Right Whale Watching from Florianópolis

Every year, southern right whales travel from the cold feeding grounds of the far south to the sheltered coast of Santa Catarina to give birth and nurse their calves. The area south of Florianópolis, around Garopaba, Imbituba and Praia do Rosa, is protected as the Right Whale Environmental Protection Area, and the whales can often be seen from the shore as well as from the water. The season runs roughly from July through November, with the peak in August and September. During this time, females with calves rest in the shallow bays, rolling, breaching and slapping their tails. Seeing a whale the size of a bus, so close to land, is a thrilling experience that stays with visitors for years. A guided whale-watching and history tour from Florianópolis normally includes transport south, time at lookouts or on a boat where permitted, and commentary on the history of whaling in the region and the conservation story that followed. Whaling once shaped coastal economies here, and the recovery of the whales is a notable success story. The day is a mix of nature, culture and scenery, with beach stops and village visits along the route. It suits families, couples and anyone curious about marine wildlife.

Season is everything. Outside the winter and spring months you are unlikely to see right whales, and tours may switch to a different focus. Check the dates carefully when booking and avoid summer departures if whales are your goal. Even within the season, sightings depend on weather, sea state and luck.

Rules protect the animals. Boat approach distances and numbers are regulated, and operators must follow them. Land-based viewing needs no special permit and is often the best way to see mothers and calves. A good guide will tell you where to stand, when to look and what behaviours to watch for.

Bring binoculars if you have them, plus a camera with a decent zoom. Dress in layers because coastal winds can be cool even on sunny days, and carry sunscreen and a hat. Sturdy shoes help on uneven viewpoints and dunes.

Travel time is significant. The journey from Florianópolis to the whale area takes around an hour and a half each way, so the day is long. Children may tire, so bring snacks and activities for the road. Consider a night in Garopaba or Praia do Rosa if you want a more relaxed experience.

Pair the trip with beach time or a seafood lunch in a coastal village. For a longer trip, combine it with a visit to the dunes and surf spots around Garopaba, which are attractions in their own right. Respect the whales by keeping noise down, and enjoy a rare chance to watch a giant at ease.

Learn a little about the whales before you go. Southern right whales are named for being the right whales to hunt, since they swim slowly, stay near the coast and float after death. They are recognised by rough patches called callosities on their heads, and by a V-shaped spout. Mothers keep calves close and spend weeks in the bays, which is why shore viewing is so rewarding.

If you can, pick a day with low wind and good light. Flat water makes spouts and tails easy to see, while rough seas can hide the animals. Patience is the key skill, and watchers who scan the horizon slowly are often rewarded with the sight of a calf playing beside its mother.