Wildlife · Ocean waters off the South Fork
North Atlantic Right Whale
Eubalaena glacialis
One of the most endangered whales on Earth (roughly 370 remain) and they migrate through New York waters, sometimes surprisingly close to shore in winter and spring. A sighting is a once-in-a-decade event to be reported, not chased.
Best months
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Best time of day
- Daytime ocean scanning
- How to see
- Winter beach scanning with binoculars; report any sighting to NOAA (866-755-6622). Vessels must stay 500 yards away by federal law.
- Operator
- CRESLI
- Who films them
- @cresli_incruns the trips
- @amseasorgrescue and research
- Age
- All ages
- Accessibility
- Beach overlooks
- Responsible viewing
- Federal law requires 500 yards' distance, the only U.S. whale with its own approach rule. Report sightings to NOAA.
- Weather / sea state
- Clear, calm winter days.