With over 80 different species of whales, it should not come as a surprise that this mammal can be found all over the world. If you’re fond of these animals famous for their intelligence and complex social behavior, you probably know that there are five species that are critically endangered and that many more are endangered and vulnerable.
With that in mind, there are still ways you can ethically spot these giants as they frolic in the ocean. Keep on reading for some of the best locations where you can see amazing whales.
Iceland
While Iceland might not be an obvious choice, its reputation as one of the best whale-watching spots is growing fast. The two most popular places where you can see whales in an ethical way are Husavik and Reykjavik. If you visit during the summer, so anywhere between May and October, you can find species like fin, sei, sperm, orca, minke, and blue whales. Some of them, you can even spot all year long. During your trip, you can also see dolphins, porpoises, and puffins as well as catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Scotland
Another perhaps lesser-known spot where you can see whales in Scotland. As a third of whales that live in the North Atlantic pass by Scotland when migrating, you can find humpbacks, finback, minke whales, sperm whales, and even orcas here if you visit anywhere from May through October. Moreover, you might also see bottlenose dolphins traveling alongside whales. For orca whales, you want to go to Shetland while the Hebrides are best for minke sightings. Other animals you can spot here include puffins and white-tailed eagles.
Sri Lanka
In case you find yourself in Sri Lanka anywhere from December to April, you can take this opportunity to see some majestic giants. The southern tip of the island and specifically the small town of Mirissa are the hotspots for this activity so you can easily join a tour that even offers breakfast on board. During the three hours on a boat, you might spot massive blue whales, sperm whales, humpback whales, and the Bryde’s whale. Turtles and flying fish are just some of the other creatures you’ll notice as well.
New Zealand
If you decide to visit New Zealand to see the gorgeous nature, make the most of the trip by going to Kaikoura on the South Island – the country’s capital of whale-watching. No matter when you go, you can spot the resident sperm whales. However, if you visit in June or July, you’ll also get a chance to see humpbacks as they migrate as well as blue and southern right whales. From December to March, orcas are also in the area. Besides whales, you can also find seals, penguins, shearwaters, and albatrosses.
Australia
New Zealand’s western neighbor, Australia, is also a great destination where you can see some of these gentle giants. For instance, in Sydney, you can spot humpback whales while they’re migrating. This usually happens from July to November every year. On the other side of the continent, you can find Bremer Bay killer whale tours. To see orcas up close, you want to time your visit anywhere between January and April. In addition to spotting these apex predators in Bremer Bay, it is also a great place to see pilot whales, beaked whales, sperm whales as well as different dolphin species, sharks, sea lions, and sunfish.
South Africa
The fishing town of Hermanus is the best location in South Africa if you want to see some incredible whales. If you visit from June to mid-December, you can spot many southern right whales. However, even if you find yourself there in the off-season, taking a tour to see humpback and Bryde’s whales is still an option. What is more, this is also a great place if you want to stay on land as you can spot whales from the shore too. Just outside of Cape Town, you can see African penguins, Cape fur seals, great white sharks, and black oystercatchers.
Canada
Canada is full of spots that you could visit if you want to see some magnificent whales. For example, Vancouver Island is a hotspot for grey whales as about 20,000 of them pass the Pacific coast during spring. You can also see minkes, humpback whales, and orcas. Salmon, sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles can be spotted here as well. Arctic Nunavut will provide you with an opportunity to see some of the rarer species, such as the bowhead whales while Tadoussac, Quebec and Churchill, Manitoba are good places to see some beluga whales. Newfoundland is also home to more than 22 species including fin and sperm whales, from mid-May to September.
Mexico
Visiting Baja California in February, March, or April means that you are in one of the best places in the world to see the migration of grey whales. However, the whale-watching season in this beautiful Mexican region is never over as both sides of the peninsula see whale migrations. In addition to grey whales, there are also blue whales, humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and minke whales. The top spots to see some of these sea creatures include Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Magdalena Bay, and San Ignacio Lagoon. Guadalupe fur seals, California sea lions, and blue-footed boobies are some of the other animals you can also encounter.
Colombia
As humpback whales migrate in search of warmer waters, they leave their Antarctic home and spend some time on Colombia’s Pacific coast. The towns of Bahía Málaga, Bahía Solano, and Nuquí welcome these giants from late June to early November. The most activity happens during August so time your visit for that time if anyhow possible. While there, you might also want to catch the sea turtle nesting season, from January to July.
The opportunities to see the many whale species truly abound. No matter which continent you decide to visit, you will surely find a nearby place that offers great tours and spots where you can see these majestic giants. Of course, you want to make sure you don’t endanger them in any way so follow the rules.
Courtesy of Nina Simons.
Monterey Bay is fantastic for humpbacks, sea lions, dolphins and occasional blue whales too. We also saw lots of humpbacks down on the Peru / Ecuador border and some great boat trips there for birds and other sea mammals. Bay of Biscay and the Azores too. Love all the amazing cetaceans.