When you are looking for prime spots for whale watching, you may think of many U.S. destinations, but there are other countries that offer extreme locations for catching these fascinating creatures as they frolic in their free time or go on the hunt for food. The World Wildlife Fund created a list of the best spots for whale watching and the top ten may surprise you.
The Azores
Off the coast of Portugal, the Azores is a chain of nine volcanic islands where food supplies for the whales are plentiful. Whale watching is best from April to September and Sperm Whales and Short-Finned Whales are the two most common species.
Cape Cod
Massachusetts’ Cape Cod has long since been a popular destination for whale watching cruises. Finback, Humpback, and Minke whales are commonly spotted from April to October.
Dominica
The Caribbean island of Dominca is known for its warm waters and sunny days. From late-November to June, Killer, Pigmy, and Sperm whales frequent the area. In fact, the tourism board boasts a 90% success rate in seeing whales during boating excursions.
Hawaii
Humpback Whales tend to frequent the warmer waters of the coast of Hawaii from November to April. Maui tends to be the hottest destination for those seeking the elusive creatures.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura, New Zealand is a popular destination for many species of whales. Humpbacks are popular during June and July, Orcas from December to March, Pilot Whales throughout the year, and Sperm Whales are year round. Dolphin and fur seals are also commonly spotted in the area.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico is known for Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Humpbacks, and Sperm Whales from January to April. In mating season, the shallower lagoon areas are popular destinations for gray whales.
Quebec City
Surprisingly, Quebec City, Canada is one of the few areas where you might see Beluga and North Atlantic Right Whales. From May to September these species are known to flock to the area. Many area companies prefer to take whale watchers out on inflatable rafts so that they do not disturb the whales in their habitat so you can gain some up-close experiences.
San Diego
San Diego, California is home to SeaWorld, but whales frequent San Diego Bay from December to March on their way to warmer waters in Mexico. Blue Whales and Gray Whales are the most common species.
Orcas Island
The San Juan Islands in Washington state are home to Orcas Island, a major breeding ground for the popular killer whales known commonly as Orcas. In the spring and summer months, it is normal to see Orcas hunting harbor seals and porpoises.
Hermanus
Walker Bay in southern Africa is home to the town of Hermanus. In Hermanus, many feel the whale watching is the best in the world. Southern Right Whales are popular in July, and other species come to the area throughout the year. The annual whale festival is held in September.
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January 21st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Don’t forget whale watching in Puerto Vallarta too! It’s some of the best in the world for the Humpback Whale. The season runs from December - March. Check out our website ( http://www.PuertoVallartaWhaleWatching.org ) for more information on responsible whale watching in Puerto Vallarta. Happy Whale Watching!!!
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:24 am
I live on San Juan Island. The orcas mainly chase and feed off the salmon that run up the Haro Strait between San Juan Island and Vancouver Island, Canada. The orcas come to our area around April and leave in late October.