8 of the Best Destinations on Earth for Whale Watching — and When to Go
Encountering a whale can be deeply moving. These mysterious creatures are found in every ocean in the world from Africa to Antarctica. You can go whale watching from basically any country with a coastline, but there are certain places where the chances of sightings are particularly high and the whales come conveniently close to shore.
Unfortunately, after being hunted for centuries, half of the 13 great whale species in the world are endangered. Conservation of these majestic animals is more important than ever; the UK-based travel agency Responsible Travel has tips on how to plan an ethical whale-watching trip. Here are some of the best spots for whale spotting in every season. Have a read, pack your camera and prepare for an awe-inspiring wildlife adventure.
Where to Go Whale Watching in the Spring
The Azores
These remote Portuguese islands are one of the most popular whale watching destinations in the world due to the number and diversity of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) that are found here. You’re most likely to see the resident sperm and pilot whales that hang out year round, along with several dolphin species including orca — that’s right, killer “whales” aren’t actually whales at all.
In the spring, when migrating whales pass through, you’ve got a good shot at spotting humpbacks, Sei, and the two largest species of whale: fin and blue. Peak season is April through September, but visit in April and May for the best chance of spotting a big blue. Book with Whale Watch Azores, Atlantiangra or Azores Adventures Futurismo, which are all approved by the World Cetacean Alliance.
Canada
For those with an adventurous spirit and cash to spare, an expedition to the Northern provinces offers access to some of the rarer and more exotic whale species. In Arctic Nunavut, May and June are a good time to see narwhals (aka the unicorns of the sea) and bowhead whales, as well as walruses and polar bears. From June onwards you can spot friendly, chattering beluga whales in Churchill, Manitoba and Tadoussac, Quebec.
For more accessible wildlife encounters, head to Vancouver Island in March and April to see the gray whale migration, or from May through September when the orca are at their most plentiful. (Over the summer there are also humpbacks, minke, fin, sperm, and even blue whales off the East and West coasts). Visit whaletrips.org for more details and a list of operators in each region.
Where to Go Whale Watching in the Summer
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Kaikoura on the South Island is known as the whale-watching capital of New Zealand, due to the resident sperm whales that can be seen here year-round. (Here’s a bit of literary trivia for you: Moby Dick was based on a real 19th century sperm whale named Mocha Dick, who lived in the Southern Pacific). But visit over June and July and you’ll also catch the more acrobatic humpbacks en route to their winter territories in Tonga and Australia, along with occasional blue and Southern right whales.
There are a number of boat and aerial tour companies to choose from, including Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari, E-Ko Tours, Whale Watch Kaikoura and Kaikoura Helicopters.
Iceland
Still under-the-radar as a whale watching destination, Iceland is actually one of the best places in Europe to do it. There are more than 20 species of whales and dolphins to be seen here, including minke, fin, sperm, humpback, blue whales and orca. Some of these cetaceans can be spotted year-round, but the peak season is June to August when operators report a 90% success rate.
Another compelling reason to take a whale watching excursion here is that Iceland is one of the only remaining countries that still hunts whales commercially, along with Norway and Japan; supporting the whale watching industry shows authorities that living whales are more valuable than dead ones. Visit Icewhale for a list of responsible operators, as well as whale-friendly restaurants to dine at while you’re there.
Where to Go Whale Watching in the Fall
Hermanus, South Africa
This fishing town is one of the best places in the world for shore-based whale watching, ideal for those who prefer to stay on dry land. To find out where the whales are, you can call a special hotline or listen out for the town’s whale crier, who blows a kelp horn to signal activity in the bay.
There are also boat trips for those who wish to get closer (try Southern Right Charters), as well as splurge-worthy aerial tours that will fly you right over the Southern Right, where you can spot humpback whales that migrate here to mate and calve. Whale season stretches from July to November with peak sightings during September and October.
Tonga
This Polynesian archipelago is one of the few places in the world that permits swimming with humpback whales, who journey here from Antarctica each year to mate and give birth. During the July to October whale season you’ll have a good chance of encountering courtship rituals, singing (male humpbacks are known for their vocal talents) or a mother with her calf.
To minimize the disturbance to the whales, it’s imperative to use a licensed operator who follows official guidelines; a list of responsible operators can be found on the Tonga Tourism website.
Where to Go Whale Watching in the Winter
Hawaii
From December to May, around 10,000 North Pacific humpback whales escape frigid Alaskan waters for the tropical climes of Hawaii. (Creatures after our own hearts.) January through March is the best time for spotting these acrobatic, social and curious whales who have been known to swim up to investigate boats.
Maui is the best island for land-based whale watching but you can also take a boat tour with PacWhale Eco-Adventures, which directly supports whale conservation and research. In Oahu, try Wild Side Specialty Tours, which offers small group trips led by marine biologists.
Sri Lanka
The coast off Mirissa and Galle is swimming with whales and dolphins from November to April, including humpback, Bryde’s and sperm whales. But February and March is when you’ll find the mighty blue whale, the largest animal to ever live. Unfortunately there is little regulation governing the industry here, so choose an operator with care.
Raja & the Whales is actively involved in research and conservation, while Mirissa Water Sports is an approved member of the World Cetacean Alliance. Not only will these operators maintain a respectful distance from the whales, they also limit group numbers so you won’t have to compete with your fellow passengers for the view.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.