Today, numerous nautical companies include whale watching in their activity portfolios. You'll find a list of the top offers from Spanish companies here.
Boarding a vessel to venture into the open sea and observe marine wildlife is a truly unique experience. Spotting various cetaceans in their natural habitat or sailing alongside whales, orcas or dolphins – it's all possible.
To make the most of this experience, we recommend carefully selecting both location and season. Remember that cetaceans, like most animals, inhabit different areas depending on water conditions and may migrate seasonally.
We present 10 global locations where you're guaranteed success in this adventure – don't miss them. Tell us, which would be your pick?
- Canary Islands
Beyond their temperate tropical climate, diverse landscapes and paradisiacal beaches, the Canaries conceal another marvel beneath their waters. Year-round (though December and January are less ideal), you can observe some of the 29 cetacean species identified in this archipelago. Bottlenose dolphins and short-finned pilot whales frequent coastal areas, while common dolphins, false killer whales, sperm whales and fin whales, among others, venture further out.
- Strait of Gibraltar to Alborán Sea
Where two marine ecosystems converge, a magical combination creates abundant underwater life. The Strait's unpredictable weather means sightings aren't guaranteed, but from March to October you might spot sperm whales, fin whales, dolphins and orcas. Year-round, the Alborán Sea hosts one of the Mediterranean's largest populations of common dolphins.
- Rías Baixas
This peninsula region, famous for canyoning and rafting, also offers excellent marine wildlife tourism. During spring and summer months, bottlenose dolphins and occasional long-finned pilot whales appear. Land-based viewing is possible, but we recommend combining experiences with a boat trip.
- Columbretes Islands
These four volcanic islands off Castellón, besides being a premier diving destination, contain a marine reserve where up to 8 cetacean species have been spotted. Most commonly, bottlenose dolphins share waters with pilot whales and some larger whale species.
- Biscay Coast
Considered among the world's premier whale watching locations. Of 84 known cetacean species, 17 have been recorded here – from bottlenose and common dolphins to Risso's dolphins, pilot whales, and the elusive beaked whale.
- Hermanus (Cape Town)
This remarkable South African town is famed as one of Earth's most spectacular land-based whale watching spots during winter and spring. The coastal geography means you won't even need a boat. While there, consider a rather special dive in Gansbaai... with great white sharks!
- Glacier Bay National Park
This Alaskan nature reserve stretching 105km along the Pacific was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. In spring, grey whales pass through during migration. By summer, you might spot humpbacks or orcas instead – a spectacular destination for a spectacular activity.
- Don't Miss Australia's Whale Season.
Australia's coasts, particularly Byron Bay and Hervey Bay, become humpback whale highways during their tropical migration. Between May and November, coastal areas transform into prime viewing spots for whales and their acrobatics. Queensland, The Gap (South Head), Hervey Bay Marine Park, Great Oyster Bay, Warrnambool and Victor Harbor's cliffs offer front-row seats.
- Argentine Patagonia (Valdés Peninsula, Chubut)
From approximately May to November (peaking September-October), southern right whales – mentioned earlier during migration – arrive at Argentina's coast to mate and calve. Base yourself in Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides for boat excursions to observe whales. Other species here include dusky dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Commerson's dolphins and awe-inspiring orcas.
- Vestvågøy Archipelago (Norway)
For true adventurers, near the Arctic Circle, Nordic landscapes provide breathtaking backdrops for whale encounters. The region's unique character combined with sightings of whale tails breaching the surface creates unforgettable moments.
As mentioned, some locations offer land-based viewing, but we recommend maximising the experience by boarding a vessel to sail alongside these majestic creatures.
There's nothing like witnessing dolphins' acrobatics or whales breaching up close – or feeling the spray from an orca's tail. Extraordinary experiences by any measure.
Whale watching trips range from brief excursions to full-day or multi-day expeditions venturing into deeper waters to spot rarer species.
You might also combine your trip with snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking or other aquatic activities beyond whale watching.
We've revealed some top cetacean-spotting locations, but hundreds more exist. Take the plunge – it's the perfect blend of tourism, relaxation and adventure. And of course, we'd love to hear your stories!
