Whale Watching in Negril

Posted by Negril Scuba on November 6, 2008

Introduction to Whale Watching in Negril Jamaica

Several years ago Eric Hoyt, author of ‘The Whale Watcher’s Handbook’,
described the Caribbean region as "…the closest, reliable spot
for American whale watchers to see Sperm Whales."

Today, Negril Jamaica has become known as one of the "Whale Watching
Capitals of the Caribbean" and boasts a 89% success rate in spotting
whales or dolphins during a whale watching excursion.

Sperm Whales can be seen year round and Humpbacks in winter. One reason
is that Jamaica has a unique underwater terrain – very close to the coast
the seascape drops off thousands of feet deep, providing nutrients for
whales to feed on which are not normally found so near to shore. The social
behavior of Sperm Whales can be viewed first hand – mating, calving, and
tending to their young in small groups.

Other whales that frequent our shores include: Pilot, Pygmy Sperm, False
Killer, Dwarf Sperm, Melon-Headed and Arca. Whale watching is a year-round
activity in Negril Jamaica.

Various species of dolphin are plentiful in our crystal blue waters.
Spotted, Spinner, Fraser and Risso’s dolphin can be seen frolicking along
Negril’s coastline throughout the year.

Negril
8-12 sperm whales year round, humpbacks in winter, oceanic dolphinsSeveral
different species of whale and dolphin, either resident in the area or
passing through. Offshore swimming with dolphins Migratory humpbacks,
Jan – Mar.; mating and calving off the Negril Light house.

Excursions provided by the Negril Scuba Centre and Splash Watersports