Published 16th Jun. 2025
Written by Amy Larsen
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Where are the best places for whale watching? We’re glad you asked. From the picturesque Icelandic town of Husavik to the coastal haven of Mirissa in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of destinations to marvel at these majestic creatures. Picture this: the air is still and all you can hear is the creaking of the catamaran and the odd, excited whisper. You scan the horizon, desperate to spot the tip of a fluke or a distant plume of whale breath. Suddenly, the boat erupts with hushed squeals and pointed fingers, as one of Earth’s largest animals rolls under the hull. When done responsibly, whale watching is sure to be the highlight of any trip. Binoculars at the ready? Read on for our list of the top ten best places to see whales...
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Best time to visit: May to September for peak whale watching season.
Dubbed ‘The Whale Watching Capital of Iceland’, it’s only right that we kick off our roundup with the town of Husavik. Famed for its breathtaking natural landscapes and wonderful wild creatures, Husavik is perched on Iceland’s rugged north coast, bordering Skjalfandi Bay. Hop on a silent electric boat (the most responsible way to travel) and keep an eye out for minke, humpback and blue whales. The bay’s plankton-rich waters also attract a variety of fish and seabirds (including puffins), so keep your camera at the ready.
Image by gtn / Unsplash.com
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Best time to visit: June to September for beluga sightings.
Manitoba’s tundra blossoming in June signals the start of summer and marks the beginning of an annual beluga gathering in Canada’s Hudson Bay. Over 60,000 of these bubble-headed snow-white whales travel from the icy Arctic in search of warmer, nutrient-rich waters to raise their calves. Known for their distinctive calls – from chirps and clicks to whistles and squeals – you might hear them before you see them. During your boat trip, keep an eye out for polar bears too. In summer, they are forced ashore until the ice freezes over again, which allows them to return to hunt seals.
Image by David Merron Photography / Getty Images
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Best time to visit: June to December to see southern right whales.
The seaside town of Hermanus is next up on our list of the best places for whale watching. Sitting pretty on South Africa’s Western Cape, Hermanus offers excellent opportunities to spot whales, even from the shore. Think waterfront guesthouses and ocean-view hotels, where southern right whales can be seen splashing into sight. These magnificent dark grey creatures migrate to the Cape’s warm waters in June to breed and raise their young. Keen for a closer look? Embark on a private whale watching tour and admire these ocean giants in action. You might even catch a glimpse of humpback whales, orcas and dolphins if you’re lucky.
Image by Paloma Saint Léger
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Best time to visit: December to March to observe grey whales.
For varied whale sightings, Mexico’s desert peninsula of Baja California awaits. Thousands of grey and humpback whales migrate from their northern feeding grounds to these warmer waters. Head to San Ignacio Lagoon during the winter months and into spring for a front-row seat to spot grey whales during calving season. Or visit the picturesque town of Loreto from January to March for the chance to see mighty blue whales (the world’s largest animal) gliding through the waters of Loreto Bay Marine National Park.
Image by Pia Riverola
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Best time to visit: November to April to see blue whales.
Still stuck on where to see whales? With plankton-rich waters and a perfectly placed continental shelf, the beachside town of Mirissa on Sri Lanka’s south coast is calling your name. If blue whales are on your bucket list, time your trip to Mirissa between November and April during their migration, when you’ll likely spot Bryde’s whales, sperm whales and dolphins too.
The waters off the south coast are notoriously choppy, so don’t forget to pack your sea sickness pills to ensure the only thing you’re dizzy with is excitement. For an exclusive experience, set sail from Mirissa towards Dondra aboard a private catamaran in search of blue whales. Cruise through the glass-clear waters, with stops at Snake and Taprobane Islands for a swim.
Image by Kataleewan Intarachote / 500px / Getty Images
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Best time to visit: July to November to witness humpbacks whales.
French Polynesia’s Moorea Island definitely deserves a spot on our list of the top ten best places for whale watching. From July to November, its warm tropical waters attract a large population of humpback whales. Hop aboard a boat, accompanied by an expert guide and cruise through Polynesia’s currents for the chance to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures, as well as rays, sharks and dolphins. If you’re keen to see mothers with their calves, we recommend timing your trip between August and October.
Image by Sascha Caballero - stock.adobe.com
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Best time to visit: April to June to spot fin, sei and sperm whales.
From whale hunting to whale watching, the Azores have come a long way. The last whale was hunted in the archipelago in 1987, but today, the islands are celebrated for their commitment to ocean sustainability. With its deep, nutrient-rich waters, the Azores is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins – talk about a marine mammal hotspot. During your trip, spend hours gawking at fin whales, sei whales and mighty sperm whales (a symbol of the Azores).
Image by Freder / Getty Images
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Best time to visit: year-round to see sperm whales.
The town of Kaikoura, perched on New Zealand’s South Island, is another strong contender when it comes to the best places to see whales. While sperm whales are year-round residents, migrating humpback and southern right whales make a splash between June and August. The nearby Kaikoura Canyon, just offshore, drops to 1,400m, creating an ideal feeding ground for these marine mammals. As well as whales, the coastline is home to kekeno (New Zealand fur seals), dusky dolphins pods and an array of soaring seabirds. To make the most of your visit, we recommend embarking on a small group boat trip to encounter Kaikoura’s diverse marine life up close.
Image by Blake Lisk/Unsplash
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Best time to visit: October to January to see orcas, humpbacks and sperm whales.
The Vesteralen archipelago, in Northern Norway, is a whale-watching hub. And what better way to be up close to these magnificent mammals than on a RIB boat safari? Set sail from Andenes and motor northwest to Bleik canyon, where the deep seas attract sperm whales year-round. Known as the world’s loudest animal, sperm whales produce clicking sounds that can be heard from up to four nautical miles away. In winter, humpbacks and orcas also make an appearance, as they chase the herring that migrate into the region’s fjords.
Image by SmallWorldProduction/stock.adobe.com
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Best time to visit: April to May to spot orcas.
With humpback sightings expected daily, Monterey is one of the best places for whale watching in California. Cruise along the iconic coastline in the company of a marine biologist and look out for humpback whales, grey whales and orcas. According to our USA specialist, Dave, the peak grey whale season lasts from late February to May, while humpbacks drift through the waters from May to October, with orcas sometimes making an appearance between mid-April and mid-May. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare 90ft (about three times the length of a double-decker bus) blue whales. The 276-mile stretch of the Monterey Bay Marine Reserve is also alive with sea otters, seals and birdlife, so be sure to have your camera at the ready.
Image by Chase Dekker Wild-Life Images / Getty Images
Header Image by freedom_naruk / Getty Images
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