaining distance, avoiding noise, not using drones without authorization, and following the instructions of guides and drivers are essential actions to ensure the safety of the animals and the continuity of this experience for future generations. More than just a tour, whale watching is a commitment to nature.
Plan your trip
The Southern Right Whale Route is more than just a destination: it's an experience that combines nature, culture, and history in a unique setting. To make the most of it, visit the official website. rotadabaleiafranca.com.br and follow the sighting updates at baleiafranca.org.br/avisagens.
Experience this spectacle and discover why so many visitors return year after year. The whales are the main attraction, but the overall experience is what makes this trip unforgettable.
