Planning a trip down south? Don't miss whale-and-dolphin-watching in coastal Karnataka and Maharashtra

Every winter, the whales from the waters of the polar region travel down south to the tropics where the water is warmer and the food course more abundant. In case of India, the waters of the Arabian sea, have been known to have a small population of humpback whales. Though whale watching is not as common as dolphin watching in India, it is not completely unheard of too. For instance, as recently as a week ago, some cases of orca (killer whale) sightings were reported from the coastal regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The news of the orca sighting came from Nivti in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, and Malpe in Udupi district in Karnataka. This news is enough for any wildlife enthusiast, especially marine wildlife enthusiasts, to leave everything, pack their bags and head to the coasts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The orca sighting made such news because these whales are commonly found in the waters surrounding Norway, Alaska. Finding them so far away from home, in the waters of the Arabian Sea, is a rare event.


Amid all this, one wonders, do we really have this kind of opportunity in India? The answer is Yes. Maybe not a lot when it comes to whales, but it is common when it comes to dolphins.



In winters (from November to February), the coastal regions of Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, give good dolphin sightings. During this period, the Arabian Sea is calmer and the visibility is better too. Short boat rides away from the shores, will let you see playful dolphins leaping and frolicking in their natural habitat.


Popular whale sightings
These acrobatic humpback whales, blue whales (largest animals on Earth) and Bryde’s whales are known to have graced the waters of coastal destinations like Netrani and Karwar in Karnataka, and Sindhudurg, Malwan and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. These whales visit these regions during their migratory journeys.



In case you are wondering, these aforementioned destinations are also some of the best places to go scuba diving and snorkelling. These waters are clearer in the winter months and warmer too.


Things to remember while whale-dolphin-watching
It is of utmost importance that a proper distance is maintained while watching these gentle marine animals. In India, we don’t have proper whale-watching tours like how they have in the USA, Europe and other regions. What we have is small boat tours that one can hire to go look for these sightings.