Rare whales spotted near central coast of Vietnam

THE HANOI TIMES — In recent days, coastal waters off the provinces of Gia Lai and Dak Lak have seen repeated sightings of whales hunting for prey, captivating locals and tourists alike.

The most notable encounter occurred near Vung Boi Beach in An Luong Commune in Gia Lai Province on June 30, when locals spotted a 10-meter-long mother whale and her 6- to 7-meter-long calf. This sighting followed an earlier encounter with a similarly sized whale near Nhon Hai Beach.

Similar reports have come from Dak Lak as well. On July 1, a fisherman recorded a large whale surfacing near Mui Dien in Hoa Xuan commune. "Though it only lasted about five minutes, it was my first time seeing a whale hunt so close to shore," he wrote on social media.

Videos of whales hunting for prey in the coastal waters of Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces have been captured and shared on social media. Video: Thay Binh Chu Bien/Facebook

Experts from the Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Endangered Species (CBES) identified the whales as Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni), a rare and protected species. Unlike other whales that travel in pods, Bryde's whales often hunt alone or in small family groups.

The CBES attributes their frequent appearances in the area to its abundant food supply, minimal fishing activity, and clear waters, a sign of improving marine health. "Their return in recent years reflects the recovery of the local ecosystem," said a CBES specialist.

With coastlines spanning approximately 134 km in Gia Lai and 189 km in Dak Lak, recently merged with Binh Dinh and Phu Yen, these provinces are now emerging as promising destinations for marine ecotourism. The whales' presence highlights environmental restoration and provides an opportunity to promote sustainable tourism.