Environmental Protection Area – Southern Right Whale APA
The creation of the Right Whale Protection Area conservation unit aims to protect the right whale; organise and guarantee the rational use of the region's...
Jump to section
The Santa Catarina Nursery is a captivating area where Southern right whales seek refuge to give birth and nurse their calves from July to November. Most of the nursery is in an Environmental Protection Area, while the wider region has a rich heritage, attractions for sports and nature lovers, as well as opportunities to enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Whales, once hunted, are now celebrated and can be seen from beaches, shores and dunes, making Santa Catarina an ideal destination for ecotourism. As the whales and their calves stay very close to the coast, they offer an unforgettable experience and opportunity to connect with nature for locals and visitors.
Available for sponsorship
Available for sponsorship
Stories
Australis Institute
In 1981, Vice-Admiral Ibsen de Gusmão Câmara, one of the leaders in the fight against the continuation of whaling in Brazil (practised until 1985 by Japanese...
‘Where whales are born’ - Southern Right Whale Project
‘Where whales are born’ is a qualitative research project to emphasise the importance of preserving the nursery. Interviews were organised to address the...
Experiences
The National Right Whale Conservation Centre in Itapirubá
Visitor centres or museums
The National Right Whale Conservation Centre provides information and interesting facts about the world of right whales and the research activities carried out in the region by the ProFRANCA Project, maintained by the Australis Institute. The Centre also has a video room, an open-air deck with an observatory for whale watching during the whale season, and a life-size replica of a right whale calf. The Australis Space has a collection of marine animal skeletons, including a 14-metre-long adult right whale, the only adult-sized skeleton of the species on display on the Brazilian coast.
Bottlenose dolphin sightings in Laguna
Self-guided wildlife walks
Founded in 1676, the beautiful city of Laguna is known for the 600 buildings in its Historic Centre, as well as for its famous interactive fishing activity with dolphins and great whale watching spots. The natural beauty of this stretch of coastline also attracts attention, especially Praia do Farol, where the Santa Marta Lighthouse is located, one of the destination's icons.
Garopaba
Guided wildlife walks
Nature is the greatest attraction of Garopaba, which still retains the tranquillity and religiosity of the old fishing villages, amidst beaches of great natural beauty, ideal for practising sports and the perfect place for ecological walks along unbelievable trails in the Atlantic Rainforest and land-based whale watching spots.
Species & habitat
The region is home to Southern right whales, which migrate from their feeding grounds in the South Georgia Islands to the southern part of Santa Catarina every year and stay in these protected coves between May and November for their breeding season.
In Laguna, there is also a group of resident bottle-nosed dolphins that live their entire lifespans within the local area, to the point of having their own culture, social rules and unique vocalisations. These dolphins interact closely with the local fishermen, helping them by signalling the location of shoals and pushing the fish towards their nets. This unique, collaborative relationship has become a tourist attraction.
Did you know?
Threats
The main concerns for the conservation and welfare of whales and dolphins in the area are entanglement in fishing gear (especially gillnets), harassment from motorised vehicles such as helicopters and jet skis, noise pollution, collisions with boats, water contamination and chemical pollution runoff from rivers, and the transformation of the coastal landscape. In particular, the increasing development of buildings on the coast around the nursery coves is changing the topography and increasing artificial light and noise pollution, which risks disorientating the whales on their migratory routes.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
Trustworthy
Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Supported by World Cetacean Alliance
Looking for more in-depth information?
Explore more Wildlife Heritage Areas
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
Helpful links
Apply to become a Wildlife Heritage Area
