Where to Go, When to Visit, and How to Make the Most of Your Whale Encounters
- Wild Dirt
- Sep 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
Whale watching is one of the most unforgettable ways to connect with the ocean. These giants move with a grace that humbles even the most seasoned traveler. The places where you can find them are often just as breathtaking as the whales themselves. From tropical lagoons to icy fjords, each destination offers not only sightings but also culture, cuisine, and community. Here are five of the best places in the world to see whales, along with how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat when you arrive.
Whale watching is not just about the sighting. It is about the journey, the place, and the culture that surrounds the ocean.
1. Maui, Hawaii - Humpback Haven
Every winter, more than 10,000 humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Maui to breed and give birth. The Au'au Channel between Maui, Moloka'i, and Lāna'i is one of the best whale nurseries in the world.
Best time to visit: December to April
How to get there: Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) and drive to Lahaina or Kihei, where most tours depart.
Tours: Book with Pacific Whale Foundation or smaller eco-certified charters.
Lodging: Beachfront condos in Kihei or luxury resorts in Wailea.
Food: Local poke bowls, banana bread from roadside stands, and fresh island fruit at farmers' markets.
2. Husavík, Iceland - Arctic Encounters
Known as the whale-watching capital of Europe, Husavík sits on Skjálfandi Bay, where cold and warm currents collide, creating feeding grounds for humpbacks, minke, and even blue whales.
Best time to visit: June to August
How to get there: Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri, then a 90-minute drive to Husavík.
Tours: Wooden schooner trips or RIB boats with North Sailing.
Lodging: Fosshotel Husavík or cozy guesthouses overlooking the bay.
Food: Try traditional Icelandic lamb soup, fresh Arctic char, and local craft beers.
3. Baja California Sur, Mexico - Gray Whale Nursery
In the protected lagoons of Baja's Pacific coast, gray whales arrive each winter to calve. Places like Laguna San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay offer some of the most intimate encounters, where whales often approach boats out of curiosity.
Best time to visit: January to March
How to get there: Fly into Loreto or La Paz; book eco-tours with licensed local operators.
Tours: Pangas (small boats) led by trained naturalists.
Lodging: Eco-lodges near San Ignacio Lagoon or boutique hotels in Loreto.
Food: Fish tacos, ceviche, and Baja-style clams baked in their shells.
4. Kaikōura, New Zealand - Sperm Whale Stronghold
Kaikōura is one of the only places in the world where sperm whales live year-round, thanks to the deep undersea Kaikōura Canyon just offshore. Dolphins, fur seals, and albatrosses add to the wildlife spectacle.
Best time to visit: Year-round, though summer (December to February) offers calm seas.
How to get there: A 2.5-hour scenic drive from Christchurch on the South Island.
Tours: Whale Watch Kaikōura boats or scenic flights for an aerial perspective.
Lodging: Coastal motels, boutique lodges, or campervan sites along the shore.
Food: Famous Kaikōura crayfish (lobster), whitebait fritters, and local sauvignon blanc.
5. Vancouver Island, Canada - Orcas and Humpbacks
The waters off Vancouver Island host orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales, with prime viewing in Johnstone Strait and Clayoquot Sound. The dramatic Pacific Northwest setting adds to the magic.
Best time to visit: May to October
How to get there: Fly into Victoria or Nanaimo, or take ferries from Vancouver.
Tours: Kayak trips in Johnstone Strait or boat tours from Tofino and Telegraph Cove.
Lodging: Rustic cabins in Telegraph Cove, surf lodges in Tofino, or boutique hotels in Victoria.
Food: Salmon chowder, Dungeness crab, and wild berry desserts.
Travel Tips for Whale Watching
Book eco-certified tours that respect distance and whale safety.
Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and polarized sunglasses.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens for photography.
Support local communities by staying in small lodges and eating regional foods.
Respect guidelines: never touch or feed whales, and always follow local regulations.
Conclusion
Whale watching is as much about the place as it is about the whales. From the volcanic shores of Hawaii to the icy fjords of Iceland, each destination offers a different encounter, shaped by culture, cuisine, and community. Choose your trip with intention, and you will leave not just with memories of whales, but with a deeper connection to the oceans they call home.
In this journey, I find that the phrase "the ocean is a living tapestry" resonates deeply. Each wave tells a story, and each whale is a thread woven into this magnificent fabric.
