Blue whale diving: where and when
Feeds on krill in productive high-latitude and upwelling waters, then migrates to warmer seas to breed — the 'pygmy' blue whales of the northern Indian Ocean stay in the tropics year-round, tracking the monsoon off Sri Lanka. 8 known encounter sites across 7 countries: Sri Lanka, Mexico, USA, Chile, Timor-Leste and Portugal (Azores) and others. Best single site: Mirissa (south coast), Sri Lanka — high reliability, peak dec-apr. No certification is required at the easiest sites — some are snorkel or freedive only.
- Sites
- 8
- IUCN status
- Endangered
- Min. certification
- No certification
- Typical depth
- Varies by site
7 countries
Every known blue whale site
High reliability
Mirissa (south coast)
Sri Lanka
Peak Dec-Apr · n/a
No certification needed
High reliability
Loreto Bay, Sea of Cortez
Mexico
Peak Jan-Mar · n/a
No certification needed
High reliability
Monterey Bay / Channel Islands, California
USA
Peak Jul-Oct · n/a
No certification needed
High reliability
Gulf of Corcovado / Chiloe
Chile
Peak Jan-Apr · n/a
No certification needed
High reliability
Dili (Ombai Strait)
Timor-Leste
Peak Oct-Nov · n/a
No certification needed
Moderate reliability
Trincomalee (east coast)
Sri Lanka
Peak Apr-Aug · n/a
No certification needed
Moderate reliability
Faial / Pico
Portugal (Azores)
Peak Apr-Jun · n/a
No certification needed
Moderate reliability
Gulf of St Lawrence (Tadoussac / Mingan)
Canada
Peak Jul-Oct · n/a
No certification needed
Other whale encounters
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