Whale, Hello There!
Every year, like clockwork, humpback whales make their grand entrance off the Kenyan coast. These ocean giants travel all the way from Antarctica, covering an epic 25,000 kilometers—more than half the distance around the globe! They arrive in July and August, ready for a tropical vacation of their own, where they’ll give birth and find love in the warm, welcoming waters.
THE BIG 6
Spending summers in the Pacific Northwest in North America as a child, I marvelled at the whales frolicking and leaping and coursing through the ocean waves. As waters have warmed off the coast of Kenya, I have more recently been able to delight in the same phenomenon closer to home.
Every year, humpback whales make the journey north from Antarctica, congregating off the Kenyan coast in July and August as they seek warmer waters to give birth and mate. These whales travel 25,000 kilometers on their journey every year — more than half the distance around the Earth.
Humpback whales are the true rockstars of the sea. These baleen whales—meaning they filter their food through comb-like plates in their mouths—can live up to 100 years, stretch to 16 meters long, and tip the scales at 40 tonnes (that’s about the weight of eight elephants!). And if you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear about their singing skills. Every year, male humpbacks come together to compose and perform what could only be described as the world’s most massive barbershop quartet, belting out synchronized songs for hours on end. Their acrobatics are nothing short of spectacular too—these whales love to leap, flip, and make a splash. Once teetering on the edge of extinction, humpbacks have made a remarkable comeback, with their population now thriving at around 80,000 worldwide.
Kenya’s Coastal Concert Tour
In Kenya, these ocean titans have a favorite tour route, making pit stops at Shimoni, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu, and Lamu before continuing their journey north. This migration provides a rare opportunity for whale-watching that’s quickly becoming a must-do on Kenya’s safari circuit. With marine parks along the coast offering guided tours, you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Prices for tours range from KSH 5,000 to 45,000, making it an adventure for everyone, whether you’re splurging or saving.
Whales are not the only wonder in Kenya’s waters, though. The Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve is home to coral gardens, three types of turtles, dolphins, 500 species of fish, whale sharks, manta rays, and octopuses. These incredible creatures depend on us to keep our waters — their home — clean. May you experience the glory of the whales thus season while also doing your part to keep their ecosystem sustainable for years to come.