Best Places For Whale Watching Around the World
Whales are one of the most graceful and majestic marine creatures and a delight to encounter. But it’s easier said than done. All whale species prefer to remain in the depths until it’s time to come up for air or feed. This is when tourists can see them if they join ethical whale-watching tours. The best part is you don’t have to chase migratory species, there are plenty of places where whale watching is possible all year around.
Whale species you can see
Did you know there are 91 species of whales out there? They split into two main groups: Baleen Whales, with 15 species, and Toothed Whales, with 77 species. And yes, dolphins are technically whales, but when we think of whales, we think of the larger species.
Most Baleen Whales migrate, but not all of them. The ones that do, follow similar patterns and paths known as blue corridors or whale superhighways. They feed in the cold sea closer to the Poles, and breed closer to the Equator.
The data on population is pulled form IUCN’s Red List.
Baleen whales to see
- Blue Whale: The largest animal ever known to have existed, blue whales can reach lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters) and weigh as much as 200 tons. There numbers are increasing and currently between 5,000-15,000.
- Humpback Whale: It is the most popular species to catch a glimpse at during whale watching tours. They are known for their majestic songs and aerial acrobatics, such as breaching the water’s surface. Approx. 84,000 individuals lives worldwide in increasing numbers.
- Gray Whale: Famous for their long migration routes, gray whales travel between feeding and breeding grounds each year. Their population is scattered, but reported to be stable estimated around 25,000 individuals.
- Fin Whale: Only adults males migrate, females and their offsprings remain in the tropical waters year around. 100,000 fin whales are estimated to roam the oceans worldwide.
- Minke Whale: The smallest of the major baleen whales, minke whales are often found in polar and temperate waters. Less data is available about them, but Red List estimates 100,000 mature individuals.
Toothed whales to see
- Sperm Whale: The largest of the toothed whales, sperm whales are known for their deep diving capabilities, reaching depths of over 2,000 meters to hunt squid. There population estimate is currently unknown.
- Orca (Killer Whale): Despite their common name, orcas are actually the largest members of the dolphin family and are apex predators in marine environments. There population estimate is currently unknown.
- Beluga Whale: Recognizable by their white color and distinctive forehead, belugas are social animals found in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Around 136,000 adult individuals are estimated to exist.
- Narwhal: They stay in the Arctic all year. It is interesting to know that only male narwhals grow tusks, females rarely. The latest population estimate is around 123,000 adult narwhals.
Map of the Blue Corridors
The World Wildlife Fund in cooperations of several partners tracked 100 migratory whales to see the places they visit, breed, and feed. Here is the map of the whale superhighways.
Now, let’s see the best places of whale watching based on number of species there.
Iceland, home of Keiko, star of “Free Willy”
20 whale species out of 91 visits or lives in Iceland’s waters during various months.
According to one of the first whale watching tour companies in Iceland, from April to September, the best whale watching destinations are Skjalfandi Bay and Eyjafjordur. This is the place to see humpback, sperm, fin and blue whales.
From January to March, the Snæfellsnes peninsula is the to-go place which welcomes massive pods of killer whales, which emerge from the waves to feed on herrings.
Canada
33 whale species out of 91 visits or lives in Canada’s waters during various months.
From April until October is the best time for whale watching in Canada since numerous whale pods emerge from the ocean’s depths to take a breather and feed on massive shoals throughout the Canadian coast.
The Pacific west coast witnesses closer to 300 killer whales swimming along the shores of British Columbia and around Vancouver Island. The peak tourist season lasts from June to October.
Near the Gulf of Lawrence, tourists can spot orcas, humpback, blue, minke, and fin whales.
Newfoundland humpbacks even cross 5000 individuals during the summer months.
Canada’s Artic waters, especially in Nunavut, are the home of beluga whales and narwhals. Since they don’t migrate, visitors can see them all year around.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for eco-lodges in British Columbia.
Alaska
17 whale species out of 91 visits or lives in Alaska’s waters during various months.
From April to September, the waters around the Kenai Peninsula and Southeast Alaska are bustling with humpback whales. Resurrection Bay near Kenai Fjords National Parks, one of the least visited national park in the U.S. is the best place to be.
Over in the Bering Sea, you’ll see gray whales making their massive 11,000-mile migration from Baja California to the Arctic. But you don’t need to travel as far as the Bering Strait, visitors can catch a glimpse of the migration closer to the shores, around Aleutian Islands, Cook Inlet, or Kodiak Island, which is one of the greenest cities in the U.S.
In Alaska, all year round, you might catch killer whales patrolling the coastal bays and inlets, looking for their next meal.
And if you head up to Alaska’s Arctic coast, you’ll have a chance to spot beluga whales and even rare narwhals, just hanging out in their chilly home waters.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for eco-lodges in Alaska.
New Zealand
44 whale species out of 91 visits or lives in New Zealand’s waters during various months.
The best place to watch sperm whales in New Zealand is in Kaikoura, a coastal town in South Island. Male sperm whales migrate here to feed and get themselves ready for breeding season. While females and young sperm whales remain in the tropics all year around.
Peak humpback whale watching season falls from June to August, when tourists can even sight ocras, blue, fin, minke, Southern right, pilot and 11 species of beaked whales.
In autumn and winter pods of dolphins around New Zealand are reaching 800-1,000 individuals. The waters around its shores is also the only home to Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest dolphin.
Antarctica
16 whale species out of 91 visits or lives in Antarctica’s waters during various months. Out of which there is only one dolphin, the hourglass dolphin.
Most whale watching tours in Antarctica happen during expeditions and cruises, typically during February and March. It is home of 7 large whale species including Killer whales (orcas), Humpback, Sperm, Southern right, Sei, Fin, Antarctic minke and Antarctic blue whales.
Hundreds of humpback whales breach and occasionally lunge feed at the surface in these cold conditions. Additionally, massive orca pods grace tourists, who can even spot the majestic creatures mid-hunt.
Prime areas for whale watching include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Shetland Islands, but an area-wide trip will still do the trick.
Arctic
The best thing about a trip to the Arctic is witnessing several types of whales besides animals like the polar bear, walrus, seal or Arctic fox.
Beluga, bowhead whales (also known as Greenland whale), and narwhals live in the Arctic waters all year around. While gray, minke, humpback, and blue whales occasionally inhabit parts of the Arctic migrate here temporarily during the summer months for feeding.
Norway
Close to the Senja Islands near Adenes, Norway welcomes some of the biggest orca and humpback crowds, which are seemingly attracted to shoals of herring.
Peak tourist season falls between November and January, increasing the chances of spotting humpback whales and orcas. Sperm whales are there all year especially around Vesterålen.
You can even set off on an cruise to Svalbard islands to glimpse the largest species, the blue whale.
Caribbean
Dominican shores host some of the largest resident populations of sperm whales. Despite this, peak tourist season for whale watching falls between November and March.
During these months, pods of sperm whales breach and emerge to feed on massive shoals of fish. Scotts Head, Roseau, Layou, and Point Round are the closest towns from where whale watching tours start.
Mexico
The Baja Peninsula and the area around Los Cabos have become a thriving hub for pods of humpbacks, and blue whales, which are frequently spotted breaching during the fall.
Peak season typically varies; Los Cabos usually welcomes these giants during the later months of fall through well into winter, while other areas are responsible for sightings that last until April. Arriving between January and March is recommended to be the best time.
The Ojo de Liebre Lagoon welcomes close to 400 whales, making it the perfect spot for whale watching.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for Mexico eco-lodges nearby.
South Africa
If you are an eco-tourist, South Africa can be more than just seeing the big five safari animals. The waters around it is in the path of Humpback and Southern Right Whale migration.
Southern Right Whales migration start their journey in June and continue until September when they come closer to shore to give birth.
The best spot to capture this sight is in Hermanus, which also receives occasional passersby like Humpbacks and Bryde’s whales. If appropriately planned, tourists won’t even need to sit on a boat to witness these extraordinary animals. They may be visible from the shore.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for South African eco-lodges nearby.
Hawaii
There is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii from world-famous beaches to hiking through tropical rainforest in an active volcanic area, but observing a vibrant wildlife should also be on your itinerary.
Why? Becasue Hawaii also welcomes almost half of humpback whales North Pacific population. According to WWF Blue Corridor Report, 10,000 humpback whales grace Hawaii’s coast in December and into May, where they delight tourists with playful behavior and feeding frenzies.
The best spot to witness them is in Maui, where the warmer waves become a prime location for humpback migrations. Although whale watching usually lasts 4-5 months, your best bet would be to visit during March when the weather is pleasant enough to catch fleeting glimpses of these gentle giants.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for Hawaii eco-lodges nearby.
Virginia Beach
Every year, several thousands of humpback whales start their migratory journey in New England, Canada, and make their way to the Caribbean. During this time, the whales are frequently spotted from Virginia Beach, especially during the months of December through March.
Apart from these humpbacks, tourists can also spot fin whales peeking shyly from the ocean.
Panama
Humpback whales hailing from the northern and southern hemispheres grace Panama, one of the only two places in the world welcoming them with open arms for breeding. These whales typically appear between July and October, but tourists can spot them earlier.
The Central American country invites tourists to whale watch from numerous locations including Pearl Island and Taboga Island. Sometimes, tourists will even glimpse humpbacks and dolphins frolicking together on incredibly rare and lucky occasions.
Australia
The Land Down Under has countless spots to whale watch all around the continent. Literally. But the most popular ones remain close to the Great Barrier Reef, Victoria, and Southern Australia.
Humpback whales frequent the Great Barrier Reef, peeking from the waves during their annual migration. The same areas witness the majestic orca pods, occasionally even engaging in playful learning behavior.
You will find the Southern Right Whales and Blue Whales closer to Victoria and Southern Australia. All peak seasons vary, but tourists can visit between July and November.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for Australian luxury lodges nearby.
Sri Lanka
Numerous places in Sri Lanka, namely Mirissa and Kalpitiya, welcome different whale species.
Kalpitiya is often graced by sperm whales, which love to hide behind the waves, so tourists might need to take guided whale-watching tours to witness them. The peak season lies outside the monsoon season, preferably from November through March, since rogue waves can disrupt the appearance.
On the other hand, Mirissa welcomes blue whales, sperm whales, and even humpbacks breaching the surface. The best time is from December to April.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for Sri Lankan eco-lodges nearby.
Azores
28 whale species out of 91 reside or migrate around the Azores Islands.
The Azores has four resident species: Sperm Whale, Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, and Risso’s Dolphin. Besides them, more than 20 species migrate along its shoreline.
Blue, Fin, and Sei whales arrive around March and can be spotted up until July. Pilot Whales come a bit later, but stay longer as well, until October.
However, the best time to whale watching in the Azores is during spring, when visitors have a chance to catch a glimpse of most of the species.
Costa Rica
34 whales species out of 91 migrate across Costa Rica’s shores.
While Costa Rica is primarily known for bird watching, tropical rainforest and volcanoes. Being a high biodiversity area, it also welcomes migratory animals like turtles and whales.
On the Pacific side, the prime locations for observing humpback whales include the southern communities of Dominical, Uvita, and Drake Bay, extending to central areas like Manuel Antonio and Jaco, and even northern spots such as Tamarindo and Sámara.
The Bahía Ballena community hosts an annual whale festival in September, promoting whale watching with reduced tour prices.
WHERE TO STAY – Search for Costa Rican eco-lodges nearby.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.