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Maptlantis

Southern right whale encounters

Where to see southern right whales: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 11Countries 2Published prices 8Encounter formats 2
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see southern right whales around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the southern right whale as a target species, 11 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Jervis Bay Territory, Eastern Cape Algoa Bay, Eyre Peninsula west coast, South Australia, Western Cape Garden Route, SA, Fleurieu Peninsula and Western Cape. Encounters are split into land-based watching and boat-based watching. Two "southern right whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 8 of the 11 operators (73%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jun–Jul, Sep–Dec, Aug–Oct and May–Oct among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

11 listed operators

Southern right whale season

How to meet southern right whales

Southern right whales by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see southern right whales?

11 operators name the southern right whale as a target species. Main regions: Jervis Bay Territory, Eastern Cape Algoa Bay, Eyre Peninsula west coast, South Australia, Western Cape Garden Route, SA, Fleurieu Peninsula and Western Cape.

Do you have to get in the water to see southern right whales?

Formats on record: land-based watching and boat-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is southern right whale season?

Operators list different seasons, Jun–Jul, Sep–Dec, Aug–Oct and May–Oct among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Southern right whales are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do southern right whale tours cost?

8 of the 11 operators (73%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.