6 places in the world where you can see whales with your own eyes

Polynesian Islands

Pods of whales can be seen near the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tonga, and Vanuatu from July to November. During this period, whales often play, leap out of the water, slap their tails powerfully on the ocean surface, and release high fountains. Nowhere else in the world offers such ideal conditions for whale watching as these islands. Here you will find the clearest and most transparent waters, where you can see whales with their calves. You can also swim with these giants right in the open ocean.

South Africa

From July to December, the town of Hermanus becomes the whale capital of the world. Here you can observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat from very close range. Their calves are born here and grow into adult whales in the ocean. The road to Hermanus passes through a picturesque coastline with unique views of the ocean.

Spain

Biscayan whales, as well as grey and black dolphins, inhabit the waters between the islands of Tenerife and La Gomera throughout the year. The chances of encountering sperm whales increase during their migration period, which takes place from March to May, while other large marine species are more commonly seen from November to February. Nevertheless, it is possible to encounter these animals not only during the peak season but also at other times of the year.

Throughout the summer and often in September, whales can be spotted off the coasts of various regions of Eastern Spain, particularly Cabo de Palos (Murcia), Cabo de Gata (province of Almería), Dénia and Jávea (Alicante). In autumn, whales are frequently observed in the Strait of Gibraltar.

You can book a hotel in Spain with discounts of up to 65% on the website

Azores

The Azores are home to a wide variety of cetaceans. The archipelago is located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, where the 1 km depth begins almost at the shore. Due to its volcanic origin, the ocean floor hosts many deep-sea squids, which are a favorite food of sperm whales. Throughout the year, several thousand sperm whales inhabit the waters around the islands, making sightings very likely.

Additionally, blue whales can be seen near the Azores, as they migrate annually in search of plankton. The best time to observe blue whales is in May, when around 20 species of cetaceans can be spotted. From June to October, near the island of Puko, by the village of Ponto Topo, it is possible to watch blue whales and even swim alongside them.

Sri Lanka

Off the coast of Dondra, from December to April, there is high activity of sperm whales and blue whales. Another good place to spot sperm whales is the northwest coast around Kalpitiya. Other top locations for whale watching in Sri Lanka include Alankuda Beach in Kalpitiya on the west coast, Mirissa and Dondra in the south, and Trincomalee on the east coast.

You can book a hotel in Sri Lanka with discounts of up to 65% on the website

Iceland

Whale and dolphin watching in Iceland is truly an amazing experience and can be enjoyed in many parts of the country. Húsavík in northern Iceland is called Europe’s “whale capital,” but you can also go on sea excursions from Akureyri and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in summer, and from the old port of Reykjavík throughout the year.

Off the coast of Iceland, whales are most often seen from mid-spring to mid-September. Additionally, Reykjavík is home to a unique whale museum with interactive exhibits, holograms, and life-size models of these animals.