Humpback whale-watching in Bahia
On a small sea-going open boat, get up close to the benign humpback whale to watch a magnificent display of joie de vivre.
The humpback whale is one of the larger species; adults range in length from a whopping 12–16 m and weigh around 25–40 metric tons. That’s about the same as two or three double-decker buses. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. To the delight of whale watchers, it is prone to breach the surface with abandon.
Found in oceans and seas all around the world, they migrate up to 25,000km each year. They feed in polar waters, and migrate to tropical or subtropical waters such as those which lap the coast of Bahia ion Brazil to breed and give birth, fasting and living off their fat reserves.
The humpback used to be a target for the whaling industry: this was prohibited in 1966 but by that time their numbers had fallen by 90%. Nowadays it’s estimated there are 80,000 of them.
Following an orientation talk, participants on whale-watching tours embark a vessel to head to waters where it is known the whales roam in season (July – September). You have a good chance (90%) of seeing one: curious, they exhibit innumerable jumping behaviours and spontaneously approach the boats.
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Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
