The World’s Greatest Whale Watching Destinations To Add To Your Bucket List

The world is filled with some incredible destinations for whale watching. Very few things are as spectacular, invigorating, and thrilling as seeing the largest mammal on the planet rise to the ocean’s surface. Seeing majestic whales in the wild, is a million times better than visiting any zoo, aquarium, or theme park. For travelers looking to experience this opportunity firsthand, there are tons of amazing spots to consider. Since whale watching adventures can be a hit or miss, you’ll want to know exactly want to know exactly where to go. This way, you can maximize your chances of seeing these massive creatures in the wild. To help you plan your next adventure, check out the world’s greatest whale watching destinations to add to your bucket list.

Seward, Alaska

Located right on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward, AK is one of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations. Seward itself is just about two hours away from Anchorage, making it an ideal destination for visiting the city. You can take a few iconic cruises into the Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as Resurrection Bay. In addition to orca, minke, and gray whales, these tours provide the opportunity to see plenty of additional wildlife. This includes sea otters, seals, mountain goats, and bald eagles. Certainly, Seward AK is one of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations to add to your bucket list.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a widely-known East Coast vacation spot, but it’s also an amazing whale watching destination as well. The Gulf of Maine is a perfect habitat for finbacks, humpbacks, and minkes. This is because it’s filled with everything whales love to eat, like krill, fish, and squid. Head over to Acadia National Park with your binoculars to see beautiful whales in action. It’s a great vacation idea for families with teenagers. The best time of year is between the months of April to October. This way, you’ll maximize your chances of seeing something great. Definitely, Bar Harbor is the perfect whale watching vacation destination to throw on your travel itinerary.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is one of Hawaii’s most famous and widely known travel destinations. However, it’s a little known fact that it is also the perfect location for whale watching vacations. In the winter months, you’ll see whales as long as fifty feet long throughout the Hawaiian waters. This is right when they’re starting their yearly migration throughout the Pacific. During these months, there is plenty of whale watching excursions available. At the same time, you may be able to catch a glimpse just by looking out at the sea. Indeed, plan a trip to Maui to experience iconic whale watching destinations in the warm sun.

Monterey, California

Monterey CA is widely known for its iconic coastline, along with its spectacular whale watching opportunities. Since feeding and migrating seasons nearly overlap, there’s a great chance to see whales here year-round. However, March through November is often considered to be the actual peak season by experts in the area. If you’re interested, there’s plenty of sightseeing tours you can take in the area. If you are a value traveler looking to save money, you can always head over to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve or Carmel-By-The-Sea. Surely, check out Monterey is a great California beach town for some unmatched whale watching opportunities.

San Juan Islands, Washington

With the largest one of the San Juan Islands being nickname “Orcas Island,” you already know it’s one of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations. This is the perfect place if you’re looking to see those magnificent black-and-white whales. There’s also plenty of other whale species here (as long as you’re willing to search hard enough). Even if you don’t see any whales, you’re bound to see plenty of otters, seals, and sea lions – all which flourish in the San Juan Islands. Absolutely, the San Juan Islands are some of the best destinations for whale watching in the world.

The world is filled with some amazing whale watching destinations, that need to be on your personal bucket list. First off, there’s some amazing whale watching cruising, tours, and opportunities in Seward Alaska. If you’re located on the Northeast instead, head up to Acadia National Park to see some majestic whales in Maine. You’ll also want to think about booking your next vacation to Maui, HI or the San Juan Islands in Washington. Monterey is another amazing coastal town with tons of opportunities for whale watching. If you’d rather stick to traveling on land, check out these best things to do in Denver Colorado. Follow the points highlighted above the world’s greatest whale watching destinations to add to your bucket list.