Humpback whales are in the peak of their northern migration, while southern right whales are just starting to make their way past our shores. 

National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) wildlife management officer Geoff Ross said the last week of June and the first week of July were good times to see whales from the South Coast. 

“Whales are swinging past continuously,” Mr Ross said. 

“We are right in the middle of the season now.

“The southern right whale season is coming up soon. 

“It runs in July, August, and September.”

Mr Ross said early in the morning was the best time to spot whales. 

“That is when you can clearly see their blow,” he said. 

“They are on their northern migration at the moment.”

Volunteers have been busy counting whales at Cape Solander since May 24. 

As of June 30, 1200 humpbacks, which is down from 1653 this time last year, and 32 minke whales, have been sighted. 

“The highest number of whales counted on any one day was 207 on Sunday, June 28,” Mr Ross said. 

“The previous highest was 103 on June 23, 2014.”

Mr Ross said there had been an overall increase of 8 to 14 per cent in humpback whale numbers. 

He hoped a southern right mum would give birth in South Coast waters this year. 

“That would be a nice little surprise for us,” Mr Ross said. 

“A right whale is born in South Coast waters about every second year. 

“They are re-establishing the places they used to give birth. 

“Places like Batemans Bay, Jervis Bay, Eden and Narooma are ideal for right whales to give birth - anywhere that has those deeper inlets where the water is warmer.”

Knowing what type of whale you have spotted is as simple as learning each species’ blow. 

“Looking from the shore, people can tell the difference between a right whale and a humpback whale by the shape and size of the blow,” Mr Ross said. 

“A right whale blow is heart shape and humpbacks have a taller and bushier blow. 

“Humpbacks roll through the water and rights propel fairly flat on the surface of the water and have no dorsal fin.”