Did you know that there are about 40 species of whales on the planet? If you’re a big marine animal lover, you might already be aware of this and even know more information about each kind of whale. Furthermore, this affinity might also be influencing your travel decisions. So, in case you’re thinking about taking a trip to a place where you can see some glorious giants in person, consider the following destinations.
Take a trip to Hawaii
No matter if you’re traveling solo, going on your honeymoon, or having a family vacation, Hawaii has it all. Something else that you can do in this paradise is spot whales. During the period from December to May, you should be able to see thousands of humpback whales, as this is when they come to the warm waters around the Hawaiian islands. You could opt for a boat tour to get up-close and personal or you could watch from land in Maui.
Enjoy your vacation in Mexico
If Mexico is more up your alley, gorgeous beaches are not all that will keep your interest. Taking a trip to Cabo San Lucas between January and April means that you could have a whale encounter. Fortunately, ways of doing that abound. You could get a regular boat tour while you could also look into luxury trimarans and glass-bottom boats. When it comes to species, expect fin, blue, minke, sperm, Bryde’s, and humpback whales. Moreover, you could also see dolphins, northern elephant seals, and California sea lions.
Explore Argentina
Going further south, more specifically to Argentina, also comes with the option of whale watching. For instance, the Peninsula Valdes-situated coastal town of Puerto Madryn is a great spot to see southern right whales. Time your visit for somewhere from June to December to see them close to shore or from a boat. Keep in mind that the best time is in September and October. You might also see sea lions, elephant seals, and Magellan penguins.
Visit Western Australia
Another spot you don’t want to overlook when looking for opportunities to observe whales in their natural environment is Western Australia. This vast Australian state is a prime location to see different kinds of whales. For example, whale watching tours give you a chance to spot orcas, blue whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales. Departing from Perth, Bremer Bay, and Albany, you will easily find a boat tour that suits you. Look into the best period for your visit, as it will depend on the species you want to see. While humpbacks can be seen from May to December, killer whales are there from January to April.
Travel to South Africa
In case you decide to explore the African continent and see as many animals as you can, don’t skip the fishing town of Hermanus in South Africa. It is home to the Whale Festival which takes place every year in September. However, you can spot humpback and southern right whales anytime from June to November. There are different ways to see these acrobatic giants, from the shore, a boat, and a helicopter. Furthermore, you should also keep an eye (and ear) out for the town crier that announces whale sightings.
Go for a swim in Sri Lanka
Adventure-seekers can also think about going to Sri Lanka. In addition to being home to an amazing array of wildlife species, including whales, this country also allows visitors to swim with these animals. The town of Mirissa is the hotspot you want to be in if you want to join this activity. Go between December and April to see Bryde’s, sperm, humpback, and blue whales. That being said, you want to look into the operator you choose as the regulation in this area is lacking a bit.
Witness the majestic fjords of Norway
Norway’s natural beauty will certainly leave you breathless. If you add whale-spotting potential to that, this Scandinavian country could be all you need from a vacation. The season typically lasts from October to January, and many operators offer a refund if you don’t see a whale during your tour. You can also visit a museum to learn more about marine mammals. The types you can expect to see include sperm, killer, pilot, fin, and humpback whales.
Consider Antarctica as well
Finally, you can make a bold choice and visit Antarctica in search of whales. These waters are home to eight species, including blue, killer, sperm, minke, and humpback. February and March are the best times to visit this area, so make sure to book everything well in advance as this is a big tourist attraction.
As you can see, the opportunities to see whales are countless. No matter the continent, you will be able to spot some of these magnificent mammals as they swim, calve, and enjoy their natural habitat. Bon voyage!
