Myrtle Beach: A Whale of a Time Awaits This November!
Hey there, Myrtle Beach! As the cooling temperatures of November settle in, there’s something thrilling on the horizon: the chance to spot whales right off our beautiful coastline! Yes, you heard that right! While the Grand Strand is known for its lively crabs, playful dolphins, and even the occasional shark, the chilly waters this time of year might just bring a rare visitor to our shores—whales!
Meet the Pygmy Whale
Now, you might be asking, what kind of whales are we talking about? Well, we have one *exclusive* resident in these waters—the _pygmy sperm whale_. This little fellow makes its home in the ocean off South Carolina year-round. According to local marine experts, these whales typically measure between 8 to 10 feet and are masters of disguise! You might be thinking, “How come I’ve never seen one?”
The answer lies in their habits. Lauren Rust, director of a local marine mammal network, explains, “They live in the deep water, so most people are not there to see them because they’re deep divers.” And let’s not forget, these whales are quite dark and have small dorsal fins, making them somewhat of an elusive creature! So, when it comes to spotting pygmy sperm whales, patience is key.
Whale Migration: A Seasonal Spectacle
But don’t worry, there’s more than just pygmy whales cruising by! As the seasons shift, so do various whale species along the Atlantic coast. _Humpback whales, North Atlantic right whales, pilot whales, and even the massive sperm whales (not the pygmy kind)_ are set to migrate. Usually, this occurs during the fall and spring.
As Humpbacks and others make their journey south to warmer waters for winter, they’ll soon be heading back north where the food is plentiful come summertime. Imagine them swimming back up to the chilly waters off New England, some even reaching as far as beautiful Nova Scotia!
Protecting Our Gentle Giants
As these magnificent creatures journey by our shores, there are vital measures in place to protect them, especially the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. From November 1 to April 30, large vessels over 65 feet are restricted to a speed of 10 knots along our coast to ensure these gentle giants can migrate safely. Although the big boats have a speed limit, even smaller boats are encouraged to take it easy and watch for these majestic beings.
Where to Spot the Whales
Now, let’s talk about where you can catch a glimpse of these beauties. It’s important to understand that seeing whales from shore is a bit of a rarity. Most of them prefer the deeper waters, making spotting one akin to “looking for a needle in a haystack,” as Rust puts it. Still, if you’re itching for a chance, your best bet might just be on one of the local piers. But don’t get your hopes too high; the last reported sighting at the Myrtle Beach State Park pier was back in January!
Planning Your Adventure
If you’re lucky enough to head out on a boat, remember to keep a respectful distance—NOAA recommends observing from at least _100 yards_ away. That’s about the length of a football field! So, gather your family and friends for a whale watching adventure this November—you never know what you might see out there!
With a bit of luck and some careful planning, you might just have a fantastic story to share about your very own whale encounter here in Myrtle Beach. What a way to enjoy the beauty of our coast! Get ready for an unforgettable experience this season!
