Best Places to Travel for Whale Watching

Travelers with a passion for wildlife can enjoy whale watching all over the world at all times of the year, but some seasons and places stand out as the best.

From warm weather locales like Los Cabos and Turks and Caicos in the first third of the year to places like Alaska, Australia and South Africa from late spring to the holidays, there are plenty of exciting expeditions to choose from to the best places for whale watching in 2025.

Here are some of the best destinations around the world to experience these majestic creatures in the wild.

Best Places for Whale Watching – Los Cabos, Mexico

Countless humpback and gray whales migrate to the warm waters of the Baja Peninsula each winter, making Los Cabos, Mexico a must for whale-watching trips this time of year. Guests can book elite properties including Grand Velas Los Cabos, Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, Mar del Cabo and Four Seasons Cabo Del Sol to take advantage of oceanfront accommodations and or guided whale-watching excursions.

Grand Velas Los Cabos enhances the stunning sights with ocean-inspired spa treatments and gourmet dining while adults with wellness in mind may opt for Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos. Meanwhile, Mar del Cabo offers prime whale-watching views from its whitewashed terraces and guests at the Four Seasons Cabo Del Sol can spot whales while they stare out onto the Sea of Cortez.

Turks & Caicos

Whale season is in full swing in Turks and Caicos this winter and the Sailrock South Caicos Resort is a great place to watch North Atlantic humpback whales pass through the Columbus Passage on their annual migration in the coming months. Resort guests can also take advantage of private boat tours to see the whales in action.

Additionally, Big Blue Collective leads small-group excursions through the waters around Salt Cay and the Columbus Passage. The experience is enhanced by hydrophones capturing the sounds of the whales’ communications. Book a stay at The Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave for an unparalleled villa experience highlighted by infinity-edge pools, outdoor showers, and spacious terraces in addition to a dedicated butler and private chef.

Alaska

Visitors to Alaska can look forward to seeing humpbacks, orcas belugas and even the occasional gray whale. One of the best ways to experience these majestic marine animals in the wild is on a charter cruise or a cruise vacation with American Cruise Lines. In addition to viewing whales from the ship, American Cruise Lines’ itineraries also offer shore excursions with outside providers for special wildlife and whale-watching experiences.

Holland America Line and other industry leaders currently offer extensive Alaska itineraries for travelers seeking out unique whale watching experiences in 2025.

Australia

Australia’s whale watching season runs from May to November each year but the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition offered by Australian Wildlife Journeys departs from December to late April and takes travelers into Submarine Canyon, which is the only place in Australia where you can regularly encounter orcas in the wild.

The continent also boasts the largest humpback whale migrations in the world and visitors can see these gentle giants along both the East Coast and West Coasts of Australia with the help of Naturaliste Charters, Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures Australia and Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo.

South Africa

South Africa is a sensational destination for whale watching as visitors can enjoy an array of species, including humpbacks, southern right whales and Bryde whales.

Head to the De Hoop Nature Reserve from June to November to see southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to the sheltered bays along the coastline. Natural Selection’s Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is the perfect base camp to make the most of this World Heritage Site as it offers seven ocean-inspired suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows boasting ideal views of the sea and its giant inhabitants as they calve, blow and breach.

Visitors to Cape Town during these prime viewing months can witness the migratory southern right and humpback whales while enjoying a stay at Ellerman House, a boutique hotel above Bantry Bay. Guests can watch the whales from their private terrace or deck as well as the pool and property grounds. Additionally, Ellerman House concierge can arrange boat tours to bring guests up close to these awe-inspiring creatures.

Locally-based luxury tour operator Stanley Safaris is another superb option for whale-watching enthusiasts exploring Cape Town during the second half of the year.

Costa Rica

Whether visiting from December to April or August through October, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast makes for a spectacular whale-watching adventure. For the ultimate experience, book a stay at SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge along the coast of Corcovado National Park.

After all, guests can partake in an exclusive Whale and Dolphin Monitoring Journey in partnership with marine conservation organization Innoceana which utilizes cutting-edge technology to help travelers better understand marine life.

Sonoma County, California

The annual south-to-north Pacific gray whale migration strides along dozens of miles of the Sonoma Coast from late winter through spring. Depending on the weather conditions, whales can be seen just a few hundred yards from the coast in some places.

Visitors can book a whale-watching boat trip to get up close. However, Bodega Head—part of Sonoma Coast State Park—is one of the best sites to catch whales along their migration. On weekends from January through mid-May, volunteers are even on hand to answer questions and share their knowledge.

Colombia

Travelers in search of epic whale encounters should head to Colombia from July to October to watch these massive mammals as they venture to warmer waters. The Colombian Pacific, specifically the beaches of Bahía Solano, in the Gulf of Cupica, and Gorgona National Natural Park are ideal viewing points. Visitors can also arrange boat tours to get even closer.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.

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