where can i see whales in the wild

In the southern hemisphere, whales can be found all the way down to Antarctica. Your best chance of spotting them are off Chile, on Sri Lanka and on the Maldives. Populations in the North Indian Sea usually remain true to their location.

Full Answer

Where are most whales seen?

The best destinations in the world for whale watchingBaja California Sur, Mexico. ... Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. ... Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada. ... St Lawrence Marine Park, Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. ... St. ... Mirissa, Sri Lanka. ... Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand. ... North Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA.More items...

Where can I see a real whale?

The world's 12 best locations for whale watchingVancouver Island, Canada. Which whales? Orca, grey, humpback, minke. ... Québec, Canada. Which whales? ... Iceland. Which whales? ... Dominica. Which whales? ... Baja California, Mexico. Which whales? ... Colombia. Which whales? ... Scotland. Which whales? ... Azores. Which whales?More items...•

Where can I see whales in the UK?

The best places to see whales in BritainWhitby, North Yorkshire. ... North Shields, Northumberland. ... South West Coast Path, Devon. ... Tiumpan Head, Outer Hebrides. ... Small Isles, Inner Hebrides.

Where is the best place to see wild orcas?

Awesome orcas: 9 great spots to see killer whales in the wildAntarctica. Orca in Antarctica (Shutterstock) ... Peninsula Valdes, Argentina. Orca on the hunt in Peninsula Valdes, Patagonia, Argentina (Shutterstock) ... Iceland. ... Norway. ... Bremer Bay, Australia. ... Alaska, USA. ... San Juan Island, USA. ... Auckland, New Zealand.More items...•

What time are whales most active?

Whales are never diurnal, but they can be crepuscular. This means they are most active during twilight hours which are both before sunrise and after sunset.

How rare is it to see a blue whale?

Blue whales are the largest animal ever to live on our planet, and at nearly 90 feet long they shouldn't be too hard to spot! However, these solitary marine mammals are classed as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List, and with only a few thousand left in the ocean knowing where to look for them is key.

Are there any orcas in the UK?

However, the UK's resident orca community consists of just eight individuals, four males and four females, which means seeing them is rare! Known as the 'west coast community' this resident group of orcas arrive in Northern Scotland in early summer to feast on fish.

Can you see orcas in the UK?

Orcas have been recorded all around the British waters, but they are most common in the west and north of Scotland and the northern section of the North Sea. The Shetland Islands are an orca hotspot with sightings possible year-round.

Are there whales around UK?

Around 28 different species of whales and dolphins have been seen around the UK coastline.

Where is the best place in the world to see whales?

Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The place with the highest year round whale sightings success percentage at over 95% success rate is the waters surrounding the city of Victoria on the southern end of Vancouver Island, Canada.

Can you swim with orcas in the wild?

Is it safe to swim or dive with Orcas? Yes, however, you have to be very cautious, because they are still wild animals and need attention all the time. Orcas owe their name “killer whale” to the early whalers Because they apparently attacked and killed all other animals, even the largest whales.

Are killer whales friendly?

Orcas are friendly animals, and they do not pose an active threat to humans; in fact, they seem to enjoy human interaction. However, orcas are still large wild animals, and they can hurt a person accidentally. So despite their friendly personalities, it is advised not to approach orcas.

Where is the best place to see whales?

Top Whale-Watching DestinationsSanta Barbara, California. ... Monterey Bay, California. ... Kodiak Island, Alaska. ... San Juan Islands, Washington. ... Vancouver Island, British Columbia. ... Virginia Beach. ... Long Island, New York. ... Cape May, New Jersey.More items...

Where is the best place in the world to see whales?

Victoria, Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The place with the highest year round whale sightings success percentage at over 95% success rate is the waters surrounding the city of Victoria on the southern end of Vancouver Island, Canada.

Where can you see whales in America?

8 of the best locations for whale watching in the USJuneau, Alaska. Flickr/Andrei Taranchenko. ... Monterey, California. Flickr/Henry Litwiler. ... Newport Beach, California. Flickr/Ian D. ... Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Flickr/m01229. ... Maui, Hawaii. Flickr/Hawaii Savvy. ... San Juan Islands, Washington. ... San Diego, California. ... Bar Harbor, Maine.

Are there whales in Florida?

The coastal waters off Florida and Georgia are the only known calving area for North Atlantic right whales and these waters have been designated as right whale critical habitat by NOAA Fisheries. Right whales are typically sighted off Florida between November and April.

Most common places to see beluga whales in the Wild

When not appearing on live camera feeds, beluga whales are most commonly found in Arctic regions. Adventurers who visit northern Canada, Greenland, and Norway’s Svalbard archipelago are in prime locations to see belugas swimming and playing in their natural habitats.

When is the best time of year to see beluga whales in the wild?

Summertime is prime time for whale watching. This is the time of year when whales, especially belugas, will migrate away from the center of the Arctic Circle and navigate towards sub-Arctic regions on the cusp of the northern ocean.

Interesting facts about beluga whales in the wild

One of the most interesting facts about beluga whales is that they’re very social creatures. Unlike orcas or pilot whales, which largely restrict social interaction to members of their own pods, beluga whales are known to interact with different classes of whales, mammals, and other wildlife that swim through the ocean.

How can you see beluga whales in the wild?

One of our experienced expedition leaders led a team of explorers through the Canadian Arctic to explore the fabled northwest passage that once transfixed European adventurers. During this voyage, these adventurers witnessed dozens of beluga whales swimming near the shorelines and they hopped aboard Zodiac vessels to view the pods of whales.

Arctic wildlife cruise

Of course, beluga aren't the only whale species guests get to observe in the wild on voyages with Quark Expeditions. In this photo, guests enjoy an amazing experience with a humpback whale in the Arctic. Photo: Acacia Johnson

Where to see whales from shore?

And if you’re a confirmed landlubber? “One of the best places in the world to see whales from shore, because they come in close on the west side of the islands, is Lime Kiln Point State Park ,” said Barbara Marrett of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. It’s also nicknamed Whale Watch Park.

When is the best time to see whales in Monterey?

(Nancy Black / Monterey Bay Whalewatch) Monterey Bay also has transient mammal-hunting orcas. The best times to see them are mid-April to mid-May, when they ambush and kill baby gray whales on their northern journey. They’ve also been turning up in October, Spencer said.

Where to see orcas in summer?

Summer is the best time to see orcas in the southern Georgia Strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland, just west of the San Juan Islands.

Where do orcas come from?

The orcas, which have been seen more frequently in Southern California in the last four years, may be transients from Monterey Bay or they may be eastern tropical Pacifics, which come up from Mexico.

When is the best time to go whale watching in San Juan?

The best time to go is late May through mid-October. There are lots of whale-watching outfitters in the San Juan Islands, which also are part of a national monument. Advertisement. But if you want an almost guaranteed sighting, go by power boat.

Do orcas eat fish?

You’ll also find fish-eating resident orcas too.

Is Alaska Whale Tours a good resource?

Alaska Whale Tours is a good resource for specifics on when and where to go.

Where do orcas live?

The San Juan Islands of Washington State in the USA are home to many resident orcas. These killer whales stay in the area year-round, which means you’ve always got a chance of a sighting. However, they tend to be more active in the summer months.

What is the killer whale known for?

The killer whales of this region are legendary. Known for their ruthless hunting technique of aquaplaning through the shallows and snatching seal pups from the land , this is the only place on Earth you can witness this stunning hunting behaviour. During October and November, as seals give birth, this practice is common and easily witnessed in the right place.

Do killer whales hunt in pods?

Thanks to their massive range of travel and predictable hunting patterns, it’s very easy to know where killer whales will be, which means finding and seeing a wild killer whale is really not difficult if you know where to look.

Where to see killer whales in Olympic National Park?

The best places to see Olympic National Park killer whales are Shi Shi Beach, Rialto Beach, La Push, Kalaloch and South Beach. Spend some time there and you might just catch a glimpse of their majestic dorsal fins cutting through the water.

Where do killer whales hunt?

These pods of transient killer whales travel throughout the West Coast’s and Pacific Northwest’s waters and are famous for their mammal hunting sprees.

How far do transient orcas travel?

Transient orcas: With a much larger and less predictable travel pattern than residents, transient orcas range across at least 1,500 miles. Also known as Bigg’s orcas, these roaming killer whales feed primarily on marine mammals, such as sea lions, seals and smaller whales, sticking together in smaller family groups.

What are the different types of orcas?

Which Types of Orcas Can You See in National Parks? 1 Resident orcas: Split up in northern resident and southern resident groups in the Pacific Northwest, these orcas stay in the same general region throughout the year and return to the same feeding grounds every year. The orca type with the smallest range (at least 800 miles), they live in tight, large family units and mainly eat fish—they especially love salmon. 2 Transient orcas: With a much larger and less predictable travel pattern than residents, transient orcas range across at least 1,500 miles. Also known as Bigg’s orcas, these roaming killer whales feed primarily on marine mammals, such as sea lions, seals and smaller whales, sticking together in smaller family groups. They are famous for their hunting skills, group tactics and dramatic chases. 3 Offshore orcas: Typically living in the open ocean, groups of offshore orcas do occasionally turn up near coasts—they are sometimes seen in Kenai Fjords National Park in summer, for example, as well as very sporadically in the Salish Sea. Not much is known about the diet and behavior of offshore orcas, but some pods are known to feed on baleen whales, other marine mammals and even sharks.

What are the animals that live in the Channel Islands?

In total, over 25 species of whales can be spotted around the Channel Islands, including blue whales, minke whales and killer whales or orcas.

What is the largest dolphin in the world?

Also known as killer whales and sometimes blackfish, orcas ( Orcinus orca) are the largest dolphin species—incorrectly called “whales” because they’re so big—and one of the world’s most widespread marine animals. They live in every ocean on the planet, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

How to tell if an orcas is a baleen whale?

Additionally, you can also distinguish orcas by their blows, which are lower and less dense than those of baleen whales. Of course, there’s the black-and-white color pattern of orcas.

Where to see killer whales in Vancouver?

Enjoy a no-stress international getaway on Vancouver Island, which is a quick flight or ferry ride from Seattle. From April through October, this large island buzzes with visitors in town to see killer whales. Victoria makes a great home base; from here, you can select whale-watching tours from companies including SpringTide and Orca Spirit. If you’re concerned about sustainability, check out Eagle Wing Whale and Wildlife Tours, which is dedicated to conservation and protection. To get off the beaten path, head north to Telegraph Cove, where North Island Kayak provides paddle trips to see orcas in the wild. Off the water, Vancouver Island is packed with family friendly attractions, such as the Butchart Gardens, Mount Washington Alpine Resort, and the lovely Craigdarroch Castle.

Where to see killer whales in Prince William Sound?

From there, you can hop on the Orca Quest Cruise with Major Marine Tours. As the captain navigates to local orca hot spots, you can learn about local wildlife from expert naturalists and listen to the whale calls on the boat’s hydrophone. If you’re staying near Eshamy Bay or Whittier, check out a whale-watching tour with Prince William Sound Adventures. The captains frequently shut down the boat engines, so you can watch the whales in peace; you might even see an orca swim right up to the silent boat to investigate. After your tour, explore the ice caves on Byron Glacier, hike to Horsetail Falls, or marvel at huge schools of spawning salmon from the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform.

Where to see orcas in Alaska?

If sightseeing is high on your list, it’s hard to beat the Glacier Bay area. Stay in Gustavus for easy access to tours with The Taz, which offers the chance to see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and porpoises. From September through May, the boat is also permitted to enter Glacier Bay; alternatively, you can see the glacier aboard the National Park Service boat from nearby Bartlett Cove. For a truly thrilling experience, book vacation rentals in Ketchikan and head out for a kayak tour of Orcas Cove with Southeast Sea Kayaks. Here, you can get close to the enormous animals, and if you’re lucky, see one pass right next to your boat.

Where to see orcas in Washington?

The San Juan Islands off the coast of northwestern Washington are known for being one of the best places to see orcas in the wild. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Seattle to Anacortes, then a short ferry ride across the sound to Friday Harbor, where many whale-watching outfitters leave on daily excursions. There are also whale-watching tours that ...

Where to see orcas in Glacier Bay?

On whale-watching tours in late summer, it’s possible to spot orcas, along with humpback whales, in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point.

When can you see orcas in Seward?

If you make your way to Seward, don’t miss out on a day trip to Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see orcas in the wild. From mid-May through mid-June, both resident orca pods and transients frequent the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park’s Resurrection Bay, gliding by in search of food with their prominent dorsal fin announcing their presence.

Where do orcas live in Seattle?

Seattle is known for its resident orcas living in pods that operate as family units, feeding on salmon, and staying in Puget Sound and nearby coastal waters.

When do orcas cut through the icebergs?

From December to March, it’s possible to see orcas cutting through the waves of the Beagle Channel or crashing into icebergs near Ushuaia to force unsuspecting sea lions and penguins to fall into the water as prey.

When do orcas come to Auckland?

In Auckland, a pod of resident orcas can be seen from December to March. In Wellington, pods of orcas are found in Wellington Harbor throughout spring and summer, looking for other food sources.

Where to watch orcas in Georgia?

In late summer, watch for transient orcas in the Strait of Georgia waters, around the Gulf Islands, and the San Juan Islands.

Where to see whales in summer?

Greenland is certainly one of the most impressive places to visit - also from a whale watching point of view. Best places NARWHALS. In Alaska you can meet lots of whales during summer. First and foremost, however, Alaska is bear country. Best places NARWHALS. The east coast is Canada's true whale watching hotspot.

What is the best place to see whales in Canada?

The east coast is Canada's true whale watching hotspot. It also provides great coastal roads and national parks.

What is the difference between a narwhal and a beluga?

Small head with a visible melon, short snout. Compared to the body of the rather shapeless beluga, the narwhal is a lot more streamlined.

How long can a narwhal be seen?

Usually, they can only be seen for a short time before diving for several minutes again. They only stay on the surface for most of the time when migrating. Then, the males occasionally raise their tusk out of the water when breathing. Narwhals are quite inconspicuous at the surface – except for their long tusk.

How long do narwhals stay underwater?

Narwhals can dive to depths of up to 1.500 meters. They usually stay underwater for 7 to 20 minutes.

How many colors are there in whale notes?

For all your thoughts and memories: our beautiful whale NOTES, now available in five great colours!

Where do narwhals meet?

While moving north as far as possible during winter in smaller groups, they meet in spring and summer in larger numbers near the coast, usually in cold, deep bays and straits, as they follow the cracking ice. Their meetings can include hundreds and thousands of animals. Narwhals are usually rather true to their locations and also return to their grounds in spring, if the ice allows it.