Whale watching is one of the most exciting wildlife activities you can take part in. There is no doubt that whales are fascinating creatures and seeing them majestically in the open water is a feeling you will never forget. One of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet is the yearly migration of about 20,000 gray whales between Alaska and Mexico and back again. They make an epic 9,656-km journey from feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to mating and breeding lagoons along Baja California in Mexico. The spectacular phenomenon can be quite easy for us to witness. You just need to know where and when to be. Since people started whale watching in the mid-Fifties, it has become more and more popular and now more than 13 million people join organized whale watching trips every year. Check out the following destinations for your best bet.
Western Cape, South Africa
If you’re not fond of the feeling you get being on a tiny boat next to a huge whale, Western Cape is for you. It is one of the few places in the world where you can watch whales up close from coastal footpaths, restaurants, cafés, and even a hotel room. In particular, Hermanus offers the best land-based whale watching in the world. The best time is June to November, with a peak season in October.
The Maldives
A quiet destination with warm tropical seas, the Maldives is the perfect place for a chance to catch a glimpse of the more unusual whale species. It is quite secluded too, unlike many other whale watching destinations. The best time is February to April and October to November.
Iceland
Iceland is a very famous destination for whale watching. You will get a chance to see minke whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas. Constant whale watching trips are arranged from the harbor of Reykjavík city centre and from Húsavík on the stunning north coast. Don’t miss a chance to go whale watching in the light of the midnight sun, just below the Arctic Circle, for a truly unforgettable experience. Best time is May to September. Blue whales show up in June and early July.
The Azores
Another favorite destination for the opportunity to watch the magnificent blue whales, the stunning Azores islands is a great choice. The water around the nine Azore islands off the coast of Portugal will give you a chance to watch about 20 species of whales, including sperm whales and shirt-finned pilot whales, especially between the islands of Faial, Pico, and San Jorge. Best time is between March and May.
New Zealand
The waters of Kaikoura in New Zealand attracts some of the most magnificent creatures in the world and is known for having sperm whales. You can also watch humpbacks and orca whales in these stunning waters. This is among a few places in the world where you can witness whales in their natural habitat and also swim with Hector dolphins, very rare species. Best time is between June and July for humpback whales, while the best bet for orca whales is between December and March.
By Amal Ahmed
