No wonder watching the cetacean stars is one of the world’s best wildlife activities. There’s nothing like getting up close to a giant of the ocean or seeing those majestic creatures gracing up the open sea. Yes, I am talking about whales, God’s most amazing aquatic creation and their activities. If you are an animal lover, whale offers you enough opportunities to catch glimpses of their monstrous form as they travel throughout the world’s waterways. And whale-watching is one of those things that have luring visitors of every age across the globe. Seeing and hearing these magnificent creatures is always an added fun.
If you are looking for some of the best whale watching destinations in the world, you have landed on the right page. Check out the best spots in the world to go whale watching
Azores
From March to May, Azores are one of the best places to catch a glimpse of blue Whales, whose tongue can weigh as much as an elephant. The water around the nine islands of the Azores are great places to see 20 or more species of Dolphins and Whales. You’re likely to see both Sperm Whales and shirt-finned pilot swimming between the islands of Faial, Pico and San Jorge.
Mexico
In addition to the brilliant beaches, luxury resorts, and perfect climate, Mexico has added spectacle of spouting Whales each year from January till April. The best part is, some of the splendid humpbacks migrate over 6,000 miles from Alaska and Siberia to the warmer waters of Sea of Cortez and Baja California especially during the peak tourist season. To experience whale watching in Mexico you need to arrange for a boat trip operated by an experienced skipper who knows where the Whales are and how to approach them in the vessel without scaring them off.
Iceland
There are endless reasons for the success of whale watching in Iceland. The winter months have increasingly proved an exciting and adventurous whale watching period. Minke whales and white-beaked Dolphins are regularly seen while blue Whales and Humpback are occasionally witnessed. Moreover, Husavik’s interesting Whale Museum is worth a visit. The museum has revelatory displays on the cetacean species found around Iceland, along with Whale skeleton and other revelations.
Hawaii
Humpback whales love the state of Hawaii so much that the islands have adopted them as their state animal. They visit the Hawaiian waters each year from November to May with the peak of the season being from January to March. Boat tours and whale watching cruises have become increasingly popular to catch a glimpse of Hawaii’s humpback whales. Whale watching cruises are available at most harbors around the state. Maui is a top whale watching spot for boat-based viewing.
New Zealand
Kaikoura is a world renowned destination for incredible eco-tourism. It attracts some of the most magnificent creatures with which we share our planet. The waters of Kaikoura are amongst the most popular in the world for Sperm Whales. You can see humpbacks between June and July and orca whales between December and March. Also you can enjoy New Zealand’s own tiny Hectors dolphin, Dusky dolphins, Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. New Zealand is one of the few places where you can view Whales in their natural habitat and is a worthwhile experience. Swimming with the dolphins and organized Whale watching trip are also available.
Australia
Hervey Bay is known as the home of the humpbacks. The Whales begin to arrive in Hervey Bay from mid-July and remain until late November before heading towards South again. In fact, more than 45 species of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises call Australia their home. Nearly 60 percent of world’s whales are found in Australia. The most commonly sighted whales are Southern Rights and Humpbacks which make annual migration from both the East and West Coasts of Australia from Antarctica, to breed and mate. There is also the chance to see other species, including Minke Whales, Blue Whales and Ocras from many spots along Australia’s coastline.
Norway
Norway is one of the best place to watch killer whales. Watching Humpback Whale in Norway is an extraordinary experience. The magical Lofoten islands, an archipelago above the Arctic Circle has deep and nutrient rich water where you can certainly watch different Whale shows. The ideal time to visit Norway for Whale watching is from late October till mid-January, when the whales follow Shoals of Atlantic herring. Adventurous travelers can even sign up for special Whale watching safaris that allow them to swim with the Whales.
Spain
Pilot Whales are some of the most social Whales around, especially in Spain. Whale and Dolphin watching is an impressive spectacle that brings thousands of people to Spain every year and helps to bring children closer to the fascinating world of animals. The Bay of Biscay on the Northern coast of Spain or islands such as Tenerife in the Atlantic, have clear water and ideal playground for Whales to frolic in. The best time to watch Whales and Dolphins such as Risso’s Dolphins is the month of August.
So keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, as these beautiful creatures may not stay within your line of sight for long.
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