Southern right whale diving: where and when
Winter coastal calving (Jun–Dec) followed by a summer migration to feed in sub-Antarctic waters, with strong fidelity to the same sheltered bays year after year. 4 known encounter sites across 4 countries: Argentina, South Africa, Australia and Brazil. Best single site: Peninsula Valdes, Argentina — very high reliability, peak aug-oct. No certification is required at the easiest sites — some are snorkel or freedive only.
- Sites
- 4
- IUCN status
- Least Concern
- Min. certification
- No certification
- Typical depth
- Varies by site
4 countries
Every known southern right whale site
Very high reliability
Peninsula Valdes
Argentina
Peak Aug-Oct · n/a
No certification needed
Very high reliability
Hermanus / Walker Bay
South Africa
Peak Aug-Oct · n/a
No certification needed
Very high reliability
Head of Bight, South Australia
Australia
Peak Jun-Oct · n/a
No certification needed
High reliability
Santa Catarina (Imbituba / Praia do Rosa)
Brazil
Peak Aug-Oct · n/a
No certification needed
Other whale encounters
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