Whales of the world

Whale Itineraries

Blue Whales, Dolphins & Leopards

14 Days

South Africa’s Wildlife Of Land & Sea

11 Days

Vancouver Island Self-Drive

15 Days

A whale watching experience to see the largest wild animals on earth, is a breath-taking, thrilling and adventurous activity. These mammals live in every ocean of the world and their immense intelligence, their strong social bonds and their gentle nature, despite their mammoth size, can give you a truly spiritual experience.

Dwarf sperm whales weigh around 600 pounds, whilst the colossal blue whale has been known to be more than 200 tons and is around two bus lengths in size. There is still so much to learn and enjoy from these great animals of the sea. Thanks to their epic migrations you can see them at different times of the year throughout the world.

There really are few things more magical and mysterious than watching whales in the ocean regions of our world. The marine biologist/guides will give you an insight into their natural behaviour, their social interactions and their charming curiosity. You may not always get up close, but whether you see them in the tropics or the poles, you will certainly feel a much greater connection with these incredible creatures.

About the Whales

There are two types of whales; the toothed whales have teeth which enable them to feed on larger prey, such as fish and squid, and the baleen whales which have a filter-feeding system in their mouths instead of teeth, which help them strain out huge quantities of crustaceans, krill, and plankton.

Baleen whales are larger than toothed whales, for the most part. They include blue whales, right whales, and bowhead whales. The humpback whale is also baleen and is known in particular to produce a range of social sounds to communicate underwater. The songs, a complex combination of moans, howls, and cries that can continue for hours, is believed to be heard for thousands of miles.

Whales are warm-blooded creatures’, mothers nurse their young and develop a strong bond, which is essential for the offspring’s survival. Calves and juveniles stay close to their mothers’ sides for a long time, some as-long as three years, even if they can feed themselves.

Increasing population

COMMON NAME: Blue Whale
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Balaenoptera musculus
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 80 to 90 years
SIZE: 82 to 105 feet
WEIGHT: Up to 200 tons

Increasing population

COMMON NAME: Humpback Whale
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Megaptera novaeangliae
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Omnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
SIZE: 48 to 62.5 feet
WEIGHT: 40 tons

Current population unknown

COMMON NAME: Beluga Whale
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Delphinapterus leucas
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 35 to 50 years
SIZE: 13 to 20 feet
WEIGHT: 1 to 1.5 tons

Current population unknown

COMMON NAME: Orca (Killer Whale)
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Orcinus orca
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 50 to 80 years
SIZE: 23 to 32 feet
WEIGHT: Up to 6 tons

Current population unknown

COMMON NAME: Sperm Whale
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Physeter macrocephalus
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
SIZE: 49 to 59 feet
WEIGHT: 35 to 45 tons

Current population unknown

COMMON NAME: Narwhal
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Monodon monoceros
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
SIZE: 13 to 20 feet
WEIGHT: 1.5 tons

Current population unknown

COMMON NAME: Right Whales
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eubalaena
TYPE: Mammal
DIET: Carnivore
GROUP NAME: Pod
SIZE: 50 feet
WEIGHT: 70 tons

Best Places to See Whales

South Africa  

It’s not every day that you see a whale. There are even fewer places where you can see one from your very own bed. South Africa is a premier whale-watching destination and in certain hotels on the Western Cape you can do just that. It is  feasible to watch them from your hotel room or on the cliff tops because in these deep waters, migratory southern right whales come close to shore to breed. Their muscular tails somehow able to propel their huge bodies out of the waves, captivating onlookers. Elsewhere off South Africa’s coast, humpbacks make their way northeast toward their breeding grounds off Mozambique and Madagascar — boat trips can help you get close to them and other marine life, including dolphins, seals and whale sharks.

Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

One of the most popular attractions in the Western Cape area of South Africa is whale watching. The southern right whale is the most commonly seen, with daily sightings of these majestic giants virtually guaranteed in September and October. They’re what many people come to marvel at, although Bryde’s whales and humpbacks can be spotted too. Your best bet is to get out on a whale watching boat, but if you’d rather watch them from land, you can do so from cliff tops and shorelines. There are just four to six thousand southern right whales left on the planet today, and each one has a unique pattern on their heads that make it possible to identify one from the other.

When to see the whales in South Africa

The best time for watching the southern right whale along the Cape south coast is in October but you are likely to see them between June to November, with peak calving season in July and August. The curious humpback whale can be seen between May to December, moving up along the coast from Hermanus to St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal.

The value of whale watching in South Africa

It’s a wildlife experience which can be enjoyed in many different regions of the world, but why is whale watching in South Africa so special?

Nearly thirty different species of whale and dolphin can be seen off the coast of South Africa making it one of, if not, the premier destination you can head to with a great chance of encountering these gentle giants of the oceans. With a vast array of whale watching activities by land, sea or air – there’s without doubt an experience to suit everyone’s bucket list.

Suggested Itinerary

Cape Town, Winelands & Whale Coast

This is an exciting itinerary taking in Cape Town, the Winelands and the Whale Coast (Hermanus).

Day 1: Cape Town

Welcome to Cape Town! You will be met at the door of the aircraft and escorted through customs and baggage claim and taken to your awaiting transfer to Three Boutique Hotel. (35 minutes). Check in to Three Boutique Hotel for 4 nights on a bed and breakfast basis in a Luxury Your hire car will be delivered to the hotel this afternoon.

Day 2: Cape Town

Optional excursion or enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at the hotel.

Day 3: Cape Point

Optional excursion or head out for the day exploring in your hired car. Drive around the Atlantic Seaboard through Camps Bay and Llundudno and over the mountain to Hout Bay. Stop at Hout Bay where you can take a little boat out to Seal Island to sea the Cape Fur Seals and where the great white population is at its largest. Drive to Cape Point and enjoy lunch at the Two Oceans restaurant followed by an easy hike to the furthermost tip of Cape Town. Take a slow drive back through the old naval town of Simons Town, Kalk Bay and Muisenberg. Afternoon Tea at Glen Constantia wine estate on your way home is a must.

Day 4: V&A Waterfront

Optional excusion, or enjoy a morning of shopping at the V&A Waterfront. Take in the sights and sounds of the local musicians and enjoy a continuous variety of street entertainment. Enjoy a seafood lunch and, weather permitting, take a trip out to Robbin Island.

Day 5: Hermanus

After breakfast at Three Boutique, make the scenic 2 hour drive out to the lovely seaside town of Hermanus. Check into Mosaic Private Sanctuary for 2 nights in a Lagoon Lodge Luxury Suite on a bed and breakfast basis. Spend the afternoon exploring the quirky town with its lovely shops, cafes and resturants.

Day 6: Hermanus

Spend the day on one of the delightful local beaches or enjoy the facilities that Mosiac have to offer. Lunch at Creation, a wonderful setting with amazing lunches and wine pairing.

Day 7: Stellenbosch

After a final breakfast, take the easy hours drive out to the Winelands, to the bustling student winelands town of Stellenbosch. Check into the 5 star Majeka House for 2 nights in a Premier Suite for 2 nights.

Day 8 : Boschendal Farm

Optional excursion or enjoy exploring the beautiful winelands at your own pace. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with white table clothes and five star service at Boschendal Farm. Taste the wine from the estate, sample some delights at the deli and explore the extensive kitchen gardens. There are also great walks, mountain bike trails and horse riding from here.

Day 9: Stellenbosch

Enjoy a full day exploring the town of Stellenbosch and surrounds before heading to the airport for your flight back.

Canada

There is a good reason that enthusiasts choose Canada as the destination for their whale watching holiday. With over 202,000km of coastline and more than 30 species of whales living off its shores, Canada offers excellent opportunities to view the giants of the sea. Well-organised boat tours maximise your chances of spotting whales. You are guaranteed to see incredible marine life from seals, sea lions and porpoises to seabirds and hopefully whales. Whether it’s an exhilarating Zodiac or a statelier cruise, every whale watching trip in Canada is accompanied by an experienced guide who knows the most likely spots to find whales.

British Columbia

British Columbia – and particularly Vancouver Island – is a brilliant location to spot orcas (aka killer whales), minke whales, huge humpbacks and grey whales. Resident orcas live there year-round, while migratory species visit between May and October, with the season peaking around July and August. For the grey whale migration past Tofino, you’ll need to go in March.

Churchill in Manitoba plays host every summer to 60,000 elegant beluga whales, which despite their ghostly appearance are friendly and curious about sightseeing boats. In Eastern Canada, Nova Scotia and Quèbec are famed for their humpbacks, and even the King of the Ocean: the mighty blue whale.

Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada

Hudson Bay is located in the far north of Manitoba, home to the world’s largest population of beluga whales. These white whales that are particularly friendly and sociable, look as if they’re always smiling – putting smiles on the faces of humans as well. Nearly 60,000 of these playful ‘sea canaries’ (referred to as such for their unusual high-pitched whistle) gather here in the summer months, inhabiting the warmer waters of the Churchill River following the ice breaks. Visitors have a choice of multiple tour options, including trips where you can enjoy close encounters and even listen in on their conversations via hydrophones. Snorkelling with these whales is possible too.

Churchill and the Hudson Bay coastline in general are also a very popular place for polar bears as it’s one of the few destinations where you can enjoy close encounters with them – but not too close. Visitors are safely taken in custom-built Polar Rovers to view the world’s greatest concentration of the animals. While peak time for viewing is usually October and November, in recent years they’ve been arriving in late summer, which means you may be able to time your visit to see both the bears and belugas that may be here at the same time around late August to mid-September.

St Lawrence Marine Park, Saguenay, Quebec, Canada

In the summer months, Quebec’s Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, located around the small town of Tadoussac where the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers meet, is a place where multiple species of whales gather. From May through October, as many as 13 species of cetaceans inhabit the salty waters of the St. Lawrence River, including humpbacks, minke whales and the largest animal on the planet, blue whales. Beluga whales are here year-round. Most of the creatures you’ll see here in the summer, from the birds to seals and whales, have travelled thousands of miles to come and feed here, spending a significant amount of time feeding and resting.

Captains of whale watching vessels here are required to complete training on the behaviours that should be practiced in order to avoid disturbing the whales, and they know how to react when the animals breach the surface unexpectedly nearby. This region is filled with spectacular scenery, and is part of the breath-taking fjord route that travels the awe-inspiring 65-mile-long Saguenay Fjord, one of the world’s longest, surrounded by towering cliffs while historic small towns line both sides, some of which are considered the most picturesque villages in the province. Hiking, biking and horseback riding are just a few of the other activities here too.

When to see whales in Canada:

In general, you’ll be able to spot whales in Canada between May and September as they migrate to feed in the country’s rich waters. Visit Tofino in late March to catch the peak of the gray whale migration (although the whales will stick around until autumn).

The value of whale watching in Canada:

There is a magic to Canada that doesn’t just lie on its snowy surfaces, but its azure waters. You will see a huge variety of whales here as there are three different oceans that interconnect and as you would be in Canada you could use this opportunity to combine with another holiday experience such as polar or arctic bears. Canada has some of the strongest whale watching rates in the world so you will be sure to be swept up in their magic if you choose to see them here.

Suggested Itinerary

Whales and Bears at Farewell Harbour

From your base at Farewell Harbour Lodge on Berry Island, you are perfectly positioned to explore the natural highlights of the renowned Broughton Archipelago Marine Park. Separating Vancouver Island and mainland British Comombia, here you are in close proximity to both the grizzly bears of Knight Inlet and the orcas of Johnstone Strait. Berry Island also offers excellent hiking trails and sheltered sea-kayaking opportunities.

Basic Itinerary:

Destination      Accommodation          Duration          Basis

Port Hardy       Farewell Harbour Lodge3 Nights        AI                      

Day 1: Port Hardy – Farewell Harbour

Transfer from Port Hardy to Alder Bay this morning, where you will board the water taxi for a scenic 30-minute cruise out to Farewell Harbour Lodge. You will be met on arrival and welcomed to Farewell Harbour Lodge with an orientation briefing. Later, join a cruise in search of orca and other marine wildlife in the rich waters of the famous Johnstone Strait and Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Return to the lodge for a buffet dinner and an optional presentation about the surrounding area and its wildlife.

Day 2: Grizzly bear viewing

After a hearty breakfast set off by boat on a full day bear viewing adventure. You will cruise to one of the local estuaries where you will search for bears either by zodiac or on foot, depending on the tide. Without being restricted to a viewing hide you will have a good chance of seeing bears at eye level. Return to Farewell Harbour Lodge this evening for dinner and another optional presentation.

Day 3: Whale watching

Today you have the option of another day with the bears, or a full day excursion in search of whales. Enjoy an extensive exploration of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, renowned for its large resident orca population. Orcas typically return to these waters from mid-July although humpback whales and other marine life can often be seen from May onwards, throughout the summer season. Dinner and an evening presentation await back at the lodge.

Day 4: Farewell Harbour – Port Hardy

This morning you can take your pick from a choice of activities: a half day sea kayak excursion in the protected and crystalline waters near Farewell Harbour Lodge, a half day bear viewing safari, a half day marine tour, guided interpretive rainforest hike, or an interpretive visit to the world famous U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay to learn more about local First Nations Kwakwaka’wakw culture. After lunch it’s time to depart Farewell Harbour Lodge via water taxi to Alder Bay and continue by minibus to Port Hardy.

New Zealand

Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Part of the Pacific Ocean, the Hauraki Gulf covers an area of 4000 km² surrounding the Auckland and Coromandel regions.
The park is full of a diverse range of rare and exotic ocean life. For example, the critically endangered Bryde’s whale is one such species that can be found in the Hauraki Gulf. Incredibly, over 25 of the 37 southern hemisphere marine mammals have been identified in the area, which makes up almost a third of the world’s population of these species.

Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales. Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, grow to over 15 metres in length. They dive deep into the ocean to feed. The resident population of sperm whales at Kaikoura can be seen all year round. Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July. Several dolphin species are seen almost daily in the area.

Whales thrive close to Kaikoura because of its unusual submarine landscape. The continental shelf drops quickly into a number of extremely deep underwater canyons. In addition, a warm current from the north meets a colder one from the south. This causes nutrients from deep within the ocean to be carried upward, a phenomenon that helps to support all types of marine life from plankton and krill to dolphins and whales.

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand

The town of Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island is one of the few spots on the planet where sperm whales can be witnessed year-round. The marine environment here is remarkably rich in nutrients, drawing the animals that can weigh over 50 tons, and grow as long as 65 feet. They come to gather here due to the more than one-mile-deep canyon that runs alongside the coastline, creating a rare, unique system of sea currents that carry a very abundant marine food chain. There is just one boat-based whale watching tour company here, Whale Watch Kaikoura, that provides passengers with especially exciting encounters with the world’s largest toothed predator in their natural environment. Depending on the season, you might also spot, southern right whales, blue whales, pilot whales, humpbacks, and orca. The area is also home to the world’s rarest and smallest marine dolphin, the hectors.

The postcard-perfect town itself is also known for its rich Maori culture, with its name, Kaikoura, a Maori term for ‘eat crayfish,’ the signature culinary dish here which can be found in many eateries and food trucks. Visitors can also witness the unique albatross bird, enjoy close encounters with fur seals and embark on llama treks.

When to see the whales in New Zealand

The weather in New Zealand is often best during the months of October – March, so if you prefer the warmer kind of days then whale watching during the NZ summer is a good bet.  During these months’ we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of Orca as they pass by, usually in pods of between 6-12 individuals 2 or 3 times a month.

During the months of June – August for instance humpback whales leave the cool Antarctic waters for the winter period and head further north to the warmer tropical waters of places like Tonga and Australia, stopping off in Kaikōura on their way for a rest before continuing on their huge journey.

For the best opportunity for not only seeing sperm whales but also migrating whales June to August in my option the best time to come whale watching.  An added bonus being the beautiful view from out at sea of the Kaikōura ranges covered in snow and also the wonderful crisp blue sky winters days we can experience in Kaikōura during winter

The value of whale watching in New Zealand

Though more known for the little bird that gave New Zealand natives their nickname – the Kiwi – New Zealand is also one of the best places in the world to whales. Seeing a whale up close is a truly profound experience and something many have on their bucket list, which makes a trip to New Zealand even more worth it! New Zealand is lucky enough to not only boast multiple spots where you can see these majestic masters of the ocean, but multiple species pass through the country’s shores year-round.

Suggested Itinerary

New Zealand Whale & Dolphin Tour Itinerary

Basic Itinerary:

Day 1: Head North to the Bay of Islands

The sub-tropical region of the Bay of Islands is a stunning Maritime Park with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. Being somewhat sheltered, the area is ideal for yachting, fishing, kayaking and diving. Rolling countryside, tidal estuaries, mangroves, sparkling and long silvery beaches abound. It is an area of considerable historical significance, and is the place where Maori and European signed the Treaty of Waitangi that joined them as one nation. Long considered the cradle of Polynesian and European settlement in New Zealand, the area is rich in history and natural beauty.

Day 2: Dolphin Cruise & Swimming

This morning we board the Tutunui a stable, fast, 13 metre (42 foot) catamaran, designed for viewing marine mammals and swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

In the Bay of Islands Maritime Park we usually encounter both bottlenose and common dolphins, and may also see a variety of whale species including orca (killer whales), Bryde’s, pilot, Minke, sei, humpback whales, and very rarely the Blue Whale. We might also encounter blue penguins, gannets, various sea birds and the New Zealand fur seal.  – On our way back to base you’ll have the added bonus of stopping off on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. Enjoy the coastal walks and magnificent beaches. Browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre or relax in the cafe.

Day 3: Leisure Time in the Bay – Auckland

The Bay with its pristine natural environment is the gathering place in the South Pacific for overseas sailing yachts on world cruises, international sport fishermen, golfers and marine enthusiasts. There are many opportunities to go or relax in the sun on one of the area’s many beaches.

Day 4: Auckland’s Whale and Dolphin Cruise

The beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is visited by a staggering one third of all the types of marine mammals found on earth.

The Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park is considered to be one of the most biologically and geographically diverse maritime parks in the world. Aboard the purpose built research and wildlife viewing vessel, the Explorer, our tour today departs Auckland and heads into the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. This tour revolves around University research projects of the dolphin, whales and sea birds of the region.  Wildlife species we may encounter include common and bottlenose dolphins, orca (killer whales), blue penguins, gannets, shearwaters, terns, cooks and pycrofts petrels.

Day 5: Picton – Gateway to the Marlborough Sounds

A short flight has you to Blenhiem and a 30 minute drive has you in Picton, a waterfront village snuggled between the hills and the sea at the top of the South Island New Zealand’s gateway to the glorious Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park. It is in the sunny Marlborough region, famous for its visits from Captain Cook in the 1700s, its fine wines, green-lipped mussels, sandy beaches, popular boating centre and the Queen Charlotte Sounds.

Day 6: Marlborough Sounds Marine Mammal Experience

See the very best of the Marlborough Sounds and especially the beautiful Queen Charlotte on a very special dolphin swimming & viewing cruise. This interactive tour provides a wonderful opportunity to swim and view dolphins in calm and sheltered waters. You can expect to encounter dusky, bottlenose and you may also encounter rare Hector’s dolphins. We also visit New Zealand fur seals and spot a variety of seabirds like blue Penguins, Gannets and Shags on the water. Our knowledgeable skipper and guide will provide you with an informed and interesting commentary on the wildlife encountered along with local history of the Marlborough Sounds. There is plenty of time allowed for photography, an all-important part of many people’s experiences.

Day 7: Humpback and Sperm Whales in Kaikoura

A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura and living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. It is here that resident bachelors dive to immense depths in search of Giant Squid, so accessible to Sperm whales but still elusive to mankind. Visitors are drawn to Kaikoura by the ability to view these magnificent mammals in their own environment 12 months of the year and Kaikoura The rich diversity of wildlife found means that every day is a chance to see something different and unique – and you will – from seabirds to cetaceans (whales and dolphins), seals, or even Orca.

Day 8: Little France – Akaroa

Banks Peninsula was formed following the violent eruptions of two volcanoes. A crater nurses the picturesque harbour of Akaroa with many smaller bays indenting the spectacular coastline. In 1840, French settlers arrived at Akaroa, To this day; Akaroa remains unique as the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Many streets have French names, and there are descendants of the original French families still living in Akaroa. This Riviera-style village has some wonderful colonial architecture, creative craft shops, intriguing galleries, delightful gardens, and excellent cafés, bars and restaurants.

Day 9: Swim with the Smallest Dolphins in the World.

The Hector’s dolphin is the smallest oceanic dolphin in the world with the female adult only reaching about 1.2 metres (4 foot) long and weighing approximately 47 kilograms ( 103 pounds), while the males are slightly smaller and weigh about 10 kilograms (22 pounds) less.

Take a scenic cruise exploring the beautiful, sheltered Akaroa harbour. You’ll experience a rich variety of marine life including the unique and playful Hector’s Dolphin and the rare Little Blue Penguin. The seascape is dominated by towering volcanic cliffs teeming with marine birdlife. If you wish, you have the opportunity to swim with these tiny rare dolphins – the only place you can swim with hectors in the world.

Day 10: Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook

At the centre of the South Island the expansive high ground from which the scenic peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park protrude is known as Mackenzie Country and within its boundary is Lake Tekapo, a highland lake and township sitting at 710 metres (2329 Feet) surrounded by a vast basin of golden tussock. The lake itself is known for its amazing turquoise colour – a truly fabulous to stop and take the family for a lake-side picnic.

Day 11: Queenstown

A free afternoon to explore Queenstown. Enjoy a day relaxing in Queenstown, a pretty town nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. There’s something for everyone here – from easy walks to fishing, gold panning, wine tasting or adrenaline activities; it’s impossible to run out of things to do. Today, make the most of Queenstown’s scenic beauty and endless opportunities to kick back and relax.

Day 12: Milford Sounds Overnight Cruise

When the last day-boat ties up in early evening and the visitor’s leave a silence descends… An overnight cruise amidst the spectacular Milford Sound is a “once in a lifetime” experience and certainly one the most beautiful places in New Zealand. It’s no wonder it was described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in the sheltered Harrison Cove. Then it’s of exploring with the nature guide in the ships tender crafts and kayaks spotting the resident seals, dolphins and penguins, before enjoying a delicious evening buffet meal in the spacious dining saloon, before retiring to your cabin.

Day 13: Penguins, Seals & Dolphins

Dolphins such as Dusky, Bottlenose and Hectors are regularly seen swimming in Milford Sound, while lay about on the rocky shoreline enjoying the sun are the inquisitive New Zealand Fur Seals. Penguins are numerous throughout the fiords. Two species predominate, especially the rare yellow-eyebrowed Fiord-land crested penguin and the Little Blue Penguin.

Once back on land it’s time to return to Queenstown for your departure flight home

Whale watching in Mexico

Whale watching in Mexico is some of the best in the world, especially on the Pacific Coast, where the cold, deep water creates the perfect habitat for several kinds of whales. Many whales spend their lives migrating north in the summer and south in the winter, and the Baja California Peninsula serves as the southern end of their massive annual visitation.

Gray whales, blue whales, and humpback whales are some of the largest animals on the planet and all three are found in huge numbers off the west coast of North America. If you’re keen to go whale watching in Baja California, you may even see a few other species, like sperm whales, minke whales, or even the occasional orca. Also, there are several annual whale festivals on the Baja peninsula, e.g. on Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateo in January, the “Festival Internacional de la Ballene Gris” in Puerta San Carlos in the south of the peninsula in late February or the annual celebrations ending the whale watching season in the Laguna San Ignacio.

Baja California Sur, Mexico

One of the top spots on Earth when it comes to variety, the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur was famously referred to as the “World’s Aquarium” by Jacque Cousteau. Not only does it contain a wealth of colourful fish, dolphins, sea turtles and many other sea creatures, but it’s famous for hosting everything from blue whales to humpbacks and grey whales. From December through February, the singing humpback whales can be seen frolicking among the waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, often very close to shore and in large groups. They’re quite active, often putting on a show for those on the water and the beach, breaching and slapping the water with their tales. If you go out for a swim, you’re likely to hear their beautiful songs.

Baja is especially famous for its grey whales. There are three major lagoons that serve as their primary destination from around mid-January through early April: Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio and Scammon’s lagoons. The Mexican government strictly regulates access to the lagoons to ensure that human activity doesn’t affect the animals when they’re in these protected, tranquil lagoons. They’ve used them for centuries for mating and birthing before embarking on their annual migration to Alaska. The whales seek out human contact in the lagoons and even come right alongside the boats to get a closer look and oftentimes, for a head rub. Some of the mothers encourage their babies to learn what humans are too, lifting their calves up for people to touch.

When to see the whales in Mexico  

The whale watching season in Mexico is reasonably short: December to March each year. January through March is the best time to check out the Cabo whale watching season of 2020. The Whale Shark season in Cabo goes from late October to the end of April.

The value of whale watching in Mexico

When planning a Mexico holiday you should immerse yourself in culture and the history that the country has to offer whilst also taking advantage of excursions that allow you to explore the country’s abundant marine wildlife with the nature unlike anywhere else in the world,. On an excursion to Los Cabos, you can commune with Mexico’s underwater creatures by snorkeling, spotting dolphins, or even going on a whale watching tour. An unforgettable experience in Mexico is getting close to the friendly gray whales that migrate from Alaska each year. So, if having a meaningful wildlife experience sounds like the perfect way to spend a day, then this is for you.

Suggested Itinerary

Mexico Whale Adventure

From the Sea of Cortés to the Pacific, whale-watching and exploring Mexico’s Baja peninsula

Days 1-4: La Paz

After an overnight flight to Mexico City, connect with the flight to La Paz on the Baja California peninsula. Spend two whole days enjoying the area – you can book a trip to the stunning Isla Espíritu Santo island where you can swim with sealions and tropical fish – the Sea of Cortés was aptly named ‘the aquarium of the world’ by Jacques Cousteau. Whale sharks are also found in the area and you can snorkel with these placid huge fish (the largest in the sea).

Days 5-7: Loreto

Fly north to Loreto, still on the Sea of Cortés. Spend three nights here, with one full day whale-watching included, in search of the blue whale (the largest known animal ever to have existed). The following day can be spent at your leisure. Loreto is on the Camino Real along which are dotted Spanish colonial missions – the Virgen de Loreto mission is in town and the San Francisco Javier mission only a 35 minute drive away.

Days 8-9: Magdelena Bay

Here you have a whole day to book a whale watching trip in the bay where the grey whales come to have their calves and there are good chances of getting quite close to the whales.

Day 10: Todos Santos

The folllowing day, before heading off to Los Cabos, you will be met by your private guide for a hike in the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve, one of Baja’s most beautiful but least explored areas. There are two different trail options, depending how active you are feeling.

Days 11-15: Los Cabos

Spend four days relaxing at your hotel. Whale watching trips to see humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean can also be booked locally. Depart from Los Cabos airport for Mexico City and onward connections.

Whale watching in Argentina

There is only one place in Argentina to really get a good whale experience, and this is around the Peninsular Valdez and the small town of Puerto Madryn. At times in the season, it is even possible to wander along the shoreline and have young whale mothers with their calves only twenty feet away in the water!

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

This small remote town in the beautiful Patagonian region of Argentina is one of South America’s best destinations for whale watching, where you can see southern right and orca whales. The season for viewing them is June through December, when the animals come as close to 20 feet from the shoreline. This area is also popular for its penguins with the best time to watch them typically after November when the babies are born. So, for an unforgettable experience that brings the best chance to view both whales and penguins, plan your visit around early December.

Best times to see the whales in Argentina

Generally speaking, the season for the whales starts from the beginning of June and runs through until December, when they start to move off again. Within this period, there are also a couple of distinct periods when they can be better seen from either the Peninsular or from Puerto Madryn…. basically, the earlier in the season the more the whales are congregating in the southern most bay of the Peninsular and so are right outside Puerto Madryn. From around September, the whales head around the peninsular to base themselves on the northern bay, and thus it is better to stay in one of the Estancias on the Peninsular.

The value of whale watching in Argentina

A close encounter with nature in one of the world’s most unique and rare ecosystems, is right at the tip of your fingers. That’s easily the shortest and simplest way to describe what whale watching in Patagonia feels like, but there’s a lot more to it.

Argentina is known for being one of the most diverse places on the planet due to its vast extension of land, in fact it’s the seventh-largest country in the world. From the tropical forest in the northeast to the mountains in the west, it hosts landscapes that seem taken out of a fairy tale. Patagonia is one of them.

Shared with Chile right on the other side of the Andes mountain range, among many other touristic attractions, Patagonia is by far the ultimate destination for whale watching in Argentina from the city of Puerto Madryn.

Itinerary

Patagonia’s Marine Expedition

Brief Itinerary:

DAY 1: Arrive Buenos Aires

Today you arrive in the bustling city of Buenos Aires and enjoy an afternoon city tour to see some of the capital’s many highlights.

DAY 3: Birding tour of Costanera Sur, fly to Trelew & transfer to Puerto Madryn

In the morning you join a guided tour of Costanera Sur, well known for its incredible birds including southern screamer, stripe-backed bittern and the remarkable coscoroba swan. You then head to the airport and fly to Trelew (two-hour flight), followed by a one hour drive to Puerto Madryn.

DAY 4: Valdes Peninsula – whale watching

You have a full day excursion to the Valdes Peninsula, known for its southern right whale migration (September to December) and abundant seabirds. The area is good year-round for birdwatching and for sightings of southern elephant seal, South American sealion, Commerson’s dolphin, guanaco, elegant crested tinamou, Darwin’s rhea, South American grey fox and big hairy armadillo, whilst orcas are present October to April, and Magellanic penguins September to March.

DAYS 5-7: Transfer to Bahia Bustamante

A four-hour drive takes you to Bahia Bustamante. A seabird paradise, the reserve hosts a huge population of sealions and rock and imperial cormorants but also Magellanic oystercatcher, Olrog’s gull and white-headed steamer duck. The best way to explore the area is on horseback or by boat. During the next three days you have the chance to visit Penguin Island, to sail Malaspina Cove, explore the Petrified Forest and have a delightful lunch at a typical Patagonian ranch.

DAYS 8-10 : Puerto Deseado; visit rockhopper penguin colony

Head south to Comodoro Rivadavia and continue to Puerto Deseado – the drive should take approximately six hours. For the next three days you explore Rio Deseado and Isla Pinguino. Both areas are protected nature reserves of great ornithological importance, hosting the only continental settlement of rockhopper penguin, but also black-browed albatross, brown skua, Magellanic penguin, imperial cormorant and southern giant petrel.

DAY 11: Fly to Buenos Aires

Transfer by road to Rivadavia and fly back to Buenos Aires for your last night in Argentina.

Whale watching in Alaska

Whale watching in Alaska is fun, accessible and…exciting! Whether you want to go whale watching for orcas, humpbacks, grays or beluga whales, most Alaska whale watching tours are just an easy day cruise away. You can enjoy marine wildlife with whale watching from Seward in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Orcas live in the waters surrounding coastal Alaska including outside Seward, near Kodiak, in Whittier’s Prince William Sound, in Glacier Bay, Icy Straight and in Alaska’s Inside Passage. Every spring, gray whales migrate through Alaska’s waterways on their way to their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas in the Arctic Ocean. Belugas can be found outside of Anchorage in the Turnagain Arm and humpbacks are plentiful outside of Juneau.

Resurrection Bay

This 970-foot-deep fjord extending south from Seward toward the Gulf of Alaska and the Kenai Fjords National Park may be one of the most reliable places to view marine wildlife in the world. Its pristine, food-rich waters are only a few miles from the open ocean, offering extraordinary access to the productive outer coast. Whales can sometimes be seen from the waterfront park or off the beach at Lowell Point south of town but best to take a tour boat deep into the bay. There visitors will see feeding humpback whales on most summer days, and have a good chance of encountering pods of killer whales, especially once salmon have begun schooling for spawning runs. During calm weather in the outer bay, where real ocean swells sometimes roll in from the Gulf, it can be a total bird-and-mammal show, with Alaska’s most common marine species active and easy to see. (Sea lions, seals and sea otters also abound.) In April and May, gray whales pass the mouth of the bay on their epic spring migration to the Arctic.

When to see the whales in Alaska

Whales begin their migration from the warm waters of Mexico in February arriving in Alaska waters in April. Various species of whales can be seen throughout Alaska during the months of May through September. It is not uncommon for cruise passengers to see whales right from the deck of the ship.

The value of whale watching in Alaska

You don’t have to look hard to find wild, untamed beauty in Alaska. Even the sky dances when the Northern Lights come out to play, and each of the glaciers have their own personality. Witness the wonders of breaching whales at Kenai Fjords National Park, or play with brightly coloured puffins as you explore the harmony of the Alaskan ecosystem. From the mighty caribou that meander on land at Denali National Park to the seals that own the ocean in Kuskokwim Bay, the web of life is a delicate balance here, and it plays out in front of your eyes. Cheer on your favourite dog sledding team, or take the family on a crabbing expedition in Ketchikan. Whatever your choice of adventure, you’ll be amazed by all that Alaska has to offer.

Suggested Itinerary

The Whales and Wildlife of Alaska

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage – Day & Overnight in Seward

From Anchorage, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to the quaint seaside town of Seward. Be sure to stop along Turnagain Arm to look for Dall sheep and beluga whales. Once in Seward, you can walk right up to the face of a glacier! Exit Glacier is just a 10- to 15-minute drive from town; a 20-minute walk brings you right up to the mountain of blue ice, where you can listen to it crackle. And be sure to make time for a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center—an aquarium and research facility where you can get an up-close view of Alaska’s unique marine creatures, like Stellar sea lions and harbor seals, as well as birds like puffins.

DAY 2: Day in Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park

Jaw-droppingly beautiful, Kenai Fjords National Park plays host to some of the state’s most spectacular fjords and glaciers. And several great tour operators offer half- or full-day cruises that take you out to witness their majesty and experience the thrill of a calving glacier. You’ll also be on the lookout for willdife like whales and sea otters. Interested in fishing? Book a charter and head out angling for halibut, salmon, lingcod, and rockfish.

DAY 3:Drive from Seward to Talkeetna

Today you’ll travel to the authentic pioneer town of Talkeetna. You will make a stop in the scenic town of Girdwood, about 90 miles from Seward. Here, you can visit the 1898-era Crow Creek Mine and pan for your own gold, go for a hike, or ride the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tramway for a spectacular panoramic view! Then continue on to Talkeetna and explore the one-block main street, with its century-old roadhouse and general stores. If there’s time, take a tour. You’re close to Denali, so go flightseeing and check out the mountain up close; you could also take a guided walk, a rafting trip, try ziplining, or go for a thrilling jetboat ride.

DAY 4: Day & Overnight in Denali National Park

Depart from Talkeetna for iconic Denali National Park, either by car (2.5 hours), train (4.5 hours), or motorcoach (4 hours). Head to the park’s visitor center to start getting acquainted with this vast expanse of nature. And try an activity! Go flightseeing and get a bird’s-eye view of the vast Alaska Range as well as the summit of Denali. Enjoy some river rafting, go for a guided hike, or take a Jeep/ATV tour and drive yourself over the tundra.

DAY 5 :Day & Overnight in Denali National Park

Today, you’ll spend all day exploring the beauty of this parkSpend 7-8 hours traveling 62 miles into the park on the Tundra Wilderness tour, or take 12 hours and go all 92 miles to the end, at Kantishna. Along the way, look for wildlife and of course, North America’s tallest peak.

DAY6: Drive from Denali National Park to Anchorage

If there’s time in the morning, squeeze in an extra tour. Perhaps you’ll go rafting, which gets you out quickly into the wilderness along either calm or fast-moving glacial rivers. Then it’s time to make the trip back to Anchorage. If you’re taking the train, it departs at 12:30pm and gets into Anchorage at 8pm.

DAY 7: Day in Anchorage

Spend your final day exploring Alaska’s largest city. Walk or bike the dramatic, 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Go on a city tour via trolley or bike to get an overview, or join a brewery tour and sample some of the innovative suds being brewed here. Then get an in-depth picture of the city and state at the Anchorage Museum, or visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center for a dose of history and culture. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs before flying home!

Suggested Itineraries

Blue Whales, Dolphins & Leopards

14 Day Tour

This small group tour will first take you in search of spinner dolphins, seen in huge numbers off Kalpitiya in the north-west of the country, before continuing to the south coast, possibly the best place in the world to see blue whales and sperm whales in the deep waters.

South Africa’s Wildlife Of Land & Sea

11 Day Tour

This combination of Hermanus, the Western Cape and Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger showcases the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be found in South Africa above and below the waves.

Vancouver Island Self-Drive

15 Day Tour

Travel at your own pace on a self-drive tailor made itinerary to ensure that you see the most of Vancouver Island's wilderness and its prolific wildlife, which includes grey whales, orcas, white-sided dolphin and black bears.