WhenToDive
Cetacean · 🐋

Bryde's Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde's whale (pronounced "broo-dess") is a medium-sized baleen whale found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide. Unlike most baleen whales, Bryde's does not undertake long seasonal migrations — populations are largely resident to a region year-round. It is the primary large whale species associated with the South African sardine run, where it lunge-feeds on baitballs alongside dolphins and bronze whaler sharks. Bryde's whales reach 12–14 metres and are identifiable by the three parallel ridges on the top of the head (most other rorquals have only one).

Bryde's whale (pronounced "broo-dess") is a medium-sized baleen whale found in warm temperate and tropical waters worldwide. Unlike most baleen whales, Bryde's does not undertake long seasonal migrations — populations are largely resident to a region year-round. It is the primary large whale species associated with the South African sardine run, where it lunge-feeds on baitballs alongside dolphins and bronze whaler sharks. Bryde's whales reach 12–14 metres and are identifiable by the three parallel ridges on the top of the head (most other rorquals have only one).

The year at a glance

Global aggregated reliability — at any given month, how reliably can you find this species somewhere in the world?

Global reliability · as of June 2026 Rare Moderate Reliable

Where to see them in June

Sorted by June reliability and species status.

  1. 01

    Sardine Run (Wild Coast)

    South Africa · indian ocean · peak
    5/5

Full season breakdown

Peak Present Rare

Destination
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Notes
Sardine Run (Wild Coast)
Primary baleen whale participating in the run, lunge-feeding on baitballs