Whale Watching

Southern Right Whales are one of the most endangered whale species in the world. From July to November they come to shallow coastal waters in lower latitudes to breed, calve and nurse their young.   There are just two places in South America where this gathering can be seen –Argentina and southern Brazil. Brazil’s first dedicated whale sanctuary at Praia da Rosa was declared along 81 miles of the Santa Catarina coast in 2000 to protect the whales. A favourite spot for the whales to gather is in the bay off Praia da Rosa and it is here whale watching boat trips, accompanied by a biologist from the Right Whale Institute, can be arranged.

Your base for this 3 night extension trip is the Vida Sol y Mar Resort located overlooking the beautiful Rosa beach 45 miles south of the city of Florianopolis. With 31 rooms and 7 villas, a swimming pool, tennis courts, surf school, hiking trails and horse riding there is plenty to amuse the active traveller or those seeking to relax by the pool!

 

However, the principal reason to stay is the whale watching, and on the first full day at Vida Sol e Mar there will be an opportunity for a whale watching trip (weather conditions permitting). Accompanied by a biologist from the Right Whale Institute the boat leaves from Garopaba Beach and the trip lasts about 2 hours. In the afternoon explore Garopaba village and observe the whales from the beach.

The following day if a whale watching trip was not possible on the first day owing to adverse weather conditions another trip will be scheduled. Then visit the town of Imbituba with its whale museum and old whaling station. Lunch is served in the historical city of Laguna, overlooking a lagoon where fishermen can be seen working with Bottle-nosed dolphins to herd shoals of fish towards their nets.   The rest of the day is spent at leisure, relaxing in the hotel or taking part in one of the activities arranged by the hotel.