10 of the Best Places To Go Whale Watching Around the World

California’s Dana Point is considered to be one of the best places in the world for first-time whale watchers; in fact, it’s been named a Whale Heritage Area (designated by the World Cetacean Alliance).

The city offers year-round sightings of blue, gray, humpback, and orca whales, plus massive pods of dolphins. And sightings are frequent thanks to its nutrient-rich waters. Explore on one of a variety of expert local whale-watching tours, which use everything from high-tech catamarans to small-group Zodiacs.

Insider tip: Dana Bay hosts an annual Festival of the Whales, packed with family-friendly activities and exhibits, typically in early spring.

Tonga is one of the only places in the world where you can legally snorkel with humpback whales in the wild. From July through October, whales migrate from Antarctica to Tonga’s warm, sheltered waters to mate and give birth. Guided by strict regulations, licensed operators offer unforgettable in-water encounters with expert supervision.

Keep in mind that September and October are ideal for swimming with curious calves, while earlier months bring the chance to witness dramatic behaviors, such as breaching and tail slaps.

The San Juan Islands in Washington State are a top destination for orca watching, especially from April to October when resident pods are most active. These protected waters are also known for humpback, minke, and—on occasion—gray whale sightings.

Whale-watching tours depart from Friday Harbor and nearby ports; plus, many trips feature marine naturalist guides who provide commentary and guarantee you’ll spot whales. If you prefer to stay on land, Lime Kiln Point State Park—often called Whale Watch Park—is a fantastic place to spot whales from the shore.

Baja California Sur in Mexico is the place to take a whale-watching tour if you want extraordinary gray whale encounters. That's because, from February to April, mothers and calves gather in the warm, shallow lagoons of San Ignacio, Magdalena Bay, and Guerrero Negro.

Here, you often experience whales approaching small boats (pangas), plus sightings of humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, fin whales, and even whale sharks. With calm conditions, expert local guides, and breathtaking scenery, Baja is an unforgettable location for whale watching.

Insider tip: Head to Los Cabos, a great base for Baja California Sur whale-watching excursions.

The rich marine ecosystem in Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay attracts whales from June to August and from April to October. This whale-watching hot spot boasts excellent chances of spotting humpback whales, as well as blue, minke, and fin whales. Orcas occasionally appear, too, usually in early summer, adding to the excitement.

Join a small-group boat tour to get close to the action; many excursions include a stop at Lundey, also known as Puffin Island, to see its resident birds.

Insider tip: Don’t miss visiting the town’s renowned Whale Museum before or after your tour.

The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, is among the best whale-watching destinations in Europe. Around 25 species are seen here; sperm whales are spotted year-round, while blue, fin, and sei whales pass through from March to June. Dolphins are also regularly spotted swimming alongside tour boats.

Here, whale-watching tours depart from islands including São Miguel, Pico, and Faial. Whichever you choose, the combination of rich marine life, dramatic volcanic scenery, and a peaceful, unspoiled setting makes this remote island chain a dream for nature lovers and ocean adventurers alike.

Moorea is one of the top whale-watching destinations for humpbacks in the South Pacific. From July to November, humpbacks migrate to this island in French Polynesia to breed and give birth, offering you the chance to witness breaching, tail slaps, and even whale song.

Guided boat tours depart regularly during the season and often provide close, but respectful, encounters with these gentle giants. Some regulated excursions even allow you to enter the water to swim alongside humpbacks and dolphins.

Juneau in Alaska delivers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in North America, with humpback whales commonly seen from April through November. Orcas are also known to travel through these waters, but sightings are less predictable. You may also spot sea lions, harbor porpoises, and bald eagles.

A variety of whale-watching tours depart from Auke Bay; choose excursions that include a photo stop at Mendenhall Glacier, small-group boat trips, or even private tours.

Freycinet National Park in Tasmania is a top destination for land-based whale watching, with the chance to see migrating humpback, southern right, and pilot whales from the shore. The majestic humpbacks pass along the east coast twice: from May to July (northbound) and from September to November (southbound).

Scenic lookouts, such as Cape Tourville Lighthouse, provide excellent vantage points. But there’s plenty more here for outdoor lovers to enjoy, including hiking, guided beach walks, and kayaking excursions.

Antarctica is among the top bucket-list whale-watching spots on earth, with sightings of humpback, minke, fin, and orca whales peaking during the Arctic summer. Blue whales are occasionally spotted as well.

Access can be tricky though, as going whale watching here requires opting for multi-day expedition cruises between November and March (but keep in mind that peak activity occurs from January to March as sea ice recedes). However—given that whale encounters here often happen among towering icebergs and alongside penguins, seals, and seabirds—Antarctica is a truly once-in-a-lifetime destination for adventurous wildlife lovers, and very much worth the effort.