Seeing whales in their natural habitat is an experience you will never forget.
It can be the highlight of any trip if you know where to go, and you can often enjoy a truly spectacular natural show.
The point is that whales are too often not treated with the respect they deserve, which is why it is essential to make sure that the operator you book with is ethical and has established and follows a responsible whale-watching policy.
When you encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, keep in mind that while we approach them, they are studying us too: it is a two-way process that often stirs deep emotions.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most iconic places for whale watching in 2023.
Where to spot whales in Europe and around the world
Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
One of the most popular attractions in South Africa’s Western Cape region is whale watching.
The southern right whale is the most common species, and daily sightings of these majestic giants are practically guaranteed in September and October. These are the whales many visitors come to see, but Bryde’s whales and humpbacks can also be spotted.
Baja California Sur, Mexico
One of the most beautiful places on the planet in terms of variety, the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur was famously described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.”
Not only is it rich in colorful fish, dolphins, turtles, and many other marine creatures, but it is also famous for hosting many other species, from blue whales to humpbacks and gray whales.
From December to February, singing humpback whales can be spotted in the waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, often very close to shore and in large groups.
They are quite active and frequently put on a show for those in the water and on the beach, breaching and slapping the sea with their tails. If you go out for a swim, chances are you will hear their beautiful songs.
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
The small resort town of Mirissa, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is famous for whale watching, as its waters are particularly rich in plankton.
Sightings are generally very good from November to April, when the waters are calm; from May to October the sea tends to be quite rough, and during the peak monsoon season, in May and June, there are no boat tours. Although Bryde’s whales and sperm whales are found here, blue whales are the stars of the show.
Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand
The town of Kaikoura, on New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the few places on the planet where it is possible to see sperm whales all year round.
The marine environment here is extraordinarily nutrient-rich and attracts animals that can weigh over 50 tons! Sperm whales gather here thanks to the canyon more than a mile deep that runs along the coast, creating a unique and rare system of marine currents that carries an abundant food chain.
This picture-postcard town is also known for its rich Maori culture: its name, Kaikoura, is a Maori term meaning ‘eat crayfish,’ the area’s signature dish, which can be found in many restaurants and food trucks.
Silver Bank, Dominican Republic
Silver Bank is one of the few destinations in the world where it is possible to swim with humpback whales in their natural habitat.
The submerged bank and coral reef have been declared a “Marine Mammal Sanctuary”, creating a unique protected natural area for North Atlantic humpback whales, which migrate here every winter to give birth and seek new mates.
Maui, Hawaii, USA
One of the most popular Hawaiian islands, Maui not only boasts perfect beaches and lush rainforests, but from mid-December to late April it is one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales.
During their annual winter migration across the Pacific, countless whales can be seen, and their population has steadily increased in recent years thanks to conservation efforts. Just half a century ago, there were estimated to be fewer than 2,000, but today there are around 21,000, and experts believe that half of them pass through these stunning turquoise waters.
Juneau, Alaska, USA
Boat trips are incredibly popular in Juneau, Alaska, because they are often the best way to see whales and glaciers, with around 600 humpbacks inhabiting the waters of the northern Inside Passage from April to November.
Orcas are also common here, along with all kinds of other land wildlife, such as moose, bears, and bald eagles.
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Iceland
Whales have been an important part of Iceland’s history since its settlement in the late 9th century. For example, the Icelandic word for a stroke of luck is ‘hvalreki,’ which literally translates as ‘beached whale.’
Whaling was also practiced in Iceland for centuries, alongside fishing. But fortunately, today the ocean’s gentle giants are seen more as something to be admired from a distance.
In fact, whale watching is essential to any trip to Iceland, just like the Northern Lights, hot springs, and glaciers.
Here you can watch whales splashing beneath the Northern Lights or illuminated by the midnight sun, depending on the time of year you visit. Whale watching from Reykjavik is easily accessible, just a short walk from the city center, making it an easy activity to fit into even a busy itinerary.
However, there are also towns and villages all around the country that offer whale watching, so there is certainly no shortage of options!
La Gomera, Spain
La Gomera is probably one of the best places to see several species of dolphins and whales at the same time. Around 23 different species have been spotted in the area, including pilot whales and Atlantic spotted dolphins.
Madeira Islands, Portugal
With more than 600 years of history, the Madeira archipelago has much to offer. Numerous types of dolphins and whales inhabit these waters, including the enormous blue whale, the fin whale, the smaller minke whale, and the long-finned pilot whale, among others.
Azores Islands, Portugal
Home to gigantic underwater mountains, the Azores archipelago, off the northeastern Atlantic waters, is a wildlife-watching paradise, with whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds… the opportunities are endless!
West Cork, Ireland
Toward one of the most southwesterly points of Ireland lies Baltimore. This charming coastal village is one of the final stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way, 2,500 km of unspoiled coastline from West Cork to Donegal, where land and sea meet. The waters around Baltimore and the islands offer wonderful opportunities for whale and dolphin watching.
Blasket Islands, Ireland
Following the Wild Atlantic Way north from Cork, County Kerry is home to the stunning seven-island archipelago known as the Blasket Islands. At different times of the year, these waters are home to seals, puffins, dolphins, basking sharks, and humpback whales.
Hebrides, Scotland
The Hebrides boast incredible wildlife both above and below the sea. The area is known for beautiful large birds such as golden eagles and for powerful marine creatures such as orcas, minke whales, and basking sharks.
Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
This stunning archipelago lies between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Among islands of rugged tundra and glaciers live minke whales, brilliant orcas, vocal humpbacks, and the largest whale—and the largest animal on Earth—of all, the blue whale.
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Conclusions
In this article, we have looked at some of the most iconic places to spot whales in 2023 in Europe and around the world.
By choosing an organized trip, you can be sure that the selected providers have been chosen based on ethical standards: all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the spectacle! 🙏🏻
