Beginner’s Guide to Whale Watching: When & Where to See Orca, Humpback, Gray & Blue Whales
Curated By
Jonna Robertson
Curator’s statement
Whale watching is one of my passions—I’ve spent years traveling the globe for these incredible experiences. What makes it so special is also what makes it complex: timing and location matter. Gray whales migrate thousands of miles, orcas follow seasonal runs, and belugas and humpbacks appear only when the conditions align. You have to be in the right place at the right time. The moment a whale breaches beside your boat is pure magic.
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Where to stay for a whale watching trip
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The best spots for a whale watching trip
Gray whale migration in Baja California
Every winter, gray whales return to the lagoons of Baja to give birth. These sheltered waters offer close encounters, sometimes even with curious calves swimming right up to the boats.
Meet the resident & transient orcas of the San Juan Islands
Just a short trip from Seattle or Vancouver, the San Juan Islands are one of the best places to see orcas between May and September. Resident pods chase salmon through these waters, and transient pods sometimes pass through hunting seals.
Orca safaris in Norway
In Tromsø, orcas gather to feast on herring in the dark Arctic winter. Some tours pair whale watching with Northern Lights viewing, for two unforgettable natural wonders in one trip.
Belugas by the thousands
Every year in July and August, thousands of belugas migrate into the Churchill River. Travelers can kayak or even snorkel among these playful, curious whales.
Silver Bank humpback expeditions in the Dominican Republic
One of the rare places in the world where you can swim alongside humpbacks in their calving grounds. A true once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Blue whale migrations
In summer, Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands become prime blue whale territory. For spring sightings, the Azores are one of the best bets for catching these giants mid-migration.
Places to eat & drink for a whale watching trip
San Juan Island Brewing Co.
San Juan Island Brewing Co., (Friday Harbor, WA)
Award-winning locally brewed beers and wood-fired pizzas, just a short walk from the harbor—perfect after a day on the water.
Fiskmarkaðurinn (Fish Market, Reykjavik)
Modern Icelandic seafood restaurant, ideal after a day of whale watching.
Brasserie Ulo (Ilulissat, Greenland)
Greenlandic cuisine overlooking Disko Bay.
Gypsy’s Bakery (Churchill, Manitoba)
Beloved local spot for a warm meal before or after your adventure.
La Yola (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
Caribbean seafood with ocean views, a relaxing end to a thrilling expedition day.
Need to know
Whale watching is best when it’s part of a seamless trip. I can help with pre- and post-tour hotels, transfers, and extensions—whether that means exploring Reykjavík before heading out for humpbacks, or adding a luxury Baja stay before your gray whale expedition. Migration seasons shift slightly year to year, so working with an advisor ensures you’re in the right place at the right time.
Travel Advisor
Jonna Robertson
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