Whale Watching Cruise - Superb Despite Weather
Cindy, a South African, went on a whale watching cruise out of St Lucia (a small town in the midst of a world heritage site) on the country's east coast in 2004. I had an informal telephone interview with her to find out how she liked it...
In St Lucia (South Africa) and it was with Danie Bennett. The company is Advantage Cruisers & Charters (make an enquiry).
As far as I know Danie Bennett is the only person in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) that's allowed to do whale watching. I'm not too sure how it works, but back then he was the only guy who did it.
The whale watching season in the St Lucia area runs from about June to November each year.
They pick you up in town [St Lucia] with a big truck, then you go out to the beach; everybody gets on the boat into the estuary, then they launch out of the estuary into the sea [for about two hours].
It's not a small boat, we were maybe 10 or 12 people on it.
Were any meals included in the trip?
No meals, no.
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I can't tell you what species it was, but I do know we were very close to them and they were very big! There were plenty. It was an amazing experience. It was really good.
Did they breach?
They did, that was most amazing part. They come right next to the boat and jump out the water and there's this huge fish … you have to see it for yourself.
How many whales did you see and were there any calves?
Around about 10. It could have been more. I don't know, maybe it was the same one that came up 5 times but I wouldn't have known! There weren't any calves from what I can remember... I think I would have remembered.
Did you take binoculars with?
I didn't take any with, it's not really necessary. Like I said, they actually go right up to the whales.
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No. These guys are amazing also: you're still looking for the whales and they're already pointing at one in the distance. It could be the worst weather of any day and it will still be an amazing experience.
Danie has the ability to find those whales like you can't believe.
I went on a complimentary ticket, so I don't know how much it cost, but even if it was R400, I think I'll pay R400 another 5 times to go out.
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It was a bit of a rainy day; it was cloudy. We were wearing jackets. The sea was a bit rough and we got a bit wet, but it was still worth it - I'd go again.
Did you get seasick?
No. We just got very wet.
Here's how to prevent sea sickness on boat trips »
Go, go, go!
What would you say was the most useful item that you took with?
Well, I wish I took a rain coat with! We got very wet. And it was a bit of a cold day.
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It was the best. In KZN I've been around the estuary, I've been on the night drives in the game reserve… they were all amazing, but the whale watching was by far the best.
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