Whale watching is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world. From the thunder of a humpback breaching to the ghostly white flash of a beluga, seeing whales in their natural habitat belongs on every traveler’s bucket list.
This beginner’s guide outlines the best places to see whales, the best time of year to go whale watching, and highlights special whale watching expeditions focused on migrations and breeding grounds.
Gray Whales in the Pacific Northwest & Baja California
Best time to see gray whales: December–April in Baja; March–May in Oregon & Washington
Where to go: Baja California lagoons, Oregon coast, Washington coast
Gray whales are famous for one of the longest migrations on Earth—over 10,000 miles round trip. Each spring they pass close to the shores of the Pacific Northwest. In Baja, they gather in sheltered lagoons to give birth, creating rare opportunities to see mothers and calves up close.
Special Expedition: Multi-day whale watching tours in Baja follow the migration along the coast, with the chance for once-in-a-lifetime close encounters.
Orcas in the Pacific Northwest, Iceland & Norway
- Best time to see orcas:
- San Juan Islands, WA & BC: May–September
- Iceland & Norway: October–March during herring runs
- Where to go: San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, Iceland, Tromsø, Scottish Hebrides
Orcas—also known as killer whales—are apex predators and some of the most thrilling whales to watch. In the Pacific Northwest, resident pods feed on salmon, while transient pods hunt marine mammals. In Iceland and Norway, winter expeditions offer dramatic orca feeding frenzies during the herring migration.
Special Experience: Norway’s winter orca tours often combine whale watching with Northern Lights viewing—two bucket-list experiences in one trip.
Belugas in Churchill, Quebec & Greenland
- Best time to see belugas: July–September
- Where to go: Churchill, Manitoba; St. Lawrence River, Quebec; Northern Greenland
Belugas are smaller, social whales, nicknamed “canaries of the sea” for their songs. In summer, thousands migrate into northern rivers and bays. Churchill is one of the easiest and most reliable places in the world to see them.
Special Experience: Guided kayak and snorkeling experiences in Churchill bring travelers eye-to-eye with playful belugas - a literal dream come true!
Humpback Whales Around the World
- Best time to see humpback whales:
- Pacific Northwest: May–October
- Iceland & Greenland: June–August
- Dominican Republic (Silver Bank): January–March
- Where to go: Alaska, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland, Dominican Republic
Humpbacks are the acrobats of the whale world—famous for their breaches and haunting songs. They spend summers feeding in nutrient-rich northern waters, then migrate to warm tropical seas in winter to breed and calve.
Special Excursion: The Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic is one of the only places in the world where travelers can swim with humpback whales in their breeding grounds.
Blue Whales in California, Iceland & the Azores
- Best time to see blue whales:
- California: Summer–early fall
- Iceland: June–August
- Azores: April–June
- Where to go: Monterey Bay, Channel Islands, Iceland, Azores
Special Excursion: Research-focused whale watching expeditions in the Azores dedicate entire days to tracking and photographing blue whales.
Tips for First-Time Whale Watching
- Dress warmly: even in summer, the wind and spray can be cold.
- Book with a licensed, conservation-focused tour operator to ensure responsible whale watching.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom camera, but don’t forget to simply watch—sometimes the best memories aren’t photographed.
Why Book Whale Watching with a Travel Advisor?
Whale watching trips can be surprisingly complex. Migration patterns shift each year, weather conditions affect sightings, and not all operators offer the same level of access or sustainability. A travel advisor can match you with the best time, the best region, and the best guides—whether it’s kayaking among belugas in Churchill, a luxury expedition cruise in Greenland, or a Baja migration safari with gray whales.
Booking with an advisor ensures your whale watching trip has the highest chance of unforgettable encounters, with all the details handled seamlessly. Contact me to start planning today.