The Best Places to Go Whale Watching: Your Ultimate Guide to Seeing Whales
This blog is for all of you ocean lovers! If the idea of locking eyes with a humpback whale or maybe hearing an orca’s splash sends shivers down your spine, you’re in the right spot. I’m obsessed with chasing those magical moments where the sea giants show off, and today, we’re diving into the best places to go whale watching around the globe. Once hunted almost to extinction, today most humans are inspired by coming in contact with such a giantic and beautiful creature as whales (and i say most, cause some countries still actively hunt whales). But whether you’re dreaming of seeing whales breach against a rugged coastline or curious about the whale capital of the world, I’ve got you covered with a lineup that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
Whale watching isn’t just about the thrill, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s giants and a chance to connect with the wild. During these excursions, you can spot a variety of marine life, including bottlenose dolphins and other marine mammals like sea otters, seals, and porpoises. So, grab your binoculars, and let’s explore the best places to see whales, answering all your burning questions: Where’s the top spot in the world for whale seeing? What’s the best whale watching destination? I’ll weave in tips, jaw-dropping stats, and insights from the likes of National Geographic and the WWF. Ready to set sail? Let’s go!
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Whales | Photo by Lauren Baer
Why Whale Watching Tours are a Must-Do Adventure
Before we hit the list, let’s talk about why whale watching is pure magic. Did you know there are 90 whale and dolphin species swimming our oceans, per the World Cetacean Alliance? From the massive blue whale, Earth’s largest animal, to the acrobatic humpback, each sighting is a story. In places like Monterey Bay, you can join educational whale-watching tours led by marine biologists, where you can see bay whales and grey whales among other species. It’s not just about the views; it’s a low-impact way to travel, support conservation, and soak in some of the planet’s most stunning seascapes. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned whale seeing pro, these best places to whale watch will hook you. Let’s dive into the top 10!
Understanding Whale Behavior and Habitat
Whales are some of the most captivating creatures in our oceans, and understanding their behavior and habitat is key to a fulfilling and responsible whale watching experience. These marine mammals are highly social, living in complex societies where each species exhibits unique behaviors and social structures. Take humpback whales, for instance. Known for their acrobatic breaches and haunting songs, these giants put on a show that’s nothing short of mesmerizing. On the other hand, gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling thousands of miles each year to reach their breeding grounds.
Whales inhabit every ocean on Earth, from the icy waters of the Arctic to the temperate seas of the Antarctic, and everywhere in between. Their habitats are as diverse as they are, ranging from shallow coastal waters to the vast, open ocean. Blue whales, the largest animals on the planet, prefer the deep, open waters where they can find ample food. In contrast, killer whales, or orcas, are often found in coastal areas where they hunt in packs, showcasing their incredible teamwork and intelligence.
Understanding these behaviors and habitats is crucial for responsible whale watching. Knowing where and when to find these majestic creatures allows us to minimize our impact on their environment. For example, avoiding sensitive habitats like coral reefs or sea grass beds helps protect these ecosystems. Additionally, maintaining a respectful distance ensures that our presence doesn’t disrupt the whales’ natural behaviors or stress them out. By being informed and considerate, we can enjoy the awe-inspiring experience of whale watching while ensuring the well-being of these magnificent marine mammals.
The 12 Best Places to See Whales in the World
1. Húsavík, Iceland – Europe’s Whale Watching Capital
Iceland’s icy waters are teeming with marine life, making it one of the best whale-watching destinations in Europe. Húsavík, often called the "Whale Capital of Iceland," offers high chances of spotting humpbacks, minke whales, and even the elusive blue whale. The fjord backdrop and midnight sun create an unforgettable experience.
Where to Watch: Húsavík, Reykjavík, Akureyri
Top Species to See: Humpback whale, minke whale, orca, blue whale, fin whale
When to Visit: June to August for peak feeding season, when whales gather to feast on krill.
Whale whatching in Húsavík, Iceland | Photo by Danilo Forcellini
Whale Watching Tours in Iceland
2. Monterey Bay, California – Whale Watching Year-Round
Monterey Bay’s nutrient-rich waters attract whales all year, making it one of the best whale-watching spots in the U.S. Visitors can see gray whales in winter, humpbacks in summer, and even blue whales at peak times. The marine sanctuary here supports one of the most diverse whale populations in the world.
Where to Watch: Monterey Bay, Moss Landing, Santa Cruz
Top Species to See: Gray whale, humpback whale, blue whale, orca, Risso’s dolphin
When to Visit: March to May for gray whale mothers and calves. Bring a zoom lens for epic shots!
Humpback Whale Monterey Bay California | Photo by Cara Kapaldo
Whale Watching Tours in Monterey California
3. Baja California, Mexico – Gray Whale Nursery
Mexico is already in our list for one of the best destinations to see widlife. It is biodiversity hotspot with so many places to witness an incredible array of animals. But Baja California is a also bucket-list destination for whale lovers, offering some of the closest gray whale encounters on the planet. These gentle giants migrate from the Arctic to Baja’s lagoons to breed and give birth. In these encounters, whales tend to approach the little boats, a behaviour that is truly fascinating and where I spoke about in a previous blog about how gray whales bounced back from the brink of extinction. This behaviour really creates a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors.
Where to Watch: San Ignacio Lagoon, Magdalena Bay, Guerrero Negro
Top Species to See: Gray whale, humpback whale, blue whale, fin whale, common dolphin
When to Visit: January to April when gray whales arrive with their calves. Some may even approach boats out of curiosity!
Gray Whale in Baja California, Mexico | Photo by Cesar Medina
Whale Watching Tours in Baja California, Mexico
4. Vancouver Island, Canada – Orca Central
Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to see orcas, with resident pods that can be spotted year-round. The dramatic fjords and rich marine ecosystem also attract humpback and gray whales, making this a top-tier whale-watching destination.
Where to Watch: Victoria, Tofino, Johnstone Strait
Top Species to See: Orca, humpback whale, gray whale, minke whale, Pacific white-sided dolphin
When to Visit: May to October for the best sightings. Kayak tours in Johnstone Strait offer an unforgettable orca encounter.
Orca in Vancouver Island | Getty Images
Whale Watching Tours in Vancouver Island
5. Kaikōura, New Zealand – Sperm Whale Haven
New Zealand is home to very, very unique animals. And a few places in this country stand out for whale watching. Kaikōura’s canyon creates a whale-watching paradise where sperm whales can be spotted year-round. Seasonal visitors like humpbacks, orcas, and blue whales make this one of the best places to see whales in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where to Watch: Kaikōura Peninsula, boat tours from Kaikōura town
Top Species to See: Sperm whale, humpback whale, orca, blue whale, Hector’s dolphin
When to visit: June to August for peak humpback migration, but sperm whales can be seen any time of year.
Whale Tail at sea in Kaikoura New Zealand | Getty Images
6. Maui, Hawaii – The Ultimate Humpback Nursery
Maui’s warm waters transform into a humpback whale nursery every winter, with thousands migrating to breed and give birth. The calm Au’au Channel provides an incredible viewing experience, with frequent breaches, tail slaps, and fin waves.
Where to Watch: Lahaina, Ka’anapali Beach, Maui’s west coast
Top Species to See: Humpback whale, spinner dolphin, false killer whale, pilot whale
When to visit: December to April, sunrise tours offer calm seas and active whales.
Whale watching off coast of Maui, Hawaii | Photo by Joe Rich
7. Queensland, Australia – The Humpback Highway
Australia is already on our list as one of the best places to see very unique animals in the world. For Whales, it was hard to choose the best places as the whole country’s coastline is packed with whales migrating. But Queensland’s coast in particular becomes a superhighway for migrating humpbacks every winter, with Hervey Bay offering some of the most intimate whale encounters in the world. The whales linger here with their calves, making for spectacular up-close experiences.
Where to Watch: Hervey Bay, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef waters
Top Species to See: Humpback whale, southern right whale, minke whale, orca
When to Visit: June to November. Opt for a kayak tour to experience whales in a truly immersive way.
Dwarf Minke Whale on the Great Barrier Reef | Photo by Nigel Marsh
8. Azores, Portugal – Atlantic Whale Hotspot
The Azores’ volcanic archipelago is one of the best places to see sperm whales, plus seasonal visitors like blue whales and fin whales. With 20+ species sighted here, it’s a whale-watching dream in the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to Watch: São Miguel, Pico Island, Faial Island
Top Species to See: Sperm whale, blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, Atlantic spotted dolphin
When to Visit: Visit April to October, small boat tours from Pico offer intimate views and close encounters.
Sperm whale -Cachalot- Azores Portugal | Photo by Thierry Eidenweil
9. Patagonia, Argentina – Right Whale Retreat
Patagonia’s Peninsula Valdés is a southern right whale nursery, where mothers and calves stay close to shore. It’s also a prime spot for orcas, which have been seen hunting along the beaches, a rare and dramatic sight.
Where to Watch: Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdés, Golfo Nuevo
Top Species to See: Southern right whale, orca, Commerson’s dolphin, dusky dolphin
When to Visit Visit June to December, for shore-based viewing, Punta Norte offers free and stunning whale-watching opportunities.
Jumping Whale in Patagonia Argentina | Getty Images
10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts – Stellwagen Bank’s Whale Spectacle
Cape Cod’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best whale-watching spots on the U.S. East Coast. It draws humpbacks, fin whales, and even the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Where to Watch: Provincetown, Barnstable, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Top Species to See: Humpback whale, fin whale, minke whale, North Atlantic right whale
When to Visit: Visit April to October, morning trips offer calmer seas for better sightings.
Whale Tail Cape Cod | Getty Images
11. South Africa – Whale Watching from the Shore
South Africa’s is famous for many land animals, including the “Big Five”, but this country is also a great place for land-based whale watching, with southern right whales breaching just meters from the coast. The Western Cape is also home to humpbacks and Bryde’s whales during migration seasons.
Where to Watch: Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay, False Bay
Top Species to See: Southern right whale, humpback whale, Bryde’s whale, orca
When to Visit: June to November, join the Hermanus Whale Festival for peak sightings and conservation talks.
Whale in South Africa | Photo by Benni Marty
12. Norway – Arctic Orca Encounters
Norway’s Arctic fjords offer one of the best places to see orcas hunting herring, often seen using sophisticated team-hunting techniques. The snow-capped mountains and cold blue waters make this a magical winter whale-watching experience.
Where to Watch: Tromsø, Andenes, Lofoten Islands
Top Species to See: Orca, humpback whale, minke whale
When to Visit: November to January for the best orca sightings during the herring migration.
Whale Tail in Norway | Getty Images
Answering Your Whale Watching Questions
Where Is the Best Place in the World for Whale Watching?
Tough call, but Maui, Hawaii, edges out for its humpback spectacle, thousands breach and sing every winter. Iceland’s variety and Kaikoura’s sperm whales are close contenders.
Where Is the Best Place to See Whales?
Monterey Bay, California, wins for year-round action. Gray whales in winter, blues in summer, you’re never short on seeing whales here.
What Is the Whale Capital of the World?
Húsavík, Iceland, claims the title with over 20 species and a whale museum to boot. Locals call it the whale watching heart of Europe.
Tips for Planning Your Whale Watching Trip
Gear Up: Binoculars (10x42 are ace) and a waterproof camera with a zoom lens are musts. Seasickness meds, trust me on this.
Timing Matters: Check migration seasons, winter for humpbacks in Maui, summer for orcas in Vancouver. Early tours catch active whales.
Boat or Shore? Boats get you close, but spots like Patagonia offer killer shore views. Mix it up!
Go Guided: Local operators know whale haunts and share conservation scoops. Small boats beat crowded ferries.
Respect the Giants: Keep distance (100 yards minimum) and noise low, ethical whale seeing keeps them safe. You might spot minke whales in various locations, so maintaining a respectful distance is crucial for all marine life.
Conservation: Why These Spots Need Us
Whale watching isn’t just fun, it’s a lifeline for these ocean titans. The WWF warns that ship strikes and climate change threaten species like the right whale, down to 350 globally. Places like Baja and Patagonia show recovery’s possible with protection, but we’ve got work to do. Choose operators supporting research (like Monterey’s whale-tagging projects) to give back while you gaze.
Responsible Whale Watching Practices
Embarking on a whale watching adventure is thrilling, but it’s essential to do so responsibly to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats. Here are some guidelines to ensure your whale watching trip is both enjoyable and eco-friendly:
Choose a Responsible Tour Operator: Opt for tour operators who adhere to responsible whale watching practices. Look for those who keep a safe distance from whales, avoid feeding them, and respect their natural behaviors. These operators often support conservation efforts and provide educational insights during the tours.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintaining a safe distance from whales is crucial to avoid causing them stress or disrupting their natural activities. While the recommended distance can vary, a good rule of thumb is to stay at least 100 yards away. This ensures the whales can go about their lives undisturbed.
Don’t Feed Whales: Feeding whales can alter their natural behavior and make them dependent on human-provided food. It can also lead to aggressive behavior and disrupt their social structures. Let them find their own food in their natural habitat.
Don’t Touch or Handle Whales: Physical contact with whales can cause them harm and disrupt their natural behavior. It can also spread diseases and parasites. Admire these giants from a distance and resist the urge to touch.
Respect Their Habitat: Avoid areas with sensitive habitats, such as coral reefs or sea grass beds, and ensure you don’t litter or pollute the ocean. Keeping these environments pristine is vital for the health of marine life.
Follow Local Regulations: Adhere to local regulations and guidelines for whale watching, which may include permits and specific rules for interacting with marine wildlife. These regulations are in place to protect both the whales and their habitats.
Support Conservation Efforts: Contribute to the protection of whales by supporting reputable conservation organizations or participating in citizen science projects. Your efforts can help fund research and conservation initiatives that ensure the survival of these majestic creatures.
By following these responsible whale watching practices, we can enjoy the incredible experience of seeing whales in their natural habitat while ensuring their safety and well-being. Let’s make every whale watching trip a positive one for both us and the whales.
Conclusion: Your Whale Watching Adventure Awaits
From Iceland’s orca-packed fjords to Patagonia’s right whale nurseries, the best places to go whale watching are calling. Whether you’re chasing the best whale watching in Maui or the best places to see whales in Monterey, each spot offers a slice of ocean magic. So, snag your gear, pick a destination, and let me know your fave in the comments. Let’s keep where to watch the whales thriving, happy spotting!
