The 8 Best Places To Spot Whales Around The World

The Baja California Peninsula extends from the northwestern corner of Mexico, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other. It’s among the top spots on earth to see grey whales, as well as several other species. If you visit from February to April, you’re likely to see newborn grey whales in San Ignacio Lagoon. You can also spot humpback whales on expeditions from Los Cabos and blue whales (among many others) in the Sea of Cortez.

The Pacific coast of Colombia is home to humpback whales between July and November, when they migrate north from Antarctica to calve in the warmer climate. Coastal destinations like Nuquí and Bahía de Málaga are ideal for whale watching, as is the small island of Gorgona. This part of Colombia is more remote and less developed than the Caribbean coast, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife lovers who want to get a bit farther off the beaten track.

South Africa is such a phenomenal destination for whale watching that it has a whole region known as the Whale Coast. This section of the country’s Western Cape, set conveniently close to Cape Town, is a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. You can see migrating southern right whales and humpback whales from June to November, especially in the town of Hermanus. Stay at Birkenhead House or Grootbos Private Reserve to make the most of your time here.

If you’re in search of the mighty blue whale – the largest animal on earth – Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list. Although these massive marine mammals can be found all over the globe, they’re especially common off the country’s southern coast near Mirissa (an hour west of Tangalle). Visit from December to March for the best chance of sightings; if you’re travelling between March and July, you’ll be more likely to spot blue whales farther north in Trincomalee.

New Zealand’s South Island is one of the world’s top destinations for year-round whale watching, with several different species present at various times of year. During the colder months (May–September) you can see humpback whales and southern right whales in Kaikōura and Marlborough Sounds. It’s possible to spot sperm whales in Kaikōura at any time of year, and you might also see orcas and blue whales when it’s warmer (October–March).

Iceland is among the best places to whale watch in the world, and Húsavík is the undisputed capital of this activity. Located on the coast of northern Iceland next to the bay of Skjálfandi, the town promises unusually high chances of spotting humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, fin whales and orcas (although the latter are technically dolphins). You can also visit the local Whale Museum to learn more about cetaceans and see the skeletons of various species.

Norway is a fantastic destination for whale watching, regardless of what season you’re travelling in. Head to the Lofoten Islands in winter (October–January) to spot humpback whales, fin whales and minke whales, or summer (May–September) to see sperm whales, pilot whales and orcas. You can also see sperm whales in nearby Vesterålen at any time of year – but if you opt for the colder months, you might be lucky enough to witness the northern lights as well.

The Azores archipelago is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about a two-and-a-half-hour flight from mainland Portugal. The waters around these islands are home to more than two dozen different species of cetaceans throughout the year. The warmer months (May–September) are ideal for spotting blue whales, sperm whales, sei whales, pilot whales and fin whales, while humpbacks are most common in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).