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Top 20 Destinations for Spotting Whales in the Wild

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated:: 9:45 AM ET, Fri June 8, 2018

Where the Whales Are

1/21
Few experiences measure up to experiencing whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. Travelers in search of those breathtaking sights and sounds are all but guaranteed to find them in these whale-friendly destinations.

Alaska

2/21
Travelers hoping to spot whales in the wild won't be disappointed on an Alaskan cruise. There's no shortage of itineraries to choose from, with cruise lines like Holland America Line, Seabourn, Viking and Windstar Cruises sailing to the Last Frontier.

Maui, Hawaii

3/21
The Hawaiian islands are certainly no stranger to whales. Maui, in particular, stands out as visitors partaking in seasonal excursions are almost certain to spot migrating whales within the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Western Cape, South Africa

4/21
South Africa's Western Cape is renowned for its whale watching opportunities as its coasts border both the Indian and Atlantic oceans. This region is excellent for shore-based sightings and hosts the annual Hermanus Whale Festival during the last weekend in September.

Bar Harbor, Maine

5/21
New England is undoubtedly one of the premier destinations for whale watching and Bar Harbor, Maine is a great starting point. Hop aboard a catamaran and have your camera ready as you'll have a chance to spot humpback, fin, minke and even right whales.

Iceland

6/21
Whale watching in Iceland is at its very best from May to September. Many excursions even depart from the popular and tourist-friendly capital city of Reykjavik.

Nunavut, Canada

7/21
Canada's largest island, Baffin Island is a popular destination for travelers looking to spot the elusive narwhal. Known as the unicorn of the sea, the unmistakable toothed whales are limited to Arctic waters.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

8/21
Elsewhere in New England, the waters surrounding Cape Cod are also popular among a handful of different whale species, including orca, humpback, fin and pilot whales.

Scotland

9/21
If you're visiting Scotland during the summer or early fall, there's a good chance you'll spot whales as they migrate along the country's western coast. Tourists are also likely to come across dolphins and puffins.

Dominica

10/21
Visitors to Dominica in the Caribbean can do much more than simply relax on the beach. In fact, they can spot whales all year long. However, the best months are from November to April when sperm and humpback whales can be found breaching off the island's coasts.

Tonga

11/21
Wildlife enthusiasts hoping to get really close to humpback whales and other species should consider Tonga. Visitors to this Polynesian archipelago comprising dozens of islands can not only watch but snorkel with and swim alongside the majestic creatures.

Antarctic Peninsula

12/21
Antarctica's northernmost stretch of land, the Antarctic Peninsula offers the chance to spot more than a half-dozen different whale species. Consider booking your polar adventure with Quark Expeditions to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

13/21
Depoe Bay, Oregon is home to a whale watching center where state park officials can answer any questions visitors might have as they watch gray whales in the wild.

Baja California, Mexico

14/21
Mexico's Baja California region is phenomenal for whale watching during the winter months. Book your stay in Cabo San Lucas and take a stress-free excursion to find gray and humpback whales in their natural environment.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

15/21
Visitors to Vancouver Island in British Columbia will have the chance to catch a variety of whales in their natural habitat, including orca, humpback and minke. The summer months of May through September are typically best times for getting up close with orca.

The Azores

16/21
This mid-Atlantic archipelago is home to a wide variety of whale species and is a year-round haven for sperm whales. Visitors can also hope to discover dolphins, turtles and other coveted wildlife.

The Maldives

17/21
Cross "snorkeling with whale sharks" off of your bucket list in the Maldives. This isn't just a paradise for humans as it's frequented by a variety of marine life as well.

South Island, New Zealand

18/21
Travelers to the east coast of New Zealand's South Island should head to the coastal town of Kaikoura where sperm whales can be spotted year-round. The region also features humpback whales during the middle part of the year.

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

19/21
Mirissa and Sri Lanka's southern coast is where to go if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of blue whales in the wild. The massive marine mammals are the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth.

Colombia

20/21
Head to Colombia's Pacific Coast to watch humpback whales as they migrate during the late summer. Nuqui, Bahia Solano and Bahia Malaga are the top areas to visit during whale watching season.

Tadoussac, Quebec

21/21
Summer in Quebec produces a plethora of whale watching opportunities, especially near the village of Tadoussac at the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers. In addition to humpback and minke, don't be surprised to spot fin, blue and beluga whales.

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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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