WHALE WATCHING
During humpback whale season in Tofo (June to late September), the humpbacks head north from Antarctica to mate and reproduce in the warmer waters around the Southern African coastline. At this time of year, C-Mew is the only place to be. Thousands of humpbacks pass Tofo’s coast and our restaurant, with its 180-degree ocean view, is the perfect place to spot them.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a type of baleen whale named after the small but distinctive hump in front of their dorsal fin. Although not the biggest of the whale species (that’s the Blue whale - the largest animal on the planet), humpbacks can reach an impressive 16m and weigh around 40 tons. Despite their huge size, they’re known for the way they launch themselves entirely out of the water, causing an enormous splash, which is known as breaching. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why humpbacks breach but theories include: as a form of communication (the huge splash can be heard for miles around); to dislodge and get rid of parasites; or, perhaps, just for fun.
Whatever the reason behind breaching, it’s fascinating to watch. For a close-up encounter, Tofo’s whale watching trips are highly recommended. Observing the whales from the boat, you might see them breaching, spyhopping (when the whale pokes its head vertically out of the water, possibly to get a better look around) or slapping its tail or fins on the surface of the water. It’s quite the spectacle!
What’s more, many humpbacks will have recently had their calves so you might even be lucky enough to see a mother and baby. If watching the whales isn’t enough and you want to help scientific research and conservation efforts, you can even take part in some Citizen Science during your time in Tofo. If you spot any whales during your time in Tofo and can take a photo of its fluke (tail fin), you can upload it to Flukebook.org to help researchers in their studies of the species.
During whale season in Tofo, you’ll have a good chance of seeing these magnificent animals even when you’re not out on a boat - these enigmatic creatures come so close to shore you can watch them from the comfort of our restaurant, chilled beer in hand. It’s no wonder visitors come back year after year to enjoy the show!
WHALE WATCHING
During humpback whale season in Tofo (June to late September), the humpbacks head north from Antarctica to mate and reproduce in the warmer waters around the Southern African coastline. At this time of year, C-Mew is the only place to be. Thousands of humpbacks pass Tofo’s coast and our restaurant, with its 180-degree ocean view, is the perfect place to spot them.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a type of baleen whale named after the small but distinctive hump in front of their dorsal fin. Although not the biggest of the whale species (that’s the Blue whale - the largest animal on the planet), humpbacks can reach an impressive 16m and weigh around 40 tons. Despite their huge size, they’re known for the way they launch themselves entirely out of the water, causing an enormous splash, which is known as breaching. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why humpbacks breach but theories include: as a form of communication (the huge splash can be heard for miles around); to dislodge and get rid of parasites; or, perhaps, just for fun.
Whatever the reason behind breaching, it’s fascinating to watch. For a close-up encounter, Tofo’s whale watching trips are highly recommended. Observing the whales from the boat, you might see them breaching, spyhopping (when the whale pokes its head vertically out of the water, possibly to get a better look around) or slapping its tail or fins on the surface of the water. It’s quite the spectacle!
What’s more, many humpbacks will have recently had their calves so you might even be lucky enough to see a mother and baby. If watching the whales isn’t enough and you want to help scientific research and conservation efforts, you can even take part in some Citizen Science during your time in Tofo. If you spot any whales during your time in Tofo and can take a photo of its fluke (tail fin), you can upload it to Flukebook.org to help researchers in their studies of the species.
During whale season in Tofo, you’ll have a good chance of seeing these magnificent animals even when you’re not out on a boat - these enigmatic creatures come so close to shore you can watch them from the comfort of our restaurant, chilled beer in hand. It’s no wonder visitors come back year after year to enjoy the show!