whale watching tour october

Whale watching from Washington has never been better!

Since our very first tour in 1996, Island Adventures has had some truly spectacular encounters on the water. We can easily say, without hesitation, that whale watching in Washington has never been more exciting. With orcas, humpbacks, minkes, and gray whales being seen in record numbers, there's never been a better time to plan your "Island Adventure"!

Why choose Island Adventures?

At Island Adventures, we pride ourselves on being the most experienced and dedicated whale watching company in Washington. It's not a fluke that our tour has been voted the best in the Northwest for years. Island Adventures holds the industry's highest orca sighting success rate and was one of the first and only companies to guarantee whale sightings on every tour. Our team of highly qualified crew will make your trip unforgettable! We boast more than 100 years of combined experience and have led thousands excursions for hundreds of thousands of satisfied guests over the last 27 years. Experience counts!

• No Ferry Hassles!
• Locally Owned and Operated
• #1 Whale Sighting Success Rate
• Best Value in the Industry
• Professional Marine Naturalists
• Convenient Schedule and Locations
• 5 Star TripAdvisor Rating
• Onboard Hydrophones
• Online Daily Whale Reports
• State-of-the-Art Vessels
• Onboard AED’s

Whale and Wildlife Tour Location

Deciding where to watch whales in Washington can be difficult. Anacortes is strategically placed to offer the best whale viewing opportunities. There's no company that sees more whales than Island Adventures. As members of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we have access to the best whale-sightings network in the world. If whales in the area, we know it. High-speed, low profile vessels often travel past whales without seeing them. Our elevated wheelhouses and upper decks allow us to find more whales, spot them sooner, and view them better than smaller boats.

Anacortes, Washington

4-5 hour tours, february 17 - november, 2024.

Anacortes is our flagship location where Island Adventures first began back in 1996. Just a 90-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Anacortes is a convenient starting point for your wildlife adventure - no ferry required! The calm waters near the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas. Humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales also call the region home. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest aboard the finest whale-watching vessel on the entire west coast, the Island Explorer 5.

Specialty Tours

From private charters to our extended-range cruise, Island Adventures offers more than just guaranteed whale watching tours. Check below to see what's available!

Extended Range Tour

Experience a full day at sea on our 10-12 hour extended-range tour! This tour's duration enables us to travel deep into the western Strait of Juan de Fuca in search of massive groups of humpback whales. With the additional time on the water, we’ll have the opportunity to venture further than any of our other tours. If you’re used to watching whales in the San Juan Islands, this tour will leave you speechless!

Private Charters

We'll craft a custom adventure for your next family, company, or crew outing.

Island Adventures is known as the area's premier whale watching company, but we also offer private charters throughout the year. The Island Explorer 5 features a full walk around lower deck, two upper viewing decks, great sound systems, heated cabins, galley service, two restrooms, and the best crew in the area. Whether it is a whale watching tour, wedding, corporate team building event, or a family reunion, give us a call and we will help you set up an event your guests will never forget.

Online Tour Calendar

See when we're running tours and how many spaces are left!

Our state-of-the-art online booking system makes it easy to make reservations anywhere, at any time. You'll receive an immediate email confirmation with a receipt, driving directions, and a satellite image of your departure location. Reservations are highly recommended, but we'll gladly take walk-ups if space is available.

Tour Calendar Features

• Up-to-the-minute records of tour availability
• Immediate email confirmations
• Automatically applies the best discount possible
• Reservation system never sleeps – book a tour anytime from anywhere!

Meet the Most Comfortable Boat in the Area

Island explorer 5 was built specifically built for whale watching..

Our goal is to show you as many whales as possible, and with the Island Explorer 5 , we do that better than any other company. To ensure comfort and quality, we don't book our vessels to full capacity. Every passenger has unobstructed front-row viewing. You won't be stuck inside looking through glass or forced to stand behind other guests.

Due to the design and stability of our vessel, we don’t force you to to sit down while we’re underway. Grab a hot cup of chili or a cold local brew while moving freely around our fully walk-around viewing decks. When you’d like to sit, however, we have plenty of options for everyone. The Island Explorer 5 has comfortable indoor heated cabins and outdoor, wind-protected areas with padded seating. No other vessel comes close to the comfort of the Island Explorer 5 .

Some of the features that set us apart from the pack are things you’ll never see. Our vessel is equipped with large, low-noise propellers and above-water exhaust to create a quieter experience for the whales. While watching whales, our vessel make less noise than the ambient sound of rain hitting the surface. We’ve modernized our boat by investing in equipment that not only meets but exceeds current emissions standards.

Island Explorer 5

Whale guarantee, we guarantee whales on every whale watching tour..

If you do not see a whale (orca, minke, gray, or humpback) with us, you can come again for 50% off your next tour. It’s that simple.

• Species Covered: Bigg's killer whales, Southern Resident killer whales, humpback, minke, and/or gray whales
• Date Range: Year-Round
• Sighting Success Rate: Over 97% since 1996. Our Whale Report shows a detailed account of every tour. We rarely miss!

Where do we see whales?

We've integrated SPOT satellite technology to upload the precise GPS coordinates of the day's sightings to an interactive map on our website. As you'll see from the map, whales don't live in one spot. In fact, whales travel more than 100 miles in a 24 hour period! The Island Explorer 5 has the largest range in the area with the highest whale sighting success rate. It's a common misconception that small boats get closer to whales. Each vessel – regardless of size – is required to adhere to state and federal whale viewing laws. Large boats offer more stability, comfort, and added amenities (real bathrooms, onboard cafés, and much more). Our spacious vessel with multiple viewing decks offer an unparalleled photography platform that small boats simply cannot offer.

Our daily Whale Report is the most comprehensive record of whale sightings by a whale watch company in the industry. Every day, our professional naturalists record an account of the day and upload images. Check it out –– the Whale Report dates back to 2003!

Online Reservations

Make a reservation online with our secure system and receive an immediate email confirmation.

Whale Report

See what we've seen on the water. There's a detailed account from every tour since 2003!

Our Guarantee

We guarantee whales on every tour!

Prepare for your tour

It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.  See our tips, suggestions, and frequently asked questions.

How to Prepare

Whales and Wildlife

Our goal is to share as much local wildlife, scenery, and history as possible on each and every tour.

Experience a Tour

See recent images from our tours! 

15 Best Places to Whale Watch in the US + When to Go

• North America / Outdoors / USA

If you’re hoping to see whales, here are the best spots to visit.

Thar she blows! If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these massive and majestic creatures, there’s nothing quite like it. Before you go on your first trip, you need to know that whale watching can be a hit or miss, since there’s no guarantee you will see them in the wild. We’ve been on a handful of whale-watching tours and sometimes it feels a bit like fishing because there’s a lot of waiting involved.

If you want to go whale watching, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure your chances are optimal. We added some tips below to help you make the best of your experience.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: September 20, 2023

− − Content Menu

• The Best Places to Whale Watch in the US

More Whale Watching Destinations in the US

• Whale Watching Season Inforgraphic

Essential Tips for Whale Watching in the US

More resources, 15 best places to whale watch in the us, 1. glacier bay, alaska.

What You Will See:  Humpback, Minke, Orca and Blue Whales When To Go:  June to August Where to Stay:   Search for Nearby Hotels

Visit this beautiful bay to see humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and blue whales. Did you know the blue whale’s call can be heard in Japan from here?

2. Juneau, Alaska

What You Will See:  Humpbacks and Orcas When To Go:  April to November Where to Stay:   Hotel Deals In Juneau

Get a look at humpback whales from the capital of Alaska, or hop on a boat to see orcas in the wild.

See More: 9 Incredible Things to Do in Seward Alaska

3. Kodiak Island, Alaska

What You Will See:  Gray Whales | Fin and Humpback Whales When To Go:  April, June to November Where to Stay:  Best Hotels in Kodiak Island

Every April, Kodiak has a 10-day festival celebrating the return of Eastern Pacific gray whales to the area. In June, you will start to see fin and humpback whales and even catch a glimpse of minke and sei whales.

See More: 17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Denali National Park Alaska

4. Big Sur, California →

What You Will See:  Blue, Gray, and Humpback Whales When To Go:  Year Round Where to Stay:   Search Big Sur Hotels

This is one of our favorite places to visit on the West Coast, and if you keep your eye out on the ocean, you may spot a blue, gray, or humpback whale gliding by.

See More: 11 Things You Can’t Miss in Big Sur

5. Monterey Bay, California →

What You Will See:  Humpback, Blue, and Gray Whales When To Go:  Year Round Where to Stay:   The Best Monterey Bay Hotels

Depending on the time of year, you’ll find different types of whales in this area. April to December brings humpback and blue whales, while December to April brings the gray whales. You may even catch some killer whales in the area too.

See More: 15 Places in Monterey California You Can’t Miss

6. San Diego, California →

What You Will See:  Gray, Blue, and Fin Whales When To Go:  Mid-December to Mid-March, Mid-June to September Where to Stay:   Hotel Deals in San Diego

You have plenty of choices to see the whales in San Diego. You can take a whale-watching tour like we did, or just head to the western overlook of Cabrillo National Monument. The peak time to see these massive whales is mid-January. Blue whales and fin whales can be spotted on whale-watching tours from mid-June to September. See our  8-hour tour here .

See More: Your Ultimate San Diego Bucket List

7. Santa Barbara, California

What You Will See:  Gray, Blue, Minke, and Humpback Whales When To Go:  February to Early April, May to September Where to Stay:   Santa Barbara Hotel Deals

Over 27 types of whales and dolphins come through this area at any given time. Gray whales can be seen from February to early April, and you can visit from May to September to see blue whales, minke, and humpback.

8. Jacksonville, Florida

What You Will See:  North Atlantic Right Whales When To Go:  November to April Where to Stay:   Search Jacksonville Hotels

The North Atlantic Right Whales are still fighting back from near extinction. If you’re lucky, you can spot these majestic animals in the winter months anywhere on the northeast coast of Florida between Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral.

9. Maui, Hawaii

What You Will See:  Humpback Whales When To Go:  December to April Where to Stay:   Maui Hotel Deals

Although over 20 species of whales have been spotted in the area, the stars are the humpback whales. Nearly 3,000 whales come to mate here, and it’s one of the few places you can hear them serenading potential mates.

See More: 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss

10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

What You Will See:  Minke, Fin, and Humpback Whales When To Go:  April to October Where to Stay:   Search Cape Cod Hotels

The World Wildlife Fund has named Massachusetts one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. Many local companies claim a 99% whale-spotting success with seeing minke, fin, and humpback whales. That’s incredible!

11. Bar Harbor, Maine →

What You Will See:  Fin, Minke, and Right Whales When To Go:  Mid-April to October Where to Stay:  Check Out Hotels in  Bar Harbor

You can find these whales just 20 miles off the coast, enjoying the cool water and food.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Acadia National Park

12. Long Island, New York

What You Will See:  Fin, Humpback, Minke, Sperm, North Atlantic Right, Blue, and Sei Whales When To Go:  July to Early September Where to Stay:   Search Long Island Hotels

From July to early September, you get an incredibly diverse set of whales in this area. It’s a great feeding ground for the whales. They can’t resist!

13. Virginia Beach, Virginia

What You Will See:  Humpback Whales When To Go:  December through March Where to Stay:   Virginia Beach Hotel Deals

Humpback whales and occasionally fin whales can be spotted at Virginia Beach anytime between December and March. Once it gets warmer, you’ll be able to catch bottlenose dolphins playfully swimming by as well.

14. Depoe Bay, Oregon

What You Will See:  Gray Whales When To Go:  Mid-December to June Where to Stay:   Depoe Bay Hotel Deals

Nearly 18,000 gray whales pass by the Oregon coast on their bi-yearly migration. You can visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Whale Watching Center on Depoe Bay to get a great view or join one of the whale-watching tours in the area.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Oregon State

15. San Juan Islands, Washington

What You Will See:  Orcas, Gray, Minke, Humpback When To Go:  Mid-April to Early-October Where to Stay:   Search for Hotels in the San Juan Islands

With their largest island named Orcas Island, you can only hope to spot an orca.

Local Tip: If you’re curious about the island’s history, it was named after Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo. Orcas is a shortened form of Horcasitas. But you do find orcas here as well!

• Cape May NJ (Finbacks, Humpbacks, Right, Mar-Dec)
• Dana Point CA
• Deception Pass State Park WA at Oak Harbor
• Gloucester MA / Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (May-Nov)
• Long Beach CA (Fin, Humpback, Minke, Orcas
• Kauai HI (Dec-May)
• Kohala Coast, Big Island HI (Humpback in Nov-early May, Sperm, Pilot, Pygmy Killer, Rare Beaked are Year Round)
• Malibu CA (Grey Feb-Apr)
• Myrtle Beach SC (Humpback, Pygmy Sperm, Right, Nov-Apr)
• Newport Beach CA (Blue May-Nov, Finback, Gray Dec-Apr, Humback, Minke, Year-Round)
• Waianae, Oahu HI (Dec-May)
• Provincetown MA (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Pilot, Sei, Right, May-Oct)

Whale Watching Season Infographic

• It’s also good to take an all-day tour versus one that’s a few hours so that you can travel farther out and have more opportunities to cross paths with them.
• From what we hear, chances of sightings are much higher in the early morning.
• Rainy weather isn’t bad. Sometimes it’s nice because it calms the ocean and you can see more.
• When the waves are high, it’s so hard to see any movement. Half the time I couldn’t tell if it was a wave or a fin.
• Bring a jacket. The temperature out on the water can get considerably colder. Here are our  favorite travel jackets .
• Boats are required by federal law to stay at least 100 yards away from humpback whales in Hawaii and Alaska waters, 200 yards from killer whales in Washington State inland waters, and 500 yards away from North Atlantic right whales anywhere in the U.S. waters. If you stop the boat, and the whale comes to you that’s fine, but you can’t pursue the whale any closer.
• This means you will want to bring your longest lens, preferably on a cropped body ( this is the lens we use ).
• If you’re bringing a lot of camera gear. You may want to bring your own dry bag. We’ve tried out a few, and so far  these are our favorite .
• Don’t forget to bring  this  and  this  if you get seasick like me.

• Blue Planet Documentary
• Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
• Whales: An Illustrated Celebration

Have you been whale watching? If so, where? Which of these places would you like to visit?

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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This Post Has 4 Comments

Orcas Island It is easy to confuse the name of the whale (orca, lower case “o”) with the name of Orcas Island, but it is a good distinction to know. The ‘orca’ whale is part of the Latin scientific classification Orcinus orca, which translates as “belonging to Orcus” – Orcus was a Roman god of the netherworld, and this genus name is likely a reference to the hunting prowess of the killer whale. In Latin, orca translates “large-bellied pot or jar”, but orc- also refers to a whale.

The name of Orcas Island, on the other hand, came when Spanish explorers entered the area in 1792 and named the San Juan Islands after various Spanish and Mexican dignitaries. Orcas was a shortened version of Horcasitas, after Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, the Viceroy of Mexico who sent an exploration expedition under Francisco de Eliza to the Pacific Northwest in 1791. Eliza used the name for the whole archipelago, but in 1847, mapmaker Henry Kellett assigned the name to Orcas Island during his reorganization of the British Admiralty charts.

That is good to know! Thanks for sharing, Becky :)

I’m more excited to go whale watching now.

Mildred, it’s incredible!

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Book Your Boat Cruise Adventure Today! Whales, Puffins, Lighthouses, Acadia, Lobster Fishing & More!

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

Whale watching, puffins, lighthouses, acadia national park & more, set sail for adventure.

• Most Popular
• Clock 3 - 5.5 hours
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Whale Watch

An adventure to remember! Head offshore in search of whales while your guide educates you about the whales and other species of the Gulf of Maine.

• Clock 2 hours

Bar Harbor Nature Cruise

Join us for a spectacular nature cruise among the islands and shorelines of beautiful Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Take in breathtaking scenery, rugged maritime landscapes, and ocean teeming with wildlife.

• Clock 2.5 - 3 hours

Puffin & Lighthouse Cruise

Ride aboard state-of-the art catamarans with professional and knowledgeable naturalists and crew to see 3 island lighthouses! Spot puffins, razorbills, guillemonts, and common and Arctic terns!

• Clock 1.75 hours

Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching

Join us aboard the Miss Samantha, Maine’s largest lobster passenger boat! Watch our experienced fisherman haul in lobster traps, then head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks.

Sunset Nature Cruise

This evening trip is one of the most beautiful ways to experience Frenchman Bay and Acadia National Park as the sun sets. Learn information about the environment, history, and culture of the area.

Lighthouse, Wildlife & Acadia National Park Cruise

Coming to Bar Harbor in late summer and fall? If yes, this is a boat cruise not to be missed! Join us as we explore the waters of Mount Desert Island and beyond to enjoy spectacular views of historic lighthouse, coastal islands, and Acadia National Park. This cruise can feature a variety of wildlife including harbor and grey seals, bald eagles, and seabirds.

• Clock 5 hours

Baker Island Tour

Travel aboard the M/V Miss Samantha 9 miles out from Bar Harbor, to visit one of the crown jewels of Acadia National Park. Explore the 130-acre island, Gilley family farmstead, and Baker Island Lighthouse.

Downeast Offshore Seabird & Lighthouse Cruise

An offshore boat cruise into the Gulf of Maine to see offshore species of seabirds and lighthouse stations!

Mid-Coast 16 Lighthouse Cruise

Cruise aboard a stable and comfortable jet-powered catamaran to view 16 lighthouses including two offshore stations- Mount Desert Rock & Matinicus Rock!

View amazing wildlife and the best natural and historical sites that Maine has to offer with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company!

WHALE CONSERVATION

We believe strongly in protecting the whales we love and the many we know as individuals and by name. Our captains, crews and naturalists are expertly trained and promote responsible whale watching and conservation efforts on our Bar Harbor tours.

WHALE GUARANTEE

If no whales are spotted on your whale watching cruise, your trip ticket(s) will serve as a “Rebook Voucher” to go out on another whale watch or any of our other available cruises within three (3) years.

GULF OF MAINE SPECIES

Learn more about the wildlife seen on our boat cruises!

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Get the details – Maps, Parking, Weather, What to Wear, Eat and Drink, and more.

RECENT SIGHTINGS

View and learn about the marvelous creatures we are seeing on our recent tours.

OUR VESSELS

Any sea voyage is only as good as its boat and crew. Learn about our fleet.

WHALE WATCHING CRUISES

Offshore adventures to see whales and other marine life in the Gulf of Maine!

LIGHTHOUSE CRUISES

Historic lighthouses, stunning coastal mansions, wildlife and Acadia National Park!

BAY CRUISES

View Acadia up close. A great fun-filled adventure for all!

LOBSTER FISHING & SEAL WATCHING

See and touch creatures from the ocean floor. A great trip for the whole family.

OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS!

The crew was fantastic and went out of their way to find whales. I highly recommend this excursion.

We enjoyed getting to see what came up with the traps and getting to hold a live lobster. It was a good length of a tour and I'd definitely recommend it for the kids or adults like me who are still kids at heart. The ship captain and naturalist were very friendly and great guides.

We booked a whale watching tour through this company. It was a great experience we saw several whales and porpoise and dolphins while on the tour. The crew and staff were great and they really took time to make our tour extra special. We highly recommend this company to all who want to experience an once in a lifetime experience.

During our adventure we saw seals, the infamous puffins, bald eagles along with many other critters as well. The crew were accommodating, professional, a little humorous, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend if you're up for a boat ride in the Bar Harbor area.

So fun! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, the boat had plenty of room to walk around and the captain did a great job making sure we could all see the landmarks they were pointing out. I’d go again!

Interesting history of Bar Harbor area coupled with eagles, hawks, cormorants, gannets and other sea birds. Good narration by our naturalist, Ruth, who was informative and interesting. Enjoyed the lighthouses and seeing the diverse harbors and island shores.

We loved both Captain Edwin and narrator Andy. Both were so gracious, clearly caring about everyone's comfort and involvement. The knowledge that both shared regarding the local seas, lobsters, crabs, seals, and landmarks was very interesting and informative. We caught a variety of sea life in the traps - lobster, crabs, and a sea cucumber. We spotted dozens of seals. The boat itself was stable, clean, and well maintained. It had flaps to protect from high winds and sea spray, but you are allowed to open the flaps as you want. I am someone who can get seasick easily, but I did not feel even the bit queasy. They do post a sign at the dock on the day of your tour that states the sea sickness level, so if it indicates a high level of sea sickness, you can take Dramamine or other in advance. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this tour and it was very interactive.

The boat is roomy, both inside ans out on the decks; staff friendly and knowledgeable. The sound system is nice and clear so all guests can hear what the naturalist is saying about the wildlife. And...oh...the whales!!! It was amazing, and I hope to do it again. Well worth the price.

On this once in a lifetime experience, we chose to go with this whale 🐋 watching 👀 tour There are many companies that offer varying tours, and this is the only one I've ever experienced, so can only speak about this one; nor do I have anything to compare it to. This experience was 100% as expected (and advertised) with zero surprises. The Captain, crew, ancillary staff,safety/security personnel and tour guide were all highly trained, knowledgeable, courteous, professional, & welcoming. It was just a fantastic overall 'refreshing' vibe. The scenery was nothing short of amazing, awe-inspiring, and magical. We saw EIGHT humpback whales!!! I am a seasoned world traveler, have visited numerous bucket list places, and have done literally hundreds of excursions through Trip Advisor and similar platforms. I 100%, would do this again if the opportunity presented itself. For others? I highly, highly recommend this experience. 👌

We went on the lighthouse tour and it was wonderful! The guide did a fabulous job informing us about lighthouses, history of the area and alerting us to wildlife. Highly recommend this tour!

The captain and crew went off their route to find interesting sights and sea life for our cruise. The Naturalist on board was knowledgeable and interesting. Highly recommend it!

We had a great experience with the Nature Cruise, we learned a lot about the area and saw some great scenic views! I highly recommend binoculars, you can rent some on the boat, but they’re limited. We got to see seals, porpoises, and a few bald eagles, which was really cool because I had never seen one before and they were what I wanted to see most! I definitely plan on going back again for more cruises!

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6 of the Best Whale Watching Tours in Seattle

Looking for some of the best whale watching tours in Seattle?

These large mammals have lured tourists from all over the world, creating truly spectacular encounters on the water. While there are many places to find whales in the world, we can easily say without hesitation that whale watching in Washington is the most exciting. When you stay in Seattle Southside as your home base for whale watching adventures, you're positioned to enjoy everything else the Pacific Northwest has to offer , from Seattle city sights to adventures at Mt. Rainier National Park and beyond.

Western Prince Whale Watching

Turn this amazing three hour tour into a complete day trip when you take a seaplane flight leaving from Renton, which is less than 15 minutes from Seattle Southside, to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands, where your whale watching tour begins! From there, this fast, open vessel with a small party is the ideal way to watch all kinds of whales, including Orcas, Humpbacks, Minkes, Grays, and Fin whales. With whale watching taking place from March through September, you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the view.

Island Adventures Whale Watching

Island Adventures is so serious about finding whales for guests, they guarantee sightings on every whale watching tour from March through November. The Pacific Northwest is home to a huge diversity of wildlife, incredible scenery and calm protected waters. In addition to whales, guests often see harbor seals, Stellar and California Sea Lions, Harbor and Dall’s porpoise, bald eagles and a wide variety of seabirds. Sailing out of Anacortes, which is just an easy 90 minute drive from Seattle Southside, the Island Adventures tour season lasts from February to October. Island Adventures whale watching tours have been voted #1 in Western Washington by King5 Evening Magazine (the local NBC affiliate) two years in a row. Private charter opportunities are also available.

San Juan Cruises

Located just a two hour drive from Seattle Southside, San Juan Cruises offers a Whale Watching Lunch cruise out of Bellingham, WA. In addition to whale watching, they also offer dining cruises, sightseeing tours to other islands, and travel through out the San Juan Islands during the summer months (May-September). Their six hour whale watching excursion includes lunch, and their ships also have a snack bar and a full drink bar featuring craft beer, wine, and cocktails. If no whales are sighted during your cruise, your next cruise is half off. They also offer private charters.

San Juan Safaris

Sailing out of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands, San Juan Safaris offers three different cruises April through November. Take the Anacortes ferry to the San Juan Islands or hop on a seaplane for a unique journey! Their Adventure Cruise takes place on a small ship with just 22 passengers sailing closer to the surface of the water for a much more up close and personal experience! Can't handle the thought of not having a heated cabin? Don't worry, they have that available too. Private charter options are also available.

Puget Sound Express

Three generations of family have helped visitors have life-changing experiences with some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. Their experience and dedication makes it possible for them to guarantee that you’ll see whales on your trip — or they’ll give you another trip absolutely free. With six different whale watching cruises available at different times of the year, including a 3-day wildlife cruise around the San Juan Islands, there's tons of whale watching available from March through December. Whether you sail out of Seattle or Port Townsend (an approximately 2 hour drive from Seattle Southside), you'll make lifelong memories with this experienced family crew.

FRS Clipper

The only whale watching tour that departs directly from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle, the FRS Clipper offers whale watching with guaranteed whales or you get to sail again for free! Watch the majestic grey whale migration March-April on a three hour cruise, or take a half-day excursion from May-October to see Orcas, Minke whales, Humpback whales, and other wildlife! FRS Clipper also offers ferry service between Seattle and Victoria, BC.

Not sure which tour to choose? Here's a quick side-by-side comparison of the different options available.

Seattle Whale Watching FAQs

Q: are whale watching tours worth it.

Yes! Whale watching can be an exciting adventure on the water in Puget Sound. It's a great thing to do for making memories taking beautiful photos of seabirds, dolphins, and various types of whales. Imagine breathing in the fresh smell of the ocean while scanning the horizon for a whale spout.

Q: Is Seattle good for whale watching?

Yes! It's one of the best! Seattle is a great place for whale watching and offers a unique opportunity to see several species of whales and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors to the city can enjoy whale-watching tours throughout the year, with the best times for viewing depending on the specific species of whales one hopes to see.

Every year whale watching is one of the most popular things to do for both locals and tourists. Migrating whales can be seen year-round, along with resident Orcas. The peak whale-watching months are between late Spring and early Fall.

Q: What is the best time to visit Seattle for whale watching?

The best time for whale watching in Seattle is in the Summer between May and October. Here's a breakdown of best times to see each type of whale you can encounter in the Puget Sound.

BIGG’S ORCAS (AKA TRANSIENTS) Bigg's orcas can be seen in the Puget Sound area throughout the year. However, the best time to see them is during the summer months (June to September) when they are more active and hunting for prey. HUMPBACK WHALES Humpback whales can be seen in the Puget Sound area from May to October during their annual migration from their breeding grounds in Hawaii to their feeding grounds in Alaska. The peak season for humpback sightings is usually in August and September. GRAY WHALES Gray whales can be seen in the Puget Sound area during their annual migration from mid-February to mid-May. The best time to see them is in March and April when they are passing through the area on their way to Alaska. MINKE WHALES Minke whales can be seen in the Puget Sound area from May to October during their migration from their winter feeding grounds in the south to their summer feeding grounds in the north. The best time to see them is usually in August and September.

Q: What kind of whales can you see in Seattle?

The waters of Puget Sound are home to a diverse array of marine life, including several species of whales. You can see both resident and transient Orcas, sometimes known as killer whales, in addition to Humpback Whales, Gray Whales, and Minke Whales. You can also see other kinds of wildlife, including various seabirds, seals, otters, and more!

Here's more information about each type of what you can encounter in the Puget Sound:

ORCAS Transient Orcas , also known as Bigg's Orcas, are mammal-eating apex predators that hunt for harbor seals, sea lions, and even dolphins and small whales. These orcas travel in small groups of 2 to 6 and can be spotted in the waters of Puget Sound from Southern California to the Arctic Circle. Catching a glimpse of these orcas after a successful hunting foray is a truly unforgettable experience.

Resident Orcas are a beloved fixture of the Puget Sound, and there are three pods - J, K, and L pods - that live in the area year-round. These orcas are also known as Southern Resident killer whales and are a unique population that is genetically distinct from other orcas. They are also endangered, with only around 70 individuals left in the wild. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the resident orcas, the best time to go whale watching is during the summer months, from May to September, when the salmon runs are at their peak. There are several tour operators in the area that specialize in whale watching and offer a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Keep in mind that because the resident orcas are endangered, it's important to observe them from a safe distance and to minimize any disturbance to their habitat.

HUMPBACK WHALES Humpback Whales are baleen whales with a distinctive body shape, featuring long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. Adults can grow up to 52 feet in length and weigh nearly 40 tons. They are known for their breaching and other surface behaviors. After being hunted nearly to extinction, humpback whales have rebounded in numbers, and we are lucky to have them back in our waters. GRAY WHALES Gray Whales are baleen whales with a dark slate-gray color and are frequently covered in scars from parasites. Adults can grow up to 49 feet in length and weigh up to 40 tons. Every spring, they migrate from southern waters near Baja north to Alaska, and a small group nicknamed "Sounders" sometimes turns into Washington's inland waters during their migration. MINKE WHALES Minke Whales are among the smallest baleen whales and are widely distributed throughout the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They can range from 23 to 33 feet in length and weigh up to 10 tons. They migrate seasonally from polar feeding grounds to equatorial waters, where they breed and calve. These elusive creatures feed on small schooling fish, crustaceans, and plankton.

TYPES OF WHALES IN THE PUGET SOUND

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Vacation planner, whale watching in maine.

Just off the coast, spring in Maine marks the start of one of the greatest natural sights in the world. Whale watching off the coast of Maine begins in earnest in Mid-April, when whales return to the clean coastal Maine waters to feed on sand eels, copepods, plankton, and fish. Witness humpback whales, pilot whales, minke whales, and the massive finback whale — which can grow up to 80 feet long. Sei whales, sperm whales, orcas, and right whales also appear. Hurry up, much of that wildlife will leave Maine’s coast by October.  

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6 Whale Watching Tours in Seattle (and Places to See them FOR FREE)

Have you ever wanted to experience whale watching before? Seattle is a great place for whale watching – and there are plenty of places where you can see them!

There are plenty of whale watching tours in Seattle for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or want to explore on your own, Seattle offers plenty of options when it comes to whale watching.

So, in this article, we’ll explore the 6 best whale watching tours and places to see them.

1. FRS Clipper Tour

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FRS Tours is one of the only whale-watching tours that leave directly from downtown at Pier 69. They’re one of the only services in Seattle with a half-day tour that runs from May to October. 

It’s a great choice for travelers interested in seeing transient orca whales, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke. 

Plus, it’s accompanied by an onboard naturalist who’ll educate you about whale conservation and life. Whale sightings are guaranteed – and you’ll get a free trip if you don’t spot a whale. 

2. Pudget Sound Express Tour

See whales in the wild with Pudget Sound Express ! Their three generations of family-run business have been helping visitors like you experience unforgettable moments through their whale watching tours. 

Departing from Edmonds – just minutes north of downtown Seattle, they use the quietest and fastest whale watching boats around the Salish Sea. 

With some of the highest concentrations of whales, dolphins, and sea life anywhere in the world near their location – you’ll truly experience a tour with views that will take your breath away!

Their goal is to ensure every traveler sees at least one orca during their trip, which makes them confident enough to guarantee it – otherwise, they’ll give you another trip absolutely free.

3. Argosy Cruises

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Argosy Cruises offers amazing narrated sightseeing cruises in the Seattle area, taking passengers to explore breathtaking views of the beautiful waters and a skyline full of iconic buildings. 

Their cruise lasts an hour or two, depending on which one you take, and takes passengers around the port, giving them a glimpse into Seattle’s history and local industry. You’ll also see floating homes, houseboats, large fishing vessels, and potentially whales.

There isn’t a guarantee that you’ll see whales on this tour because it isn’t specifically geared towards it, but many Yelp reviewers said that they saw orcas on the tour. It’s worth noting that touring time may not be long enough to ensure total whale watching success on every trip.

4. Island Adventures Whale Watching

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Experience the incredible and majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat with Island Adventures Whale Watching . Located conveniently in Anacortes, Washington— a 80-mile drive from downtown Seattle, there’s no need to worry about ferry hassles! 

This tour provides visitors with the unique opportunity of seeing whales up close and personal, as well as humpback whales, minke whales, gray whale sightings (and more) within the San Juan Islands region. The San Juan region is the place to go for whale watching.

Vessels from Island Adventures provide an elevated view of whales, ensuring that you’ll have a better chance of spotting them even sooner than other tour groups onboard regular-sized boats! 

5. San Juan Safaris

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San Juan Safaris provides amazing experiences for whale watchers like no other place in the Pacific Northwest. Their Classic Whale Watch & Wildlife Tour departs from Friday Harbor and lasts 3-4 hours, depending on the season. 

On tour, you can expect to see a variety of marine wildlife while taking in stunning views and learning from experienced captains and marine naturalists. 

San Juan Safaris also offers private charters and group sales for special occasions such as family reunions, weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties – all with guaranteed marine wildlife sightings.

6. San Juan Cruises

San Juan Cruises offers some of the most impressive whale watching tours. Providing guaranteed sightings with their fully narrated tour, experienced wildlife guides on board each trip, and a complimentary lunch onboard their deluxe 100’ tour vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. 

This company has been committed to responsible whale watching since 1987, utilizing all state and federal guidelines as a member of the Pacific Whale Watching Association. 

With guaranteed sightings or your next cruise at half off, this cruise has something for everyone, from singles and couples to families. 

Where to Go Whale Watching in Seattle For Free?

Alki Beach is a public beach in West Seattle with views of the Puget Sound. It’s one of the best 

places to spot orcas, along with seals and their pups, during the fall and winter months. 

Bring a pair of binoculars to get an up-close view, as it’s possible for whales and other marine life to drift by the beach closely during high tide. 

You can also take in panoramic views of Elliot Bay, the downtown Seattle skyline, and Alki Point Lighthouse across Elliott Bay from here!

Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens Park is a park on the shores of Puget Sound in Ballard, Seattle. This gorgeous spot provides stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains as you stroll along its loop trails and enjoy the beach areas. 

During fall and winter months, it is also a great place to spot orcas as they drift by in small family pods looking for prey species such as salmon or squid. With the help of binoculars, you can catch sight of them easily. 

Discovery Park

Take a leisurely stroll to the beach at Discovery Park for a good chance of whale watching. 

This park spans over 534 acres and provides plenty of incredible opportunities to witness whales spouting off in Puget Sound! Keep an eye out along the beaches, trails, and bluffs.

Point Defiance

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Point Defiance in Tacoma is another great place to look for whales. You can spot the orcas migrating up and down this area during the fall and winter months from its shoreline. 

A pair of binoculars might come in handy again if you’d like an up-close view. At Owen Beach, there’s also a chance to see seals and sea lions bobbing about near the shore!

Other Whale Sighting Viewpoints

There is plenty of potential whale watching sights in Seattle that have been marked down by Orca Network. Check out some additional locations here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i bring to a whale watching tour.

You may want to bring the following items when on a whale watching tour: 

• Warm layers for both upper and lower body – it can be significantly colder out on the water than on land, especially during fall and winter
• Hat – either a warm hat or sunhat, depending on the season 
• Rain jacket – if there’s a chance of rain, it’s best to be prepared 
• Gloves – ideal for spring and fall tours 
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Binoculars and/or camera 
• Water bottle and any necessary medical items 

It’s also typically best to leave out the following: 

• Any personal alcohol or drugs
• Large items, such as beach chairs or umbrellas, due to space restrictions

What Are The Best Months for Whale Watching?

The best months for whale watching in Seattle are mid-June to early September. During these summer months, viewing opportunities of various whales such as Orcas, humpbacks, greys, and minkes are seen around 90% of the time. 

Although whales may be seen year-round in Seattle, it is not as predictable outside of the summer season.

What Chance Do I Have at Spotting Whales?

When booking a whale-watching tour in Seattle, you can expect to have around a 90 percent chance of spotting whales during the summer months. However, if seeing whales is important to you, you may want to consider booking an extra tour. 

Some companies, like the Pudget Sound Express, offer a complimentary outing should your initial tour prove unsuccessful in terms of sighting whales, so it’s worth checking the policy first before committing yourself financially.

What is the Best Time Of Day to See The Whales?

The best time of day for whale watching is typically in the morning. The wind usually dies down around sunrise, and this helps to create relatively calm ocean conditions compared to other times of the day, making it easier to spot whales and other marine mammals. 

Not only is the early morning time period typically calmer, but there is also less boat traffic on the water during this part of the day which can help facilitate improved sightings as well.

Hi, I'm Ashleigh! Welcome to Seattle Travel, my little piece of beautiful PNW. This is home and I'm here to share all my experiences so visitors and locals alike can find the best experiences this part of the country has to offer. I started Seattle Travel in 2012 as a way to journal my experiences and over the years have been encouraged by family and friends to open up my adventures to everyone. I actively seek out the best food, activities, and day trips and give you a local perspective.  The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful areas in the world and my goal is to let you explore it to the fullest. 

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The Best Spots for Whale Watching in the U.S.

By Jared Ranahan

While the United States is home to a bastion of iconic animals—the American bison, the grizzly bear, and the bald eagle, to name a few—some of the earth’s most fascinating mammals can be spotted just beyond the sea shore. From the remote reaches of Alaska to the coastal waters of Virginia, a wealth of unique whale species roam the open ocean, perfectly positioning themselves for viewing.

While international travel remains off the table, a domestic whale watching trip is no less rewarding (and for Americans who live on a coast, great viewing spots are never far). As the seasons change, temperatures flux in tandem, and countless cetaceans embark on lengthy migrations across the globe, there’s always something new and exciting to watch for in the world of whales. 

Read on for the best places for whale watching in the U.S.

Santa Barbara, California

With sandy beaches framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is already a must-visit destination just 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles . Of Southern California's many whale watching opportunities, Santa Barbara’s Condor Express is truly second-to-none. The local tour company has been offering year-round excursions into the Pacific since 1973, on which you're certain to spot sea lions and pods of playful dolphins year round. But take a close look at the calendar before booking your trip: March through May is the ideal time to observe infant gray whales, while the largest living creature on earth—the blue whale—is likely to make an appearance between May and October.

Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

The largest, youngest, and easternmost island within the Hawaiian archipelago, the Island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island) tends to be overshadowed by neighboring Maui and Oahu when it comes to tourism, making it a true underrated gem of Polynesia. Between November and May, migrating humpback whales make the journey down to the Hawaiian islands to mate and rear their calves, making it possible for travelers to spot new mothers with babies in tow. Those hoping for an up-close encounter with the island’s visiting humpbacks should book a tour with Captain Zodiac , a Kona-based company that speeds across the water in 16-passenger Zodiac rafts.

Provincetown, Massachusetts

A short, 90-minute ferry ride from Boston , this vibrant resort town is renowned throughout New England for its idyllic Cape Cod beauty and thriving LGBTQ+ culture. Though P-Town was home to a booming whaling industry in the 1800s, modern-day boaters have traded their harpoons for binoculars, offering visitors the opportunity to spot fin, humpback, and right whales from April to October. A first mover in the Atlantic whale watching industry, Dolphin Fleet has been active since 1975, providing guests with ample whale sightings and fascinating information on the biology and behavior of the ocean’s gentle giants.

Seward, Alaska

A small city on the southern coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is located roughly two hours south of Anchorage, making it the perfect day trip for visitors in search of native wildlife. For a truly spectacular immersion into the rugged beauty of Alaska, Major Marine Tours offers a six-hour journey from Resurrection Bay into the iconic Kenai Fjords National Park , a sprawling park packed with glaciers and inlets. Available from May to mid-September, this excursion gives guests the chance to spot humpback, orca, minke, and gray whales, as well as seals, sea otters, and a wide array of seabirds.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Summertime is peak tourist season in this bustling city, home to 35 straight miles of coastline where visitors can sunbathe to their heart’s content. That said, aspiring whale watchers should pay a visit to Virginia Beach in the winter, specifically during January or February when humpbacks are most prevalent. Book an excursion with Rudee Tours ; this trusted company has been in the business for over 40 years, and offers a guaranteed free second trip in the unlikely event that no whales are spotted on your first outing.

San Juan Islands, Washington

While humpbacks and minkes are a common sight throughout this idyllic Washington archipelago, the true crown jewel of the San Juan Islands is actually a type of dolphin: the orca, to be precise. For those staying in Seattle , the Puget Sound Express offers a half-day tour of the Salish Sea from May to December and San Juan Safaris conducts an incredible orca spotting excursion launching straight out of San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor. After thoroughly exploring the drinking and dining scene on San Juan Island ( Cask and Schooner is a must-visit for pub food and craft beer), be sure to take a trip to the aptly-named Orcas Island , where the pristine Moran State Park lies in wait for ambitious hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor adventurers.

Bar Harbor, Maine

The entire state of Maine is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, but when it comes to whale watching in particular, it’s tough to beat Bar Harbor. This quiet community springs to life in the summer, with peak whale watching season occurring from June to August. For those hoping to spot humpback, minke, and right whales alongside porpoises and seabirds, the iconic Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co . is a trusted favorite. After a long day on the water, head into town for a lobster roll (or two). 

Cape May, New Jersey

A true paradise for animal enthusiasts, this tiny peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey offers some of the best birdwatching in the country—and, from March to December, fantastic whale watching. Hop on the Cape May Whale Watcher for the “Cetacean Spectacular,” a three-hour voyage into the Delaware Bay. Marine mammal sightings are guaranteed, or your next trip is free. Humpbacks, fin whales, and bottlenose dolphins are a common sight, though this is also a great place to spot native shorebirds, ospreys, and even bald eagles.

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Wildlife and Whale Watching

Tours direct from downtown Seattle

Seattle Wildlife & Whale Watching Tours

FRS Clipper offers the only Wildlife & Whale Watching Tours that leave directly from downtown Seattle at Pier 69. The Salish Sea is one of the world’s most biologically rich areas teeming with an array of spectacular wildlife. It is one of the best places to see transient orca killer whales as well as humpback, gray and minke whales breach, splash, feed and play in their natural habitat, and observe other wildlife which can include seals, sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, blue herons, and more.

FRS Clipper Wildlife & Whale Watching Tours feature an onboard naturalist who guides and educates passengers about local wildlife and whale conservation throughout the trip. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll be offered a free trip for a later date! Learn more about how FRS Clipper contributes to whale and wildlife conservation and safety .

Seattle Widlife & Gray Whale Watching Tour

Mar - apr, 2024.

Share the Sound with some 35 ton visitors on a Seattle gray whale watching tour aboard the San Juan Clipper departing direct from downtown Seattle’s Pier 69! With the guidance of FRS Clipper’s expert onboard naturalist, you will be on the lookout for these huge special whales as they migrate north. A unique, limited time opportunity!

Seattle Wildlife & Gray Whale Watching Tour

Save big on wildlife and whale watching, may - oct, 2024.

Experience the  ONLY half-day Seattle whale watching tour that departs directly from downtown! Embark on a 3+ hour (depending on sighting locations) adventure aboard the San Juan Clipper fast ferry as an expert naturalist helps you spot transient orcas, humpback whales and other sea & wildlife. Whale sightings are guaranteed! The perfect PNW summer adventure on the Salish Sea! Departs and returns from Pier 69 on the Seattle waterfront. Save an extra 20% on select dates when using promo code WEEKDAY . Free parking included!

"What a great time! Saw orcas, a humpback and minke whales and loved every minute of it. Very professional staff."

- Marty B., Olympia, WA TripAdvisor

"This was wonderful. Our naturalist kept us informed during the total excursion… We have taken many tours in many countries, and this was the most enjoyable one yet."

- Deborah K., North Dakota TripAdvisor

"Our trip was amazing. We had whale sightings 30 minutes into our trip. We saw 3 different species of whale, porpoises, American bald eagles, and seals the entire day."

- Van Nita S. Facebook

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Need help planning your trip? Call our Clipper Pacific Northwest travel experts at 800-888-2535 between 9am-6pm PDT (Mon-Fri), 9am-3pm PDT (Sat-Sun).

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Whale Watching in Depoe Bay. Best in Oregon

Whale watching report:.

Another really good day of whale watching on Wednesday with the whales moving a little north of town and all of the Dockside WW boats saw them on every trip.. Word was there were a few up there today and put on a great show for the folks.

Depoe Bay is the Whale Watching Capital and Dockside Charters offers Premier Whale Watching Excursions.

Oregon Coast Whale Watching Tours!

Dockside Charters runs whale watching excursions on a daily basis during our whale watching season. The season typically goes from mid-December through October. Our whale watching season actually is two part: migration and residential. The migratory season begins in December and usually extends until mid May. Mid to late May is when our “resident” whales begin to arrive. Our resident whales are a group of roughly 20 whales that, though they do migrate don’t go all the way to the Bering Sea but rather feed during the summer season within just a few miles of Depoe Bay and stay in the area until late October. The same whales return year after year and we are able to identify returning whales by their individual markings and the skippers even have them named.

Pacific Gray Whales have the longest migration of any animal on earth going from the Bering Sea to the Baja Peninsula and even into the Sea of Cortez. Their migration allows calves to be born in the warm waters of the Baja lagoons, that is vital to the survival of the newborns because they have no insulating blubber layer at birth. As the new calves and their mothers slowly migrate North the calves gain about nine to ten pounds per day. What makes that even more remarkable is the fact that the cows (mother gray whales) feed very little if at all during the migration. This is often quite evident by the physical appearance of the cows when they reach Depoe Bay, they are literally racks of skin and bones, having used their fat reserves to support the calves during migration.

After they arrive here feeding is the priority. Pacific Gray Whales are baleen feeders, they filter food they need from the water by straining it through their baleen plates. Organisms they feed on are quite small, one of the whales most important food sources are Mysid Shrimp. Mysid Shrimp live in and around kelp forests and never get more than about a half inch in length. They resemble mosquito larva more than shrimp and the whales will consume up to 2000 pounds of them a day. At other times they will feed on copepods they filter by taking mouthfuls of muck from the bottom or even skim feed on schools of very small fish.

Humpback and Blues whales are also seen occasionally though not as frequently as Gray Whales. We are fortunate here in Depoe Bay to have whales nearby for us to see for most of the year.

At Dockside Charters we run our Whale Watching excursions from safe comfortable 50 foot Delta Charter boats. They are Coast Guard Certified and have everything required for your safety and piece of mind. They have all the amenities: comfortable heated cabins, rest rooms, indoor seating, seating out on deck. You are able to walk all the way around the boats and are elevated above the water for excellent whale sightings. Our captains have decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge they share during the excursions making them interpretive tours. Our boats have access doors to walk on and off with ease or provide wheel chair access. We can accommodate large groups.

Reservations are recommended for our whale watching tours, to make yours call 541-765-2545

Whale watching excursions seven days a week, subject to marine conditions.

Archived Whale Watching Reports:

Our whale watching boats today (Tuesday) had really good spotting of the Gray whales as all of them saw whales on all of the afternoon trips.

Good whale watching on this Thursday afternoon as all of our boats out there are seeing the whales and they reported they are putting on good shows for the folks.

NOI whale watching this afternoon as the Depoe Bay bar roughed up to much to run trips out there today. Keep in touch with our office as things will improve.

Good whale watching today all day with all of our boats seeing whales on every trip. Call our office and when making your reservations ask about what the ocean conditions are suppose to be and they will give you the best days to come down and see the Gray whales.

Not a whole bunch of information but we did see whales on our whale watch trips today.

Good whale watching the past few days as the information off the boats was that they are in shallow water & feeding which is a good sign that some of the seasonal whales we have most of the spring and summer into the fall are here.

Lots of whales all weekend long out in front of Depoe Bay. With the good weather lots of excellent opportunities to see the last part of the northerly migration and the continued arrival of our resident whales. Sounds like good weather for the next few days.

Had a few whale watch trips out this afternoon and we saw whales on all of the trips. The whales are easier to find as well as they are coming in closer to shore where all of the feed is and were chowing down.

We had several cruises this afternoon some were 1-hr cruises and one 2-hr cruise and we saw whales on both of the cruises. The whales are here with some indications that a few of the resident whales are beginning to show up. The resident whales are the ones that migrate just like the others but many of them stop here in the Depoe Bay area and spend the entire summer into the fall with us here. Should be another great year of whale watching.

We had excellent whale watch reports all day yesterday (Friday) and today was just as good. We had a really quick hitting rain storm this afternoon which we were told limited the visibility. Just like the Oregon Coast....beautiful sunny day and a few minutes later RAIN .

Whale watching was really good today onboard the Tacklebuster as they found whales south of the city in pretty close to the shoreline. The captain stated that it looked like one of the resident whales that was with us all summer last year the one that some might remember that had the three hash marks on its back dorsal area.

No whale watching again today as this rough weather we have been having fooled us and stayed around for another day. Winds will be down tomorrow and things look much better for tomorrow.

No whale watching today as the ocean weather turned a little nautical for any afternoon whale watching adventures to get out there. We will be trying again tomorrow.

Excellent whale watching trips today on all of our boats out there this afternoon and saw Gray whales on all of the trips and also saw Humpback whales as well. Looks like it\'s gonna be a good whale watch year.

It was a little too rough to go out yesterday but there were a bunch of whales spotted from shore out about whistle buoy depth...about a mile. Good weather today and tomorrow so come on down and see the Gray whale migration.

The ocean weather looks to be better as we see it now for the upcoming weekend into the following week. Swells will be down as well as the wind but there will possibly be a few rain drops in the area. Call our office for more information.

Whale sightings on the afternoon whale watch trips has been really good and it looks like today and tomorrow are really good weather days with Wednesday looking right now a little iffy.

Hey folks... we\'re into some bad spring weather right now with rain, wind and moderate swells. It will be all out of here late Friday night into Saturday day looks like really nice for whale watching minus the three weather items mentioned above. Give us a call as space is filling up as we go thru the 2nd weekend of the Oregon spring breaks.

Looks like some unfavorable weather the next three days thru Friday but the weekend into next week looks pretty nice so the office will have the information for you on trips going out this weekend and beyond. Looks like rain and wind and some moderate swells heading our way for the next three days.

Excellent whale watching today as the northerly migration is in full swing. We had quite a number of whale watch trips on multiple boats and were seeing 2-4 whales on all of the 1 and 2 hour trips. It\'s a great time to watch the migratory whales and we have another two good days of weather coming up and then a possible change by mid-week. So get down here in the next few days to see the Gray whales swimming by Depoe Bay.

Hey folks-and all of you whale watchers. The northerly migration of the Gray whales has started as we are seeing whales pass by the area. Today on our one whale watch trip we did see two out there on the trip moving slowly by so it will only get better as the days move on here. Give our office a call as the weather at least for the next week or so looks really good.

As several states including Oregon in our western zone the ocean weather seems to be improving hopefully as the forecast is indicating. Beginning next Thursday the ocean weather is forecasted to be really nice and it is also forecasted to be that way pretty much thru at least the middle of the next week. Should be a good time to call the Dockside office and make those reservations for both fishing and or whale watching.

Things look like rough oceans will be in our future for the next 5-6 days. The ocean weather appears for now from the extended forecast to be rough seas with wind and rain. Things appear right now to be settling down with the rain going away and the ocean swells coming down by next Thursday to where we should be able to get out there for some whale watching. We will keep you in touch as we watch the forecast daily.

We\'re only about two weeks away from the historically beginning of the northerly migration of the Gray whales coming by the Depoe Bay Area. So make your plans soon to see this yearly event as there have been a few spotted already. We will be running daily trips ocean weather permitting.

As we prepare for the 2024 whale watch seasons we are beginning to be part of the sportsman shows which will be taking place at various sites for the next month or so. This weekend Friday thru Sunday we are at the Tri-Cities sportsman show which is in Pasco, Washington at the HAPO Center. Drop by and meet some of our staff and talk about the upcoming whale watching best times.

The power outage in Depoe Bay came to an end Monday evening at around 5:30pm and the office will re-open tomorrow morning.

Hey folks, because of the very tough weather the Central Oregon Coast is having which has been going on for days now no electrical power or internet service is available. We will let you know as soon as things down here improve.

A small retraction from last post so to. be honest as we can be on one of the trips out to see the whales today we failed to find any. On this northerly migration these whales are moving right along so one hour you see them right out front and then the next trip out they are already to far north to find them so you need to pick up a new pod of them moving from the south.

We took out over 350 people today on whale watch trips and tomorrow looks like an even calmer day on the ocean waters than today. We will begin the trips around 12:30pm tomorrow, New Year\'s Day so give our office a call for reservations.

Hey folks we have some decent weather coming up the next two days and we have lots of boats and quite a few whale watchers already signed up to go New Year\'s Eve day and New Year\'s Day. Give us a call and make some reservations to watch the northerly migration in full swing.

Top Whale Watching Spots to Visit in North America

Best places for whale watching in north america.

Imagine you’re on a boat in the ocean in still water. Then, the water beneath you starts to move. Next thing you know, a whale jumps out, flipping and splashing to your absolute delight. 

Whale watching is one of the most incredible wildlife encounters you can have, and there are plenty of spots that offer amazing whale watching opportunities around the world.

These are the best destinations for whale watching in North America, based on the likelihood of seeing whales, the uniqueness of each place and overall experience.

15. Gloucester, Massachusetts

Best time for whale watching: May through November

Best whale watching companies: 7 Seas Whale Watch , Cape Ann Whale Watch , Capt. Bill & Sons Whale Watch

Best place to stay: Atlantis Oceanfront Inn

Bottom Line: Gloucester

Few towns in New England beat Gloucester. It's great for Bostonians or anyone looking for a weekend getaway with some whale watching.

Set in pretty Cape Ann, the town is frequented by pods of humpback, sei, minke and fin whales, which often play and blow in the water to the delight of visitors. 

When you’re not on the lookout for cetaceans, Gloucester has some Instagram-worthy beach walks, a lighthouse set dramatically against a rocky shore and even a medieval-style castle.

14. San Juan Islands, Washington

Best time for whale watching: Year-round

Best whale watching companies:  Maya's Legacy Whale Watching , Western Prince Whale & Wildlife Tours , Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours

Best place to stay: The Edenwild Boutique Inn

Bottom Line: San Juan Islands

Though technically dolphins, orcas are included when one talks about whale watching. And since the San Juan Islands off the coast of northern Washington are the permanent home of a sizable orca population, whale watching can happen at any time of the year and at your convenience. 

If you want to see other species, head there from late spring to early fall, when minke, gray and humpback whales migrate through the water. If you want to see whales without getting in the water, head to Lime Kiln Point State Park, where you have a good chance of seeing the resident orcas from land.

13. Grand Manan Island, Canada

Best time for whale watching: From late July to mid-October

Best whale watching companies: T op of the Island Boat Tours , Lambert Family Adventures Whale & Wildlife Tours , S ea Watch Tours 

Best place to stay: Shallow View Cottage on Airbnb

Bottom Line: Grand Manan Island

Located in the eastern province of Nova Scotia, Grand Manan Island hosts 12 species of whales, including humpback, finback and minke.

But what really drives people here is the chance to see right whales, one of the most endangered whale species. Less than 400 North Atlantic right whales survive today, and the Bay of Fundy is where many of them come to breed. 

With a population of just over 2,000, Grand Manan isn’t the place for city-loving visitors. It is, however, perfect for those who want to take it slow and enjoy the frosty green landscapes of the northern Atlantic.

12. San Ignacio, Mexico

Best time for whale watching: January through March

Best whale watching companies: Ecoturismo Kuyima, Baja Ecotours , Baja Discovery

Best place to stay: Rancho Espinoza

Bottom Line: San Ignacio

This small town in Baja California is the most inland out of all entries. The town itself doesn’t have whale-watching spots, but it is one of the best places to reach the Laguna San Ignacio, which is part of the UNESCO-listed El Vizcaino Whale Sanctuary.

At the lagoon, you’ll be able to see Pacific gray whales come down from the cold northern waters to mate and breed. What’s best, because there are not as many tourists as in other places, the whales are rumored to be extra friendly and more likely to come closer to the shore. 

El Vizcaino is considered one of the most diverse wildlife refuges in Latin America, protecting deserts, mangroves, islands and lagoons as well as beaches. It is also home to pumas, coyotes, hundreds of bird species and more.

11. Vancouver, Canada

Best time for whale watching: March to November

Best whale watching companies: Prince of Whales Whale Watching , Wild Whales Vancouver , Vancouver Whale Watch

Best place to stay: L'Hermitage Hotel

Bottom Line: Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the coolest cities in Canada while also being relatively warm for the icy nation.

The metropolis is worth a visit on its own, with an eclectic food scene that mirrors the diversity of its residents, a prestigious Museum of Anthropology and mountains in the backdrop. 

One of the best things about Vancouver is that it takes no time to switch from metropolis to nature. This is especially true about whale watching tours, where you will be on the lookout for Pacific gray whales and orcas.

10. Santa Barbara, California

Best time for whale watching: February through September

Best whale watching companies: Condor Express Whale Watching , Santa Barbara Sailing Center , Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises & Whale Watching  

Best place to stay: Harbor House Inn

Bottom Line: Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has earned its reputation as one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. with great surf, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and long stretches of beach. 

The best way to get that perfect Southern California beach hair may not be to chase waves, but instead to chase whales — just to see them, of course!

Go during late winter to see gray whales and from summer through early fall for minkes, humpbacks and blues.

9. Long Island, New York

Best time for whale watching: July through September

Best whale watching companies: American Princess Cruises , Viking Fleet , Captain Lou Fleet  

Best place to stay: Sunny Barn Loft Airbnb

Bottom Line: Long Island

Did you know you could go whale watching right in New York City? If you didn’t, it’s because it’s a fairly new attraction to the Big Apple. Of course, whales have been passing by New York Harbor long before the city even existed, but excessive pollution kept them at bay for a long time. 

According to National Geographic , sightings have become more and more common since 2011 thanks to stricter environmental laws and water cleanups. Now, there are enough fins, humpbacks, blues and sperms in the area to warrant whale watching tours. 

Add to that the museums, Broadway shows, pizzerias and landmarks, and it’s clear why NYC deserves its spot on these rankings.

8. Bar Harbor, Maine

Best time for whale watching: May through October

Best whale watching companies:  Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.

Best place to stay: Bar Harbor Inn

Bottom Line: Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor has been a popular place for whale watching for a long time because it attracts a variety of whales with its chilly waters. Some of the species you’ll be able to see are minke, humpback, finback and endangered right whales. You’ll also get a chance to see some adorable Atlantic puffins. 

The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company holds a monopoly on whale watching tours in the area, but also boasts the largest vessel for the activity in all of North America! 

When you’re not whale watching, you can enjoy Maine lobster and hike around Acadia National Park .

7. Saint John's, Canada

Best time for whale watching: May through September

Best whale watching companies: Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours , Gatherall's Puffin and Whale Watch , O'Brien's Whale and Bird Tours 

Best place to stay: Cozy 3-Bedroom Airbnb

Bottom Line: Saint John's

Though not quite in the arctic, the capital of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is pretty up there. So up there, that besides seeing wild whales, you can also see icebergs floating about in the summer months. 

Twenty-two species of whales cross the region during their migration, including the largest population of humpbacks in the entire world. This alone makes St. John’s one of the best whale watching spots in all of North America.

For the intrepid at heart, we recommend doing a sea kayak excursion, which will get you a closer encounter with the whales.

6. Sayulita, Mexico

Best time for whale watching: December through April

Best whale watching companies: Oceano Adventures , Sayulita Entourage , La Orca de Sayulita

Best place to stay: Selina Sayulita

Bottom Line: Sayulita

If you’re looking for a laidback beach vacation with whale encounters, few places can deliver as much as Sayulita, a small beach town on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

The town attracts a more alternative crowd and is less touristy than nearby Puerto Vallarta. It has the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in its backdrop and proudly showcases its indigenous Huichol heritage. 

Sayulita is also one of the best places in the area to see humpback whales, which come here to breed. You will also be able to see Bryde’s whales and several species of dolphins.

5. Tadoussac, Canada

Best whale watching companies:  Tadoussac Autrement , Croisiers AML , Otis Excursions

Best place to stay: Hotel Tadoussac

Bottom Line: Taddousac

Tadoussac is tiny. Nine-hundred residents tiny. This makes it the ideal spot for whale enthusiasts who want to spend most of their time trying to spot the giant mammals from the shore and the rest enjoying small-town Quebecois life. 

Positioned on the St. Lawrence River, Tadoussac serves as a migration spot for 13 species of whales and is also quite close to the startlingly beautiful Saguenay Fjord National Park. The town also has two claims to fame. It is the oldest French settlement in all of the Americas, and it has a resident population of thousands of beluga whales. 

Yes, you will have the chance to see these rare whales no matter what time of year you visit.

4. Monterey Bay, California

Best whale watching companies: Bella Monterey Bay , Discovery Whale Watch , Princess Monterey Whale Watching

Best place to stay: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Bottom Line: Monterey Bay

With a long coast on the Pacific, there are several wonderful whale watching spots in the Golden State. But Monterey tops them all. 

First of all, whale watching is a year-long thing here, with gray whales and orcas visiting from December through April and humpback and blue whales coming from April through December.

Monterey Bay also boasts breathtaking natural beauty, and its moniker city is close to other natural wonders like Big Sur, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and Pinnacles National Park.

3. Kodiak Island, Alaska

Best time for whale watching: April to November

Best whale watching companies: Kodiak Pursuits , The Kodiak Catch, Sea Hawk Air

Best place to stay: Seaside Casual Airbnb

Bottom Line: Kodiak Island

Whales can be seen in several parts of Alaska, which is unsurprising given that it has the longest coastline of all U.S. states . What makes Kodiak Island so special is that it’s relatively remote, even for Alaska.

Whale watchers won’t have to worry about packed boats and hoards of tourists. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, Kodiak is an outdoor lover’s dream and provides endless trails for hiking and mountain biking. 

As far as whale watching, Kodiak sees gray, humpback, minke, fin and sei whales at different times of the whale season, which stretches from April to November. If you want to get a taste of local culture, we suggest you go in April, when the 10-day Whale Fest Kodiak celebrates the beginning of the whale season.

2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Best time for whale watching: Mid-January to mid-March

Best whale watching companies: Whale W a tch Cabo , Cabo Adventures , Cabo Whale Watching  

Best place to stay: Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos

Bottom Line: Cabo San Lucas

A popular year-round destination for both national and international tourists, Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s prime beach destinations. You can enjoy all the perks of a relaxing beach vacation while stuffing your face with delicious Mexican food and seeing Cabo’s dramatic sea cliffs. 

If you happen to be here during winter, a whale-watching excursion is a must. You can see humpbacks, sperm whales, blue whales and orcas. But the crown of Cabo’s whale watching experiences are the gray whales, which migrate here to calve their young.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Best whale watching companies:  Redline Rafting Co ., Makai Adventures , Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel

Best place to stay: Hana Maui Resort

Bottom Line: Maui

Is it surprising that the top spot should go to gorgeous Hawaii? Maui is a dream destination at any time of year with its world-famous beaches, dramatic waterfalls and the astonishing Haleakala National Park. 

But the Valley Isle, as Maui is known, is also a gateway to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary serves as a nursery for between 4,000 and 10,000 humpback whales every winter.

If you’re lucky, you might get to see newborn humpback calves and witness how they learn to splash and flip. 

The Best Guide to Whale Watching in Iceland

Whales of Iceland

• Minke Whales

Humpback Whales

• White-Beaked Dolphins
• Harbor Porpoises

Blue Whale and Fin Whale

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Discover why whale watching in Iceland has become a popular activity over the last two decades. When is the best time to see whales in Iceland? Where can you go whale watching?  Read on and get the answers to everything you need to know about whale-watching in Iceland!

Spotting these gentle giants of the sea is a great way to spend a day in Iceland, whether you're in Reykjavik or out in the country. If you're planning on staying in the city, book a hotel in Reykjavik and rent a car in Iceland  to get around the country easily. There is a wide selection of whale watching tours to choose from, so you're sure to find the right one for you.

Top Whale Watching & Puffin Tours

The reykjavik whale watching tour, family-run husavík whale watching tour, whale watching tour with transfer from akureyri.

Whales have been a significant part of Iceland's history since its settlement in the late 9th century. As an example of that, the Icelandic word for a stroke of good luck is 'hvalreki', which translates literally to 'beached whale'.

Whaling was also practiced for centuries in Iceland alongside fishing. Today, the ocean's gentle giants are seen more as something to appreciate from afar. Whale watching is essential to any Iceland trip, just like seeing the northern lights , hot springs , and glaciers .

Here you can catch whales splashing around under the northern lights or illuminated by the midnight sun , depending on what time of year you visit. Whale watching from Reykjavik is easily accessible, just a short walk from the city center, making it an easy activity to do despite a busy itinerary. There are also towns and villages throughout the country that offer whale watching, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Abundant summer daylight combined with a unique mixture of cold and warm sea currents makes the Icelandic territorial waters home to a wide variety of krill and fish.

As a result, Iceland is a bountiful feeding ground that attracts 24 different whale species, from the enormous sperm whale to the diminutive harbor porpoise.

The chances of spotting specific types of whales on a whale-watching trip vary depending on the port of departure. However, the minke whale is the most commonly sighted animal and can be seen all around Iceland throughout the year.

Below is a list of the most common species found on whale-watching tours in Iceland, followed by honorable mentions of some of the rare species.

Minke Whales  

Minke whales are the most common whales found in Iceland’s waters, with many migrating here throughout summer and a few lingering through the winter months.

They're small compared to other species but can still exceed 30 feet (9 meters) in length. Their behavior is usually rather shy, but due to their numbers, you can regularly see them from almost all whale-watching ports, including Reykjavik.

Humpback whales can be seen in Iceland during the summer months.

Unlike minke whales, humpbacks are renowned for their gregarious and acrobatic behavior. You could say that humpback whales are the attention-seeking divas of the whale world.

They are a common sight on whale-watching tours, breaching, feeding, or slapping their tails and flukes.

Tour operators from northern towns, such as Akureyri and Husavik , have had seasons in which they have spotted at least one humpback on every excursion

White-Beaked Dolphins  

White-beaked dolphins are the most commonly seen dolphin around Iceland, staying close to the shore throughout the year.

They live in pods ranging from a few individuals to a hundred, and, though a bulky species, you can often see them bow-riding, breaching, and playing at the surface.

Not only can you see these dolphins swimming in Iceland's waters, but they can also be seen on the Icelandic 5 krona coin. So if you're lucky enough to see them on your whale-watching tour, you can keep the coin as a (rather cheap) souvenir. 

Harbor Porpoises  

The adorable harbor porpoise is one of the smallest whale species. It can be seen widely in Iceland's waters throughout the year. However, you might need someone with a trained eye to point them out.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons Library. No edits made.

They're small and shy and usually only appear at the surface, alone or in small groups, for moments at a time. When feeding or threatened, they can race across the surface while splashing their tail, in a behavior known as roosting. It's a dramatic and eye-catching display and would make any whale-watching trip memorable.

Orcas  

Despite being called killer whales, orcas are the world’s largest dolphin species, and about 5,000 of them live around Iceland throughout the year, coming closer to the shore during the summer months.

Orcas can appear on whale-watching trips but are not as easy to find as other species due to their transient nature. However, their great size and occasional acrobatic behavior make them a favorite among whale watchers.

Orcas, sometimes called the "wolves of the sea", are voracious eaters and require 400 to 750 pounds (175 to 350 kg) of food every day. In Iceland's waters, they mainly feed on herring and capelin. But they are also known to eat salmon, turtle, shark, and even their fellow sea mammals such as dolphins, seals or porpoises.

If you're eager to go orca watching in Iceland, they're most commonly seen in the East Fjords ' rich herring grounds, around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula , and along the South Coast .

Orcas are especially beloved in Iceland because of a certain well-known orca individual that was born in Iceland's waters and later became a star of the silver screen! More on that famous whale later in the article.

The species above are the ones most commonly seen on a whale-watching tour in Iceland. However, a wide array of Icelandic whales can occasionally be spotted in the island's waters. Below is a list of other species that the most fortunate will have the opportunity to see.

Humpback and minke whales may be the most common baleen whales, but they are not the only ones that can be seen swimming in Iceland's waters.

The two most enormous creatures ever to live on Earth, blue whales and fin whales, can also be seen throughout the summer months, although rarely.

Blue whales can reach a length of 100 feet (30 meters) and a weight of 165 tons (150 tonnes). Despite their massive size, they feed almost exclusively on krill. Interestingly, their lifespan is similar to that of humans, with individuals reaching an average age of 80 to 90 years.

Fin whales are the second largest animals on Earth, behind only the aforementioned blue whales. On average, they have a size of 65 feet (20 meters) and weigh 40-50 tons. They are more commonly seen around Iceland than the blue whale, with an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 individuals living in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Sightings of the largest toothed whale, the mighty sperm whale, are not uncommon off Iceland’s West Coast in spring and summer. There are estimated to be about 23,000 individuals in the sea around Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

Despite the relatively large size of its population, they are rarely spotted since they can hold their breath for an extraordinarily long time. At its longest, the sperm whale can hold its breath for up to two hours and therefore only needs to reach the surface to breathe once or twice during the entire length of a whale-watching tour in Iceland.

Photo by Gabriel Barathieu from Wikimedia Commons Library . No edits made.

In the northern waters, groups of belugas and narwhals have occasionally been spotted as stragglers. While their usual habitat is around Greenland, within the Arctic Circle.

Narwhals are famous for the male's tusk, which is, in fact, a long canine tooth. The long tusk is not necessary for survival and serves a similar purpose to the antlers of a stag or the feathers of a peacock, as an assessment of hierarchical status.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons Library . No edits were made.

Beluga whales are closely related to narwhals and belong to the same family of whales. Similarly to narwhals, beluga whales spotted in Iceland are stragglers as their natural habitat is further north in the Arctic Circle.

The Westman Islands are home to  the world's first beluga whale sanctuary , where visitors can meet two female whales: Little White and Little Grey, in their new home in Klettsvik Bay.

Despite its name, pilot whales are actually a species of large dolphins. They are noticeable for their unusually long pectoral fins.

There are estimated to be about 350,000 individuals in the North Atlantic alone. However, they are a very transient species that spend most of their time offshore, so they are not seen in Iceland's waters as much as one might expect.

We advise you to check out this list of  whale-watching tours to see all of the current options. You’ll be able to choose your tour from various vessels, ranging from traditional Icelandic oak boats to modern RIB speedboats, and tours lasting from a couple of hours to whole days.

The puffin breeds in large colonies on offshore islands and coastal cliffs, and therefore some tours include puffin watching . So you can check two things off your must-see list at once.

Below is a list of the most affordable Iceland whale-watching tours, sailing from the country’s main whale-watching ports.

• Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
• Price: about 87 USD
• Chances of seeing a whale: 99 percent
• Availability: all year
• Common species: minke and humpback whale, whale-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoise
• Husavik Traditional Whale Watching
• Price: about 76 USD
• Availability: April to November
• Common species: humpback whales, minke whales, blue whales, and white-beaked dolphins
• Akureyri Whale Watching by Eyjafjord
• Chances of seeing a whale: 95 percent
• Common species: humpback and minke whale, harbor porpoise, and white-beaked dolphin
• Whale Watching and Sea Angling
• Price: about 75 USD
• Availability: April to December
• Whale Watching on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• Price: about 74 USD
• Availability: April to October
• Common species: orcas, minke whales, harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and humpback whales

You can enjoy whale-watching tours throughout the year, but depending on the whale-watching season, the experience can differ.

There are advantages to Iceland whale watching in summer over winter, and visa-versa, that you should consider before booking your trip. Let us break it down for you.

With calmer winds, fewer storms, and clearer skies, not only are whale-watching tours less likely to be canceled, but your chances of seeing cetaceans breaking the flat surface of the water are much higher.

Furthermore, standing on the deck for the tour's duration is more comfortable and a lot more enjoyable.

However, the balmier weather is not the only reason whale watching in summer has advantages over whale watching in winter. The second main draw is the greater diversity of marine life.

As a result, between April and October, you can expect to see some of the world's largest creatures on your whale-watching tour in Iceland.

No matter the port you leave from in summer, you have an excellent chance of seeing minke and humpback whales.

It’s also worth noting that the white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises that frequent Iceland’s waters year-round are just as common in the summer months.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons Library . No edits made.

Though they prefer deeper water than those in  Faxafloi Bay , sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales are also more commonly found in Iceland in summer.

You can often see sperm whales in Breidafjordur Bay , where the water is deep enough for them to hunt. Northern bottlenose whales are more randomly distributed offshore but occasionally come into shallower seas when pursuing prey.

However, these are not the only whale species that come to Iceland in summer and make each whale-watching tour that much more spectacular.

Basking sharks, the second-largest fish species, can also be found cruising near the surface occasionally during this season.

These enormous, prehistoric creatures move slowly and have a very calm nature, meaning sightings often last longer than with the whales, who dive to feed.

In addition to whales, you can see birds such as arctic terns, great skuas, and puffins on tours from Reykjavik, Akureyri , Husavik, and the Snaefellsnes peninsula . They're frequently spotted bobbing on the water's surface, circling overhead, or diving for fish.

Another advantage of whale watching in the summer is that you can partake in a smaller vessel such as a RIB for a much closer, more personal encounter. The best option for  a RIB boat whale-watching tour is from Reykjavik .

Despite the many advantages of summer whale-watching tours, going whale-watching in the winter also has its benefits.

First, winter whale-watching tours are much less busy. The summers are high-season for the number of visitors in Iceland, making whale watching in the winter less crowded.

If you don't mind bracing cold winter conditions, you are likely to have a lot more space to search for sea mammals and spot them from the viewing deck when they do appear.

Regarding the cetaceans you’ll see on winter whale-watching tours, the most common are white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises.

However, it's not unheard of for great whales to occasionally linger throughout winter, so it’s reasonable to hope to see minke whales and occasionally humpbacks.

The second advantage of whale watching in winter applies solely to whale watching in certain areas. Breidafjordur bay , between the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes peninsula , is a herring wintering ground, and the abundance of food attracts many predators.

The apex predator of the ocean around Iceland, the orca, is, therefore, more common to see in Breidafjordur in the winter rather than in the summer.

The herring in Breidafjordur also means that humpbacks who linger throughout winter will often congregate there.

Meanwhile, in North Iceland , you are far more likely to see belugas than you would be during summer.

While these curious, gregarious animals are common in Iceland's waters and only come here by chance, this occurs when they have migrated away from the Arctic into waters with less ice.

A final advantage of whale watching in winter is that it allows you to experience some incredible nature, regardless of the wildlife you may encounter.

Searching for whales in Iceland while surrounded by the snowy mountains of Eyjafjordur fjord , for example, makes the scene even more spectacular and will make the sighting of a whale all the more dramatic.

There’s also the slight chance to see the northern lights on a winter whale-watching tour, which would undeniably be an unforgettable experience.

Wondering when you can see whales in Iceland? Whale watching is usually more enjoyable, successful, and rewarding during summer.

The exception to this is on tours from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula due to the success rates of seeing orcas.

Regardless, excursions go on throughout the year for a good reason. Iceland has an abundance of cetaceans you can reliably see, irrespective of the whale-watching season. So, whichever season you travel in, you’ll have a wonderful Iceland experience.

The time of year you decide to go whale watching and the port you choose to depart from on a whale watching tour will affect what you see.

Different species frequent different areas, so if you seek to see a particular animal, you should be aware of the best places in Iceland to go.

Seeing the whales and dolphins of Iceland is a mesmerizing and rewarding experience, and there are a wealth of places from which to do it.

The town of Husavik in North Iceland is dubbed “the whale-watching capital of Europe,” but there are plenty of other places to take a whale-watching tour.

Which location to choose for your tour depends on your expectations. On the most affordable  whale-watching trip departing from Reykjavik , the most commonly spotted animals are minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. The chances of seeing humpback whales are much higher on a  Husavik whale-watching trip in Skjalfandi Bay in North Iceland .

If you stay in Iceland's capital city, embarking from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor is the easiest option.

The usual departure point is within easy walking distance from most downtown hotels. As tours tend to last three hours or less, they allow you to enjoy an incredible experience without taking up a decent chunk of your day.

This length also means that if a tour is canceled due to inclement weather or if you didn’t see any whales, you might be permitted to join another tour for free. This arrangement is unlikely to mess up any other plans for those staying in the capital.

The convenience of whale watching in Faxafloi bay is undoubtedly part of its appeal, but it’s not the only lure. In clear weather, you should be able to see a vast amount of iconic Icelandic sites on a tour from Reykjavik.

To the south, you’ll see the cone-shaped volcanoes that line the barren  Reykjanes peninsula . Whereas to the north, it’s often possible to see Snaefellsjokull glacier  in the distance.

Furthermore, Faxafloi is a reliable place to find white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises, and minke whales throughout the year.

In summer, humpbacks are common, and because they nest in the thousands on the islands of Lundey and Akurey , you can spot puffins on almost every outing.

North Iceland whale-watching tours that leave from Akureyri and Husavik into Eyjafjordur and Skjalfandi Bay, respectively, have the highest success rates in Iceland. Tour operators from both locations experience sightings on 100 percent of tours in summer.

In summer and from these destinations, the main appeal is humpback whales. The wealth of food in the cold northern waters draws them into the fjords, the depths of which still allow them to dive to hunt.

However, humpback whales are not the only common species. As with the rest of the country, harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins also frequent the waters.

North Iceland is also the best place for your chance of spotting some of the lesser-seen whales.

Blue and fin whales also come there seeking food, although rarely, so do stray beaked whales, narwhals, and belugas.

All 24 species of cetacean you can find in Iceland’s waters have been seen in the north, something no other part of the country can claim.

The difference between whale watching in Akureyri and Husavik is slight but exists.

Skjalfandi has a higher number of cetaceans than Eyjafjordur. Having a higher number of animals means more chances of sightings and watching exciting behaviors such as breaching, fluking, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping.

Meanwhile, Akureyri is simply a more convenient place to go whale spotting. It's the largest town outside of the greater Reykjavik area , meaning it has more activities and sites you can fill your day with when your whale watch is complete.

That being said, Husavik’s services have grown with the rising number of visitors over the past decade, so this difference may soon become negligible.

Puffins and other seabirds can be seen on tours from both Akureyri and Husavik, as they nest in the cliffs around Eyjafjordur and on the islands in Skjalfandi.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is better known for its excellent sites on land than for its sea life, but avid whale watchers will find it a hidden gem.

Tours leaving from  Grundafjordur take you into Breidafjordur , which, as mentioned, is a wintering herring ground that attracts dolphins, porpoises, humpback whales, and, most uniquely, orcas.

Orcas live all around Iceland but tend to be transient. They move where the food goes. Therefore, they're rarely seen in other parts of the country, particularly in Faxafloi Bay.

While you can see them most commonly in winter, Breidafjordur is also well worth visiting in summer, as it's the best place in the country to find sperm whales.

Though these animals are abundant around Iceland, they tend to hunt offshore; they are rarely seen. However, it should be noted that even in Breidafjordur, this is not a common occurrence.

The best whale watching in Iceland is undoubtedly out of Husavik. That being said, each whale-watching port has unique factors that may override the quality of the whale-watching experience in Husavik .

For location and time management, considering most people joining whale-watching tours are on holiday and want to pack in as many different activities each day as possible, Reykjavik and Akureyri are more convenient.

For avid whale watchers who want to see less commonly spotted animals around the world, then a tour from the Snaefellsnes peninsula wins out.

Throughout Iceland's history, whales had, in some cases, positive connotations, such as the Icelandic word for a stroke of good luck, 'hvalreki', literally translating to 'beached whale'.

That's because, in the harsh conditions of medieval Iceland, where food was hard to come by, a beached whale was incredibly fortunate as it meant an abundance of food that could last throughout the winter.

In other cases, they were considered terrifying creatures with many folkloric stories surrounding menace.

The map above shows 16th-century depictions of the many sea creatures thought to live in Iceland's waters. Interestingly, each creature is marked with a letter from the alphabet, corresponding to a compendium that details information about the creature. Some of these creatures are actually well-known whale species we've covered in this article.

For example, the creature marked L is supposed to be a blue whale, while the creature marked C depicts a sperm whale. Obviously, these are not anatomically correct illustrations, but it indicates that folklore about menacing sea monsters has an inkling of truth in them.

In Icelandic folklore, exist many stories of so-called 'illhveli', which literally translates to 'evil whale'. These whales were said to have evil intent and deliberately stalked and tried to sink boats by tipping them over.

Evil whales are a surprisingly common occurrence in Icelandic stories. As early as in the Heimskringla saga of King Olaf Tryggvason, it's written that when the devious King Harald Bluetooth was planning to invade Iceland, he had a sorcerer take the form of a terrible whale who was to locate the island’s points of vulnerability.

But each time the whale-sorcerer attempted to land ashore, the four land wights of Iceland — the dragon of the east, the eagle of the north, the bull of the west, and the stone giant of the south – sent him cowering back to the sea, rendering the invading king's efforts futile. These four land wights are depicted on Iceland's coat of arms.

Whales aren't the only sea creatures common in Icelandic folklore. Seals are also featured prominently in stories about selkies, creatures who can shed their sealskin and become human.

Although countless legends tell remarkable tales of the meetings between Icelanders and magical whale-like creatures, the first official Icelandic whale-watching ship didn't leave port until 1991, carrying under a dozen curious passengers seeking a personal encounter with the gentle giants of the sea.

• See also: Seals and Seal Watching in Iceland  

The most famous whale to grace Icelandic waters is not a magical creature of medieval literature but an aquatic star of Hollywood blockbusters. 

Keiko, the male orca who portrayed Willy in the 1993 hit film  Free Willy , was captured in  Reydarfjordur fjord in East Iceland in 1979 and was originally named Siggi. He was subsequently bought and sold between various aquariums and marine parks, where he learned to perform for audiences before being cast by Warner Brothers Studios.

Following Keiko’s rise to stardom, The Free Willy-Keiko Foundation was established in 1995 to find him a better home. In 1998, the world looked on in amazement as Keiko was loaded aboard a C-130 US-Air Force cargo plane and flown from the United States back home to his birthplace in Iceland.

Keiko would finally be allowed to swim in the ocean again, hoping he would eventually reunite with other killer whales.

Keiko spent the following years in Klettsvik Bay of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands , where he underwent extensive training in preparation for a life of freedom on the open seas. 

In August 2002, Keiko finally left Icelandic territorial waters with a group of wild killer whales, but in September, he showed up in a fjord in Norway, desperately seeking human contact.

Keiko’s reintegration into the wild had failed, and on December 12 of the following year, Keiko died of pneumonia while swimming alone in Norwegian waters. He was 27 years old. 

No single marine animal has brought more attention to the whales of Iceland than Keiko. Since his passing, whale watching in Iceland has rapidly grown into a flourishing industry.

In 2018 alone, nearly 300,000 people took whale-watching trips from Icelandic harbors—quite a leap from the first tour of less than a dozen people in 1991.

Keiko's old home in Klettsvik Bay now has permanent residents once more. Two beluga whales, Little Grey and Little White were brought from an amusement park in Shanghai to live in the now-called Beluga Whale Sanctuary on June 20, 2019.

Paradoxically, the old whaling vessels in Reykjavik Harbor are anchored at the dock on which Iceland's largest whale-watching society operates.

Whaling has been practiced in Iceland from as early as the 12th century. Despite Keiko's popularity and the recent surge in whale-watching tourism, Icelanders remain one of only a handful of nations on Earth that still hunt and kill whales.

In 1986, Iceland’s whaling industry became the subject of worldwide scrutiny when anti-whaling activists sank the whaling vessels Hvalur 6 and Hvalur 7, which made up half of the Icelandic whaling fleet.

The incident sparked a fierce international debate between various radical and moderate animal rights organizations.

The outcome of that debate was not in the anti-whalers' favor. Most environmentalists denounced the tactics as too extreme, with some going as far as branding the incident as an act of terrorism.

Domestically, public opinion immediately swayed in favor of the whaling industry, with the general population viewing the incident as a gross outside intrusion into domestic affairs.

The two sunken vessels were promptly raised, and for several years, whaling continued, backed by even greater public approval than before. 

However, with the rise of the Icelandic whale-watching industry, whaling is becoming less popular among the general Icelandic population, with Icelanders consuming only a fraction of Icelandic whale meat.

Have you been whale watching in Iceland? What whales did you see? What time of year did you go? If you haven't been whale watching, what species of sea mammals are you hoping to see? Let us know more about your whale-watching experience or any inquiries you might have in the comments below.

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The 4 best whale watching tours in maine.

Spot Maine's incredible marine life during a cruise on one of these boats.

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

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A trip to Maine is a nature lover's dream. You can spend days sailing on the water, careening down the slopes on a snowboard or hiking through beloved Acadia National Park . The state also offers a wide variety of wildlife watching. And while many vacationers travel here to catch sight of moose and puffins, whale watching is a popular activity in Maine, too. A guided tour will put you in the hands of an experienced local who knows where to find the whales. After consulting traveler experience and expert input, U.S. News determined the following tours to be the best available.

Before you book, there are a few things to remember to help make your trip a successful one. Maine's whale watching season lasts from mid-April through October. Multiple species visit the state's waters, including humpback, finback, minke and pilot. For the best visibility, time your trip for a summer day when skies are clear, as Maine's fog will hamper your ability to spot the animals.

You'll also want to wear plenty of layers (it's chilly out on the water) and consider bringing extra dry clothing in case you get wet. Wear sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. And, of course, don't forget to bring your camera and a pair of binoculars. Several companies may also allow you to bring snacks aboard the boat, but it's best to call your guide and double-check before your tour.

Cap'n Fish's Cruises – Boothbay Harbor Whale Watching Cruise

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $20 Duration: 3.5 hours

During this tour, you'll embark on a search for whales, seals, sharks and dolphins, among other marine life. You'll also get a quick tour of the Boothbay Harbor and see some of Maine's famous lighthouses . Travelers say they see plenty of whales on this trip. They also appreciate that, in addition to informative narration, the crew offers instructions on what to look for when searching for wildlife.

There is no set route for this tour, and the company notes it may last longer than the specified duration if the crew has to travel farther than expected in the search for whales. Departure times vary depending on the time of year, but you can expect to head out around 9:30 a.m. or between noon and 1:30 p.m. Dogs can come aboard for an additional fee. Cap'n Fish's Cruises depart from Boothbay Harbor, about 60 miles northeast of Portland . The company also runs scenic cruises featuring Maine's lighthouses, seals and lobster traps, and specialty cruises involving fireworks, cocktails and specific animals.

Check prices & availability on:

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. – Whale Watch Cruises

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $27 Duration: 3 to 5.5 hours

If you're planning a trip to Bar Harbor , you're in luck: this company's whale watching trips depart from downtown. Tours transport passengers through Frenchman Bay and into the Gulf of Maine in search of whales and other marine life. Guides narrate the journey to help passengers learn about the wildlife and tourgoers find them knowledgeable and personable. Some travelers warn, however, that trips can get canceled due to poor weather and advise future visitors to be flexible.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. runs its tours from late May through early October to coincide with peak whale watching season. Boats go out twice daily from late June through Labor Day and once daily at all other times. Exact departure times vary based on the season. Prices increase slightly from late June through mid-August. This company also offers a few other nature cruises, as well as a puffin and lighthouse outing.

Megan Clouse | Courtesy of Cap'n Fish's Cruises

Cap'n Fish's Cruises – Whale Watch & Puffin Combo Cruise

Price: Adults from $96; kids from $20 Duration: 4 hours

This tour offers plenty of time to spot whales, Atlantic puffins, sunfish, dolphins and more. After boarding the Harbor Princess, you'll head to Eastern Egg Rock to see the famous puffins before heading out in search of whales. Another bonus? If you don't see any whales or puffins on your trip, you'll get a standby ticket for another cruise at no cost. Tour-takers offer positive reviews for the tour and report seeing numerous whales and puffins. They also appreciate that the cruise is dog-friendly.

Tours depart from Boothbay Harbor from late May through mid-August. Trips leave at 1 or 1:30 p.m. From May through June, trips leave three to six times weekly. In July and August, they run Monday to Saturday. Prices increase slightly from July through Labor Day. Cap'n Fish's Cruises also offers private charters, a cocktail harbor cruise and a Windjammer cruise, among other options.

First Chance Whale Watch – Nick's Chance Whale Watching Cruise

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $39 Duration: 4.5 hours

If you're taking a trip to Kennebunkport , consider a whale watching cruise with First Chance Whale Watch. Aboard the company's whale watching boat – Nick's Chance – you will venture through the summer feeding grounds of finbacks, minke whales, humpbacks, blue whales, right whales and more. If you do not see any whales during your voyage, First Chance will provide you with a pass to return another time. Travelers report the tour guides are informative and entertaining.

Tours run from late May to mid-October. They depart once daily, typically between 9 and 10 a.m. First Chance Whale Watch also hosts a scenic lobster cruise tour and a private evening cruise along the Maine coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whale watching season in Maine typically begins in mid-April and ends by October. Whales arrive to the waters in the spring to feed, then migrate south to warmer waters come fall.

The best places to whale watch in Maine are Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport and Casco Bay in Portland. The tiny town of Milbridge near the Canadian border is also known to have great whale watching opportunities.

Whales can be spotted throughout the day, but they are often most active in the morning or late afternoon.

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Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Maine

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Whale Watching Tours

Commonly sighted aboard these whale watching tours are the Humpback whale, Minke whales, and Finback whales. The Bay of Fundy also has a Nursery for the Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Other whales occasionally sighted in the Bay of Fundy include the Sei Whale and Pilot Whale. A rare sighting would include the Blue Whale, Sperm whale, Killer whale, and Beluga whale. For more information about the whales, visit our Bay of Fundy Whales section.

If you want to see whales and dolphins during your trip it’s important to note that the Bay of Fundy whale watching season runs from June to October inclusive . The best month to see whales and other wildlife is August. The whales and dolphins of the Bay of Fundy are graceful and spectacular and sure to be a highlight of your vacation!

The Vessels

A whale watching tour experience can differ depending on the type of vessel used. There are four main types of vessels used: converted fishing boats, catamarans, motor/sailing vessels and zodiacs.

A zodiac will give you a unique perspective by putting you at the same level as the water surface, however the other vessels provide a much smoother ride and provide shelter from the cool Bay breezes and other weather elements.

Whale watching companies communicate with each other while on the water and most of time all boats are in the same area and see a similar amount of whales. Selecting a whale watching tour ultimately depends on your personal preference, but make sure you keep an eye on the extras being offered by some companies.

Such added value items can include a touch aquarium with starfish, sea urchins, crabs, etc. and/or some complimentary snacks on board. For example, the Jolly Breeze Tall Ship of St. Andrews is the only vessel to provide a heated cabin, blankets and rain jackets for all. They are also the only vessel that has a licensed bar for the adults and provides pirate costumes and face painting for the kids. They’ll even hand out honorary captain’s certificates for steering the vessel and hauling up a sail.

What To Expect From A Whale Watching Tour

There are many whale watching eco tours and island tours around the Bay of Fundy including departures from St. Andrews, Deer Island, Campobello Island, and Grand Manan in New Brunswick, and Digby Neck, Long and Brier Island in Nova Scotia. All tours provide experienced guides to answer your questions.

Even in the summer heat the waters of the Bay of Fundy can be as cold as 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit) which can result in cool ocean breezes. How cold the whale watching experience can be varies on what type of vessel is used for the tour, but you should be prepared with extra clothing as it is cooler on the water. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them. Reservations are often required as the whale watching tours fill up quickly.

The whale watching tours follow the Bay of Fundy Marine Tour Operators Code of Ethics which includes no chasing, harassing or herding the whales. This is to ensure that the whales are not disturbed from their natural routine or injured. Occasionally a whale may choose to come within 25 feet of the whale watching tours vessel and provide a truly memorable experience. Although extremely rare, at times a group of Right Whales might form a SAG (surface active group), averaging 6-15 whales rolling and courting each other, the water churning, snouts, flippers and tails displayed. This impressive sight can be seen in the video to the right.

32 comments received

Click here to leave your own comment below ›

Lynda viau May 6, 2024

We will be visiting Hopewell rocks in June, how much further do I need to go to go whale watching?

JOYCE TEASDALE July 24, 2022

I A will be arriving on a cruise ship. How easy is it to get from the cruise terminal to th start of the tour

Anthony Frazer July 18, 2022

Where are the links to the companies who operate these tours !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chen li August 15, 2019

we want to book the whale watching tour on 28th Aug. but I don’t find the link to book it. could u help me thank u so much

Rachel March 17, 2019

Can you please provide links to the whale watching companies? In particular having difficulty finding ones you reference in Campobello and/or Deer Islands.

John Eldridge March 10, 2019

Hi there – While doing a review of your site I have noticed some information that may be considered misleading. You state, “Whale watching companies communicate with each other while on the water and most of time all boats are in the same area and see a similar amount of whales”. From St. Andrews this is more often not the case. The majority of large whale sightings from St. Andrews take place in the vicinity of the Wolves Islands and beyond. This area is approximately 16+nm from St. Andrews. Vessels that do not have the range cannot access this area. The rigid hull inflatable boats and catamaran are the only vessels that regularly visit this area due to their speed. These vessels invest the time and fuel to show their passengers the type of whales that everyone markets. We have been doing this for 24 years and can state that the only way to be consistent from St. Andrews is being able to “go the distance”. I’d also take exception to the claim that the Jolly Breeze (the only company of the many whale watch companies you link too) is the only with a heated cabin. Quoddy Link Marine provides a heated cabin and blankets. We don’t provide rain gear as we can keep all passengers under cover. You may also wish to advise visitors to your site that Quoddy Link Marine’s catamaran is the only vessel that is wheel chair accessible. Last season, Quoddy Link Marine had its best season (in 24) for the number of recorded large whales (humpbacks and finbacks) the majority, more than 85% were more than 16+ nm (30+ km) from St. Andrews. That meant about 50% of the folks who went whale watching from St. Andrews missed the opportunity to view large whales because they chose the wrong vessel – a result of the myth that “all vessels go to the same area and see the same number of whales”. Certainly when the weather offshore is poor, all the vessels are inshore trying to watch a minke(s) and occasional finwhale(s). The rigid hull inflatables and catamaran do not offer pirate experiences, but they do offer a much better opportunity for large whale experiences from St. Andrews – that is a fact that can’t be ignored.

Judith Bargabos June 19, 2018

We will be travel to Bay of Fundy in July of this year. I would like to book a whale watching trip. Where do I go to book a trip???? Thanks

Penny June 5, 2018

We be in n.b late September, would there be any whales to see .and what is the cost for seniors?

Claire June 5, 2018

we will be visiting the bay of Fundy mid September. Will this be too late in the season to spot whales ?

Stan Johnston April 25, 2018

We will be near Digby from June 17 – 29. Will there be any whales to see that early in the season. If so, what are the options for whale tours in the Digby area? Thanks

Terry Thwaites September 19, 2016

In Advocate Harbour on Oct. 2nd and Annapolis Royal area for a few days after. Had hoped to go whale watching but based on comments over the last couple of years it appears we are too late, as we are with trying to see puffins. Can you confirm whether we are wasting our money to find them? Thanks

Chad Fogle February 6, 2016

We would like to do a whale tour in late April. Are there tours available during that time frame? Chad TX, USA

Emma noka September 24, 2015

Um…..can you see whales from the shore?

Bay of Fundy September 24, 2015

Sometimes, but don’t count on it. You’ll be able to get a much better and closer look from a boat.

Kimberley July 21, 2015

Hi, I’d like to go whale watching with my husband and 2 boys but am unsure how to book the trip and how much it will cost. Thank you

nancy July 8, 2015

is end of july a good time to see whales?

We are heading our to new Brunswick at the end of July, is this a good time to see whales???

nina July 4, 2015

we will be cruising into st john on august 26th of this year. where is the best place to go for a whale watching tour that is not going to take up all of our time while docked? we are going to be docked from 9am until 7pm. thanks

Sandy Wichman May 25, 2015

We will be visiting in the Fall. Do you provide brochures? How cold is it around Oct. 1st?

Bay of Fundy June 18, 2015

Highs are typically around 10 to 15 degrees celsius at that time of year. The lows are roughly around 0 (there could be some light frost during the nights). You can get free brochures through either New Brunswick Tourism or Nova Scotia Tourism. I also highly recommend the Atlantic Canada travel guide from Lonely Planet (you can find it somewhere in the right sidebar on this page).

jeff September 29, 2014

I am coming in October 7th.

Can you tell me if there are any tour companies going out on this day?

Bay of Fundy October 5, 2014

Most likely, whale watching typically runs until middle or late October. I am not sure what area you’ll be in though so your best bet is to contact a few local tour providers directly. You can find a list here: https://www.bayoffundy.com/places/type/whale-watching/

Sara August 9, 2014

We’re going to the Bay of Fundy and Prospect Bay, NS. Where in these areas would there be a good place to go whale watching?

Bay of Fundy August 20, 2014

You can definitely find whale watching tours in both Halifax and Lunenburg. Neither one would go to the Bay of Fundy, but there’s plenty of whales to be seen off the east coast of Nova Scotia as well.

Carol Brooks September 26, 2013

Hi do you know if there is a NB Provincial Park fee where we can visit different parks in a 3 day or week time limit. instead of paying individually. I await your reply

Bay of Fundy September 28, 2013

I am honestly not sure. I would recommend you contact NB Parks directly (contact information on https://parcsnbparks.ca/ReservationService.aspx ). If you do find out there’s a deal like that, I’d be very interested to hear back.

Trine July 10, 2012

We are in Prince Edward Island, where would the closest Whale watching tours be from here?

Bay of Fundy July 10, 2012

In St. Andrews, NB. See https://www.bayoffundy.com/places/area/st-andrews/type/whale-watching/ . Digby, NS would also be a good choice, but is a little further away.

Dave Zarankin April 29, 2012

I am curious what the average whale watching tour would cost for a family of four. A general range will do. Are there any based in the Amherst NS area. Thanks in advance. DZ

Bay of Fundy April 29, 2012

The rates vary, but you should expect to pay around $50 or $55 for an adult and maybe around $35 for youth. Some companies will offer family discounts as well.

The whales reside in the southern part of the bay, so unfortunately there aren’t any whale watching companies near Amherst. The closest whale watching tours for you would be out of St. Andrews, NB (about a 4 hour trip) or Digby, NS (4.5 hours).

Peggy Famakinde August 7, 2011

Could you please notify me by email regarding Whale Watching. I am in Truro, NS and would like to do this today, August 7 if that is possible. Please give me a street address so that I may find your location.

Bay of Fundy August 8, 2011

We don’t actually offer whale watching tours ourselves, nor are there any good whale watching opportunities near Truro. You’ll have to drive south towards Brier Island, NS or to Saint Andrews or Grand Manan in New Brunswick.

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Orca brothers ‘Indy and Amir’ delight Puget Sound whale watchers

Jun 18, 2024, 8:00 AM

In recent years, one of the most interesting families for whale watching is the West Coast Bigg's orcas' T65A pod. (Photo: Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express)

(Photo: Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express)

BY MYNORTHWEST STAFF

MyNorthwest.com

In recent years, one of the most interesting families of West Coast Bigg’s orcas for local whale watching is the T65A pod. These killer whales spend considerable time in the Salish Sea hunting marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and harbor porpoises.

This year and in recent years, two brothers — Indy T65A5 (10 years old) and Amir T65A3 (17 years old) — have been traveling separately from the rest of their family. They’ve buddied up and have been cruising Puget Sound together for the last couple of weeks.

“It’s been fun to see these brothers in action,” Puget Sound Express naturalist Bart Rulon said. “The brothers have gone back and forth between getting together with the T99pod a few times and then splitting off on their own again.”

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On Mother’s Day, the duo got whale watchers’ pulses racing as they pursued two of the Sounder gray whales (2557 and 2259) that are in Puget Sound feeding along their migration to Alaska.

“The gray whales fended them off, but it was an exciting moment for sure,” Rulon said.

At some point, the brothers will rejoin their family — which is one of the only groups of Bigg’s orcas to venture down Hood Canal.

Over the past 10 years, the population of Bigg’s orcas has grown significantly.

According to the Orca Behavior Institute , each year more than 200 individuals visit the Salish Sea. On certain days this past April, more than 50 individuals were confirmed present, and over the course of the month, whale watchers were able to document the presence of at least 110 different members of the population.

The Puget Sound Express currently offers tours to see orcas, humpbacks, gray whales and more. The half-day whale watching tours run until December 31. Visitors can expect a four to five-hour day with a wrap-around deck and available boxed lunches. To book a tour, visit Puget Sound Express’ website .

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Whale-watching excursions off Rio de Janeiro's coast begin captivating tourists

Brazil whale watching tour.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Famous for its beaches and vibrant parties in the Southern Hemisphere's summer, Rio de Janeiro now has an attraction for winter: humpback whales.

The tourism agency of Niteroi, Rio's sister city across the Guanabara Bay, on Thursday launched a whale-watching program that enables tourists to closely observe the mammoth mammals.

Between June and November, humpback whales migrate to Brazilian waters to breed. Around 25,000 humpback whales make a 2,500-mile (4,000-kilometer) journey from feeding areas in Antarctica to northeast Brazil. Most concentrate in the Abrolhos region, an area of coral reefs off the coast of Bahia and Espirito Santo states known for featuring the greatest marine biodiversity in the South Atlantic.

The whale-watching program is a joint initiative by the municipality of Niteroi and researchers from conservation initiative Amigos da Jubarte (Friends of the Humpback Whale), which also conducts scientific research during the tours.

“Tourism can be a tool for the protection of species,” André Bento, president of Niteroi's tourism agency, told The Associated Press on an outing on Thursday. “I don’t think anyone who gets on this boat comes off the same way, right?"

That's certainly true for Romina Gomes, a 49-year-old doctor from Rio, who was left awestruck after spotting five whales and four dolphins.

“Captivating, passionate, enchanting,” she said. ”I couldn't have predicted such wonder, such beauty. The magnitude, the grace of a 40-ton animal that moves and dances with such lightness."

As for the dolphins, they swam deftly alongside her boat and played in its wake.

The expedition set off from the Niteroi Yacht Club, and new boarding locations may be used as whale-watching tourism develops, said Thiago Ferrari, Amigos da Jubarte's director. Researchers have spotted, on average, five whales per cruise, he said.

“Besides that, we have spotted different species of dolphins, turtles and numerous seabird species,” Ferrari added, saying that success depends on wind and sea conditions.

Each trip lasts about six hours, costing 550 Brazilian reais ($100) on weekdays and 600 reais on weekends. The guides follow federal environmental regulations that require vessels to stay at least 100 meters (328 feet ) from the whales, and for a maximum of 30 minutes. That time limit is halved if a calf is present.

“This period is sensitive, and these norms are important not just for the animals, but also for us, for our safety,” said Luan Amaral, a 27-year-old researcher on the project.

Gabriela Sá Pessoa reported from Sao Paulo.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

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Whale-Watching Excursions off Rio De Janeiro's Coast Begin Captivating Tourists

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beaches and vibrant parties in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer

Whale-Watching Excursions off Rio De Janeiro's Coast Begin Captivating Tourists

Silvia Izquierdo

A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, Thursday, June 20, 2024. The whale-watching season has begun for tourists taking part in expeditions to get close to the humpback whales coming from Antarctica in search of warm waters to breed and have their babies. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Famous for its beaches and vibrant parties in the Southern Hemisphere's summer, Rio de Janeiro now has an attraction for winter: humpback whales.

The tourism agency of Niteroi, Rio's sister city across the Guanabara Bay, on Thursday launched a whale-watching program that enables tourists to closely observe the mammoth mammals.

Between June and November, humpback whales migrate to Brazilian waters to breed. Around 25,000 humpback whales make a 2,500-mile (4,000-kilometer) journey from feeding areas in Antarctica to northeast Brazil. Most concentrate in the Abrolhos region, an area of coral reefs off the coast of Bahia and Espirito Santo states known for featuring the greatest marine biodiversity in the South Atlantic.

The whale-watching program is a joint initiative by the municipality of Niteroi and researchers from conservation initiative Amigos da Jubarte (Friends of the Humpback Whale), which also conducts scientific research during the tours.

“Tourism can be a tool for the protection of species,” André Bento, president of Niteroi's tourism agency, told The Associated Press on an outing on Thursday. “I don’t think anyone who gets on this boat comes off the same way, right?"

That's certainly true for Romina Gomes, a 49-year-old doctor from Rio, who was left awestruck after spotting five whales and four dolphins.

“Captivating, passionate, enchanting,” she said. ”I couldn't have predicted such wonder, such beauty. The magnitude, the grace of a 40-ton animal that moves and dances with such lightness."

As for the dolphins, they swam deftly alongside her boat and played in its wake.

The expedition set off from the Niteroi Yacht Club, and new boarding locations may be used as whale-watching tourism develops, said Thiago Ferrari, Amigos da Jubarte's director. Researchers have spotted, on average, five whales per cruise, he said.

“Besides that, we have spotted different species of dolphins, turtles and numerous seabird species,” Ferrari added, saying that success depends on wind and sea conditions.

Each trip lasts about six hours, costing 550 Brazilian reais ($100) on weekdays and 600 reais on weekends. The guides follow federal environmental regulations that require vessels to stay at least 100 meters (328 feet ) from the whales, and for a maximum of 30 minutes. That time limit is halved if a calf is present.

“This period is sensitive, and these norms are important not just for the animals, but also for us, for our safety,” said Luan Amaral, a 27-year-old researcher on the project.

Gabriela Sá Pessoa reported from Sao Paulo.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Photos You Should See - June 2024

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A disturbing new problem is sweeping American schools: Students are using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of their classmates and then share them without the person depicted even knowing.

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Natasha Singer , a reporter covering technology, business and society for The New York Times.

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Using artificial intelligence, middle and high school students have fabricated explicit images of female classmates and shared the doctored pictures.

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Whale-watching excursions off Rio de Janeiro's coast begin captivating tourists

Gabriela Sá Pessoa And Diarlei Rodrigues

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, Thursday, June 20, 2024. The whale-watching season has begun for tourists taking part in expeditions to get close to the humpback whales coming from Antarctica in search of warm waters to breed and have their babies. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

RIO DE JANEIRO – Famous for its beaches and vibrant parties in the Southern Hemisphere's summer, Rio de Janeiro now has an attraction for winter: humpback whales.

The tourism agency of Niteroi, Rio's sister city across the Guanabara Bay, on Thursday launched a whale-watching program that enables tourists to closely observe the mammoth mammals.

Recommended Videos

Between June and November, humpback whales migrate to Brazilian waters to breed. Around 25,000 humpback whales make a 2,500-mile (4,000-kilometer) journey from feeding areas in Antarctica to northeast Brazil. Most concentrate in the Abrolhos region, an area of coral reefs off the coast of Bahia and Espirito Santo states known for featuring the greatest marine biodiversity in the South Atlantic.

The whale-watching program is a joint initiative by the municipality of Niteroi and researchers from conservation initiative Amigos da Jubarte (Friends of the Humpback Whale), which also conducts scientific research during the tours.

“Tourism can be a tool for the protection of species,” André Bento, president of Niteroi's tourism agency, told The Associated Press on an outing on Thursday. “I don’t think anyone who gets on this boat comes off the same way, right?"

That's certainly true for Romina Gomes, a 49-year-old doctor from Rio, who was left awestruck after spotting five whales and four dolphins.

“Captivating, passionate, enchanting,” she said. ”I couldn't have predicted such wonder, such beauty. The magnitude, the grace of a 40-ton animal that moves and dances with such lightness."

As for the dolphins, they swam deftly alongside her boat and played in its wake.

The expedition set off from the Niteroi Yacht Club, and new boarding locations may be used as whale-watching tourism develops, said Thiago Ferrari, Amigos da Jubarte's director. Researchers have spotted, on average, five whales per cruise, he said.

“Besides that, we have spotted different species of dolphins, turtles and numerous seabird species,” Ferrari added, saying that success depends on wind and sea conditions.

Each trip lasts about six hours, costing 550 Brazilian reais ($100) on weekdays and 600 reais on weekends. The guides follow federal environmental regulations that require vessels to stay at least 100 meters (328 feet ) from the whales, and for a maximum of 30 minutes. That time limit is halved if a calf is present.

“This period is sensitive, and these norms are important not just for the animals, but also for us, for our safety,” said Luan Amaral, a 27-year-old researcher on the project.

Gabriela Sá Pessoa reported from Sao Paulo.

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.