Nowadays, there are many nautical companies that incorporate whale watching into their catalog of activities. You can see a list of the best offers from Spanish companies here.
Getting on a boat to go out into the sea and be able to see different marine species is a unique activity. Observe different types of cetaceans in their natural habitat or sail alongside whales, orcas or dolphins, everything is possible.
To be able to enjoy this experience to the fullest, we recommend that you choose the area and time of year well. Remember that cetaceans, like most animals, settle in different areas depending on the characteristics of the waters and can migrate seasonally.
We present 10 places in the world where you will be guaranteed success when living this adventure, don't miss them. Tell us, which one would you choose?
- Canary Islands
In addition to a temperate tropical climate, very varied landscapes and paradisiacal beaches, the Canary Islands hide another attraction under their waters. Throughout the year, December and January being the worst months, you will be able to observe some of the 29 species of cetaceans that have been identified in the Canary archipelago. Bottlenose dolphins and tropical pilot whales, which prowl the areas closest to the coast, or common dolphins, orcas, common sperm whales or rorquals, among others, going a little deeper.
- Area from the Strait to the Alboran Sea
When the ecosystems of two seas mix, a magical combination occurs that gives rise to a large number of underwater populations. The Strait area has a more unstable climate, and animal observation is not guaranteed, but from March to October you will be able to spot sperm whales, fin whales, dolphins and orcas. Throughout the year, in addition, in the Alboran Sea you can visit one of the largest populations of common dolphins in the entire world. Mediterranean.
- Rías Baixas
This area of the peninsula, which is so popular for activities such as canyoning or rafting, is also a good destination for those who want to do marine tourism to spot cetaceans. During the warmer months of spring and summer, bottlenose dolphins and the occasional gray pilot whale can be seen. You can also see them from land, although we recommend a boat trip to combine two experiences in one.
- Columbretes Islands
These 4 volcanic islands belonging to Castellón, in addition to being one of the main destinations for diving lovers, have a marine reserve in which up to 8 different species of cetaceans have been sighted. The most common, the bottlenose dolphin, shares habitat with pilot whales and some whales.
- Vizcaya and its coast
Consideredone of the best places in the world for cetaceans. Of the 84 known species of cetaceans, 17 have been seen on this coast. From the bottlenose dolphin, to the common dolphin, the striped dolphin, the pilot whale or the unknown beaked whale.
- Hermanus (Cape Town).
Incredible South African town famous for being one of the most impressive places where one can spend a day of retreat while whale watching during the winter and spring seasons. The perfect location of this town is such that you will not need to take a boat to enjoy the show. If you go there, take advantage of the trip to do a somewhat special dive in Gansbbai... next to the great white shark!
- Glacier Bay National Park
This American natural reserve that extends through Alaska for 105 kilometers, bathed by Pacific waters, was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. In spring, Glacier Bay becomes a stopover area for gray whales as they begin their migration. Later in the summer, you can substitute watching gray whales for humpback whales or orcas. Without a doubt, a spectacular destination for a spectacular activity.
- Don't miss the sighting train in Australia.
And the Australian coasts, especially Byron Bay and Hervey Bay, are a transit area for humpback whales during their migration to tropical waters. Between May and November, Australia turns its coasts into an ideal spot for whale watching and, with them, their acrobatics. Queensland, The Gap (in South Head), Hervis Bay Marine Park, Great Oyster Bay, Warrnambool or the cliffs of Victor Harbor, are just some of the best "seats" to enjoy this spectacle.
- Argentine Patagonia (The Valdés Peninsula, in Chubut)
Approximately, from May to November (September and October being the key months), the southern whale that in previous sections began its migration, ends up on the Argentine coast to mate and reproduce. Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides are two of the cities where you can settle to enjoy these sightings. From these cities there are boat trips to see the whales. Other species that can be recognized in this area are the dusky dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the dolphin overa or the impressive orca.
- Vestelàren Archipelago (Norway)
For the more adventurous, very close to the Arctic Circle, you can delight in the Nordic landscapes, and have the opportunity to spot a whale. The characteristics of the environment, combined with the sight of the occasional whale tail emerging from the water, create a unique image.
As we have told you, in some of these places you can see cetaceans from land, but we recommend that you take advantage of the experience and get on a boat to sail alongside these impressive animals.
It is worth watching the acrobatics of dolphins or whales up close, or being splashed by the flapping wings of an orca. Experiences, to say the least, very special.
Whale watching outings can range from walks of a few hours, to day trips or trips of several days, in which you can delve into the deepest waters and observe the lesser-known species.
In addition, you can complete your day by taking advantage of the boat trip to practice snorkeling, diving, kayaking or any other water sport outside the Australia.
And the Australian coasts, especially Byron Bay and Hervey Bay, are a transit area for humpback whales during their migration to tropical waters. Between May and November, Australia turns its coasts into an ideal spot for whale watching and, with them, their acrobatics. Queensland, The Gap (in South Head), Hervis Bay Marine Park, Great Oyster Bay, Warrnambool or the cliffs of Victor Harbor, are just some of the best "seats" to enjoy this spectacle.
- Argentine Patagonia (The Valdés Peninsula, in Chubut)
Approximately, from May to November (September and October being the key months), the southern whale that in previous sections began its migration, ends up on the Argentine coast to mate and reproduce. Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides are two of the cities where you can settle to enjoy these sightings. From these cities there are boat trips to see the whales. Other species that can be recognized in this area are the dusky dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the dolphin overa or the impressive orca.
- Vestelàren Archipelago (Norway)
For the more adventurous, very close to the Arctic Circle, you can delight in the Nordic landscapes, and have the opportunity to spot a whale. The characteristics of the environment, combined with the sight of the occasional whale tail emerging from the water, create a unique image.
As we have told you, in some of these places you can see cetaceans from land, but we recommend that you take advantage of the experience and get on a boat to sail alongside these impressive animals.
It is worth watching the acrobatics of dolphins or whales up close, or being splashed by the flapping wings of an orca. Experiences, to say the least, very special.
Whale watching outings can range from walks of a few hours, to day trips or trips of several days, in which you can delve into the deepest waters and observe the lesser-known species.
In addition, you can complete your day by taking advantage of the boat trip to practice snorkeling, diving, kayaking or any other water sport outside the
