Every year thousands of humpback whales make the long springtime journey north from the Caribbean to the Arctic. Why? The whales want to capitalise on the summertime abundance of phytoplankton. The polarised environment will experience almost twenty-four hours of sunlight a day, which pushes biological productivity levels to the limit at all points on the food chain.
Here in the waters around Bermuda, whales can feed on the vast shoals of krill that are their main food source. And feed they must – this is the only opportunity for female whales to stock up on fat reserves in order to healthily bear calves in the winter and nurse them until they can return to the arctic to feed once more.
Luckily for us, these incredible creatures pass right by our island, and the best time to see them is during March and April, with some appearing as early as February. At this point in the whale life cycle, there is a good chance of seeing mothers with small calves. When they migrate back in winter, the whales are mostly adults.
Here are a few ways you can see these gentle giants as they travel past Bermuda.
West Whale Bay
Bermuda is fortunate in that it’s possible to whale-watch right from the shore. One particularly good vantage point is West Whale Bay. Head over to this west end beach with some binoculars for a good look at the whales. Be patient and watch for waterspouts. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of whale breaching. Bear in mind that whales will always appear outside of the reef line, and don’t mistake waves crashing on boiler reefs for the animals!
Your Own Boat
Why not make your own tour route? Whales can be seen within 15 miles of the island, almost anywhere off South Shore. Some of the best places to try include the Sally Tucker and Challenger Banks sea mounts.
Guided Tours
Many businesses in Bermuda offer whale-watching tours for around a hundred dollars. These 5-6 hour cruises allow you to safely get up close and personal with the whales as they play and feed in our local waters. With experienced captains at the helm, you’re almost guaranteed to see a pod on the trip. Here are some popular options.
Bermuda Zoological Society – The founders of whale watching in Bermuda, BZS and The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo offer tours for ages 10 and up onboard the 45ft R/V Endurance. The cost for non-members is $100 per adult and $80 per child under 12. BZS members pay the discounted price of $75 per adult and $55 per child under 12. The 6-hour tours leave from Flatt’s Village dock and run March 9 – April 25.
Book online at bamz.org/experience/whale-watching-tours
B.U.E.I. – The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute offers whale watching tours for ages 12 and up aboard the Explorer with Captain Mike Hayward and crew, leaving from the BUEI in Hamilton. Tours last all day and will run every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, beginning March 15 until the end of April. The cost is $85 for BUEI members or $100 for non-members.
To purchase tickets please call 294-0204 or email giftshop@buei.bm
K.S. Watersports – K.S. Watersports offers tours for adults and children ages 5 and up aboard Calypso, their brand new 50ft power catamaran. Calypso has a cash bar (excluding alcohol) and bathroom onboard. The 5-hour tours take place during the months of March and April on weekends and select days. Cruises depart from Albuoy’s Point in Hamilton. Private charters are also available. Prices start at $100 per adult and $80 per child.
Book online at kswatersports.com/whale-watching-tours
Island Tour Centre – Choose the 60ft power catamaran Sundeck or the 63ft monohull motorboat Coral Princess for this five-hour whale watching tour. Both vessels depart from Dockyard and run tours during March and April. The cost is $100 per adult and $80 per child (must be at least 5 years old). Private tours are also available on Sundeck, Coral Princess and glass-bottom boat Looking Glass.
Book online at islandtourcentre.com/whale-watching
Read our article on Tips & Tricks to Get the Most from a Whale Watching Tour!
