10 Places to Go Whale Watching Across the Globe

Traveling to Alaska can almost feel like going to another country, and its wildlife offerings will definitely not disappoint. In addition to the common orca (killer whale) and humpback whales, visitors are also likely to spot seals, bears, and eagles on local wildlife tours. The best time for whale watching in Juneau is April through November, when you'll rarely return from a tour without a sighting of some of the hundreds of humpbacks native to the area.

A two-hour drive from Cape Town, Hermanus, South Africa is recognized as the whale watching capital of the world. Board a boat-based trip and enjoy an unforgettable experience off the Cliff of De Kelders. While you're most likely to see southern right whales during the peak season of August through October, boat trips often also include sightings of great white sharks, cape fur seals, African penguins, and dolphins.

Board a sightseeing boat tour or whale safari on the Faxaflói Bay and capture amazing sightings of the region's famous Eyjafjord humpbacks, as well as dolphins and puffins. Visit Reykjavík during the peak whale watching season of April through October.

When researching what to do when visiting Nova Scotia, you won't be surprised to find that whale watching is touted as a must. The Bay of Fundy is a hot spot for spotting humpback and minke whales, in addition to dolphins, porpoises, and seals. Peak season is May to mid-October.

Though this town is on the small side, Tromsø is known for offering the best whale watching in Norway. Board a catamaran whale safari tour during November through January for a breathtaking journey full of orca, humpback, and sperm whales, as well as puffin and sea bird sightings.

From treasured forests to sparkling glaciers, Patagonia's landscape will strike you as something out of a storybook. Whale watching in Puerto Madryn is no exception. Take a trip anytime between June and mid-December and you're sure to spot the region's amazing southern right whales along the warm waters of the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José.

If you make it down to Baja California, Mexico, whale watching in the San Ignacio Lagoon is an absolute must. Although it's one of three lagoons on the southwest coast that's home to the gray whale, it's the only one that remains unspoiled. Visit from December to April to see these whales in their Winter home.

Hailed as one of North America's best whale watching spots, Vancouver Island is home to orcas, humpbacks, and minkes, just to name a few. There's even a festival to celebrate the migration of the 20,000 Pacific grey whales that make their journey here each year. Although this migration occurs between March and April, the Summer feeding season is also an ideal time to visit.

A popular vacation spot in its own right, Cape Cod is a prime destination to spot whales, in addition to great white sharks and bottlenose dolphins. Visit anytime from April to October to spot the region's humpback, finback, and minke whales.

Board a day-long whale watching tour from Seattle to the San Juan Islands to experience the area's unique ecosystem and wildlife. Spot the region's orcas in transit along with humpback and minke whales, harbor seals, porpoises, and sea lions.