World Best Locations For Whale Watching
To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best whale-watching spots.
1. Iceland
The small town of Husavik on the edge of Skjaulvandi Bay has been called the best whale watching spot in Iceland.
The best time to visit is from April to October, as it is during these months that you can see blue whales, as well as white-bearded dolphins and porpoises.
If you want to see killer whales or sperm whales, head to the scenic Snйfellsnes Peninsula from April to June.
2. Scotland
Scotland is filled with many great whale watching sites including the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Southern Hebrides, Isle of Lewis, and many more.
In fact, there is a new dedicated whale and dolphin watching route.
There are whales that appear throughout the year, but it is best to come from May to September.
3. Canada
Canada is home to many different whales, including humpback whales, killer whales, minke whales, blue whales, fin whales, and, in some cases, beluga whales.
Hot spots include Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Tadoussac, where you will find many boats and land tours, not to mention that these areas are popular with tourists, so you can often find cheap lodging and a lively atmosphere.
For something special, head to Tofino in March when the region is hosting a gray whale migration – the city celebrates this event with its annual Pacific Whale Festival. Best Whale Watching Locations Including Iceland, Alaska, and Canada
4. Tenerife
Tenerife is known for its beautiful beaches and cheap all inclusive hotels, but the Canary Island also offers brilliant whale watching opportunities with humpbacks, fin whales, and even blue whales swimming by. Best Whale Watching Locations Including Iceland, Alaska, and Canada
Costa Adeje is a place where you will find many boat tours and excursions, but if you can travel outside of the peak holiday season then it is worth avoiding the crowds. Best Whale Watching Locations Including Iceland, Alaska, and Canada
Whales are here all year round, but November to February is a particularly good time.
5. Alaska
Alaska should be on every whale watcher’s list. Here you can see both humpback whales and gray whales, killer whales and beluga whales, as well as other interesting species of marine life.
Near the city of Juneau, there are great places to watch humpback whales – and it is not uncommon to see a mother and calf.
Alaska’s official travel site includes a wider list of places to visit, depending on the type of whale you are looking for.
Better to plan your trip between April and June.
6.South Africa
Humpback whales and southern right whales are some of the species that can be seen on a trip to South Africa.
Hermanus is an especially popular destination as it not only offers some great boat tours but also many coastal whale-watching spots.
If you are planning a trip by car, the Garden Route has many places to see whales or take a boat tour.
Meanwhile, False Bay near Cape Town and Eastern Cape are also popular with those looking to admire these wonderful creatures.
For the best chance of seeing whales, plan your trip from June to November (peak calving season July-August).
7. Brazil
Head to Santa Caterina, where you will find a stretch of water over 100 km long, favored by migratory whales.
You can see whales just by walking along the local beaches or walking along the coast.
Garopaba is a very popular destination for many whale-watching excursions, both on land and at sea.Best Whale Watching Locations Including Iceland, Alaska, and Canada
Brazil is home to a wide variety of whales, including shortfin grinds and humpback whales.
The peak whale watching season is usually between June and October, however, it can vary somewhat depending on the type of whale you are looking for.
8. Australia
Hervey Bay on the Fraser Island coast of Queensland was declared the world’s first Whale Sanctuary in 2019.
About a three-hour drive north of Brisbane or a short flight from Sydney, this is a great whale watching spot, especially between July and October when you are most likely to see humpback whales. Best Whale Watching Locations Including Iceland, Alaska, and Canada
About 30,000 humpback whales sail from Antarctica to Queensland in July, and a third of this herd stops at Fraser Island to rest in Hervey Bay.
9. Puerto Rico
Travel to the archipelago’s main island in the Caribbean and spot humpback whales during the winter months as their huge colonies migrate from the North Atlantic. Best Whale Watching Locations Including Iceland, Alaska, and Canada
The west coast of Puerto Rico is the breeding ground for them.
It is a diving paradise as the waters are home to a lot of marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and turtles.
