Whales visit the entire length of the South Australian coastline during the cooler months, where they mate, give birth and nurse their young.

The annual migration begins in May and finishes in October, with the most frequent sightings occurring between June and September.

The first whale for the 2023 season was spotted at Encounter Bay on Sunday 7 May, followed by another east of The Bluff at Victor Harbor on Friday 12 May.

Where best to spot whales in SA?

South Australians have the opportunity to spot Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Orcas – and even Blue Whales which visit offshore.

The two most popular spots for whale watching are Encounter Marine Park in Victor Harbor and the Far West Coast Marine Park at the Head of the Bight, west of Ceduna.

Whales can also be spotted along the Eyre Peninsula at Thorny Passage Marine Park at Sleaford Bay and Nuyts Archipelago at Fowlers Bay.

If you want to learn more about the migration, you can visit the SA Whale Centre at Victor Harbor or the Head of the Bight Whale Watching Centre.

Protecting our marine mammals

Before you go whale watching, there are a few things you need to know. Whales (and dolphins) are protected by law in South Australia under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

If you spot a whale, it can be tempting to go closer for a better look, however approaching too close is illegal due to safety concerns for the animals.

For more information about viewing marine mammals and maintaining the legal distance, visit the Marine Parks website.

If you find a sick or stranded whale – or other marine mammal – contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Office immediately on 8207 7700.

For information about whale watching in South Australia, including available tours, visit the South Australia website.