St Lucia village is surrounded by an estuary, an ocean and a natural World Heritage Site - the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean around St Lucia are a beautiful place to watch magnificent whales as they make their way up the stretch of ocean known as the Elephant Coast.
From June to November, Humpback, Minke and Southern Right whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic – travelling to breed and calve in the warm waters of Mozambique and Madagascar. It is possible to watch them breaching and tail-slapping from the shore, but nothing beats a boat trip to see them up-close.
Watching Whale Watching
There are strict regulations, laid down by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, regarding whale watching. Only one permit is issued within each region to a tour operator, and no one is permitted to approach a whale closer than 300 metres.
Advantage Tours in St Lucia is the only tour operator legally permitted to go within 50 metres of whales. This said, however, no one is permitted to approach a cow with calf.
Abundant Marine Life
Whales are not the only highlight of St Lucia. There are sea turtles, a rich variety of birdlife and dolphins playing close to the boat. Sharks, marlin and whale sharks have also been spotted.
This wild life experience takes approximately 3 hours – 2 hours whale watching and the other hour travelling by boat. The sea waters can be quite tumultuous and it is advisable to take a sea-sickness tablet at least 2 hours before. On the other hand, a little nausea is part of the experience. It’s a bit like a coming of age ritual.
Getting Wet
On your trip expect to get wet as the boat is sprayed by waves. So be careful of taking pictures unless your camera is waterproof. In any case, most tour operators will film the entire experience for you.
‘The boat ride out to sea may be a little bumpy,’ explains Danie, an Advantage Tours guide. ‘But when you see a whale breach right in front of you, the ride is worth it.’
Trip Essentials
Life jackets and raincoats are issued, but tours begin at first light so it’s advisable to bring a warm jacket. Other essential items to carry with you are a towel, bottle of water, biscuits, and rubber or plastic shoes.
Lake St. Lucia
While you’re in the area, why not take a hippo and crocodile sighting tour on Lake St Lucia – the estuary boasts some of the largest populations of these creatures in South Africa.
© Images courtesy and copyright Riëtte and Danie Bennet, Advantage Tours.
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