Whales certainly are magnificent creatures. They exude a great power that comes with their enormous size. It’s quite thrilling to see one of them frolicking about in an otherwise, calm ocean. Throughout the world there are a few places to see whales in their natural habitat.
Best Whale Watching Around The World
Reykjavik, Iceland
During the late spring through the summer, whales can be seen from the shore in Reykjavik. For those that want an up close view of them, a trip on a boat in the Icelandic waters will often reveal the minke whale swimming about. At times, even larger species including blue whales, humpbacks and killer whales can be spotted. In addition to the whales, many kinds of dolphins can usually be seen as well.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
This small little town offers visitors a real treat when it comes to seeing whales. All year long sperm whales can be seen in the waters. Blue whales can be seen from June through September, humpbacks in June and July and orcas from December through March. Because of the fact that whales are so prominent here, there are many tours boats in the area that are available for whale watchers to use. There’s also 30-minute flights where participants can get an aerial view of the sea creatures below that usually includes not only whales, but seals and dolphins as well.
Hermanus, Africa
There is no need to go out on a boat to try to get a glimpse of a whale when you are in Hermanus. The 6-mile path that’s on the coastline is right on the Cliffside and a perfect place to see whales. There are even telescopes and benches for whale watchers to enjoy. In July the southern right whales are often in view. From May through December the humpback can usually be seen as it moves down the coast. Orcas can also sometimes be spotted throughout the year. For those true whale lovers out there, the annual Hermanus Whale Festival that takes place towards the end of September/beginning of October is a truly memorable experience.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
You don’t have to leave the U.S. to see whales in the ocean. Cape Cod was named by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the top ten places in the world to spot whales. Large whales tend make their appearance here. From April through October, viewers have about a 99% success rate of seeing humpbacks, finbacks or minkes.
Maui, Hawaii
Humans aren’t the only ones to love Maui in the winter, whales do as well. From the end of November until about the middle of April, whale after whale can be spotted here. The state’s official marine animal, the humpback, is the most commonly seen whale in the water. Because the waters off of Maui tend to be very clear, it’s makes spotting them fairly easy.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos not only has beautiful beaches, but many different whales frolicking about in the warm waters as well. From January through April the humpback whales make’s its appearance. Blue whales, sperm whales and grey whales can also usually be spotted. There are numerous whale watching boat tours available for the curious traveler that wants to see a whale up-close.
