Brazil

Franca Whales Sighting in Imbituba and Praia do Rosa

Imbituba, on the coast of Santa Catarina, charms by its beauty one of the most beautiful corners of the South, consolidates itself by its exuberant nature in which mountains, beaches, lagoons, dunes and the Atlantic Ocean blend into magnificent scenery, transforming themselves into an apart attraction. The accomplice nature of the Azores culture, with its folklore and gastronomic richness are ingredients, which complement this scenery that attracts thousands of tourists. Aquatic sports like surf, windsurf, and jet sky are frequent due to the privileged conditions of the Imbituba coast.

The presence of Franca whales in the Imbituba sea between the months of June and November of each year, the period in which they come to our coast to give birth to and nurse their offspring made the Imbituba Municipal District, the Santa Catarina State Government, scientists, and biologists select Imbituba as the real " Whale Nursery".

A visitor of the Catarinenese coast in winter and spring, the southern Franca whale (Eutalaena australis) was hunted in Brazil since the colonial period until 1973, when the last southern framework (whale station) closed its doors in Imbituba. Rediscovered in the region in 1982 by the Franca Whale Project, the species continues to be threatened by extinction; in 1998 the count in all the oceans was less than 7.000 specimens. Easy to identify by the white warts on their head and by the "V" squirt they produce when expelling the hot air from the lungs, the Franca whales were declared Natural Monument of Santa Catarina Decree 171/95, and are wholly protected by the law 7.643/87 which prohibits hunting and deliberate harassment of whales, porpoises and dolphins in Brazilian waters.
On this site the Franca can easily be observed at a small distance from the beach during the reproduction season. To protect them is the obligation of all!

1st day:
From Florianópolis, transfer to Imbituba . Lodging at Imbituba Praia Hotel.

2nd day: Whalewatching - Sighting of Franca Whales (on board)
We start the trip after breakfast. The skipper of our boat is trained to approach the whales without disturbing them. During the route, we count with the presence of an IBF (Instituto Baleia Franca) biologist, prepared to reply any questions regarding the magnificent life of these whales. The "spectacle" lasts an average of 3 hours. We return to the hotel and shall have the afternoon off so that we may get to know the most beautiful beaches of the region: Itapirubá, Vila Nova, Do Porto, Da Luz and D´Água, Ribanceira, Ibiraquera.
Dinner at the hotel. Nightlife to be scheduled.

3rd day: Whale watching - Sighting of Franca Whales (on ground)
At dawn, the guide locates the whales and traces the most adequate itinerary. After breakfast, we start on the trail accompanied by the guide who, during all the time, will explain the behavior of the Franca whales with their offspring, besides supplying us some more information about the region. Generally, couples of mothers and youngsters are sighted swimming in parallel to the coast, and many times exposing the enormous flipper of the tail, or giving impressive jumps out of the water - all this very close to the beach. Supper at the hotel. Night entertainment to be scheduled.

4th day: Trail to Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) Praia do Rosa (Rosa´s Beach) (Optional Tour)
After breakfast we leave heading north. The bus leaves us on the quiet praia do Ouvidor (Ouvidor beach). From its corner we start walking on the open coast trail, which gives access to the beautiful and little explored Praia Vermelha (Red Beach). We enjoy the place, relax and continue the walk on the sand. Praia Vermelha ends and there appears a trail that will provide us a beautiful view. We then arrive at the famous Praia do Rosa (Rosa's Beach). Landmark of the region. At this end are the fashionable bars. Fried fish at the right time, a beer and enjoyment. In the afternoon, return to the hotel. Transfer to Florianópolis.

Price per person in US$:

High Season = Dec.-Feb., July, Easter, April 21, May 1, Sept. 7, Oct. 12, Nov. 2 and 15