A Front-Row Seat to Whale Watching in Flagler Beach

Every winter, the waters off Flagler Beach become part of an extraordinary journey. From December through March, northern right whales make their way south to Florida’s northeastern coastline. This migration is an incredible sight, and Flagler Beach’s miles of oceanfront along A1A offer some of the best spots for whale watching. If you’re lucky, you just might spot one of these majestic giants during your winter getaway stay at the Beach Front Motel.

Meet the Northern Right Whale
Northern right whales, one of the world’s most endangered species, are a marvel of the ocean. These stocky, black baleen whales can grow up to 55 feet long and weigh as much as 70 tons. They’re easy to identify by their unique features: a broad, black tail with a smooth edge, no dorsal fin, and a blow spout that sprays in a distinctive “V” shape. Another telltale sign is the roughened white patches of skin, called callosities, on their heads.

Despite their size and grandeur, right whales are incredibly vulnerable, with fewer than 400 remaining. About 100 to 150 of these whales migrate to Florida each winter, including pregnant females looking for calm, sheltered waters to give birth. Most sightings off Flagler Beach are mother-calf pairs—a heartwarming glimpse of new life in the ocean.

Best Time and Place for Whale Watching
While whales can be spotted from December to March, February tends to be the peak month for sightings. Flagler Beach is perfectly positioned along the migration route, and with six miles of beachfront, you have plenty of opportunities to see these gentle giants. Keep binoculars handy, but even without them, a high vantage point like the Flagler Beach Pier can give you a great view.

Right whales often travel with dolphins and attract seabirds, so if you spot either, take a closer look—you might catch a glimpse of a whale surfacing. Their calves, born at about 15 feet long and 2,000 pounds, can’t hold their breath for long and stay near the surface, making them easier to see.

A Safe Distance for Spectators
Unlike other wildlife, there are no organized whale-watching excursions in Florida. The unpredictability of whale movements and the need to protect these endangered animals mean boats are kept at a distance to avoid stressing the mothers and calves. Fortunately, right whales often come close enough to shore for land-based viewing.

The Journey South and Back Again
Northern right whales spend their summers feeding off New England and Nova Scotia. By November, some of them begin their journey south, arriving in Florida waters starting in December. Here, they stay for a few months, nursing their calves and enjoying the warmer waters. By March, it’s time to head north again, completing their seasonal migration.

For nature lovers, Flagler Beach provides a rare opportunity to witness one of the ocean’s most incredible spectacles. Whether it’s your first whale sighting or one of many, the experience of seeing a northern right whale in its natural habitat is unforgettable. As you prepare for your stay with us at the Beach Front Motel this winter, don’t forget to pack binoculars. You’ll want to have them for the best view of the nature show that’s about to begin.