Experiencing the wonders of observing Earth’s largest mammals free in their natural habitat must appear on everyone life’s to-do list. From Europe to America and Australia, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, whales are everywhere and represent the testament to Mother Nature’s grandeur. Being humbled by the presence of such gentle giants can even change your perspective on life. The best time to visit them is now, and we are here to help you with the „where“.
1. The Amazing Atlantic Azores
Azore islands represent the jewels of Portugal. Located offshore from the mainland, it offers pristine, untouched, and wild experiences for all whale watching enthusiasts. The World Cetacean Alliance has approved many certified whale-watching tours in the area, which guarantees you a trip of your lifetime. Giant blue whales and orcas can be seen frolicking about the islands.
Technically you can visit here any time during the year, but we recommend booking a trip from April thru September. You want to maximise your chances during the migration season because, in that period, the whales are passing thru and around the islands in droves. Besides the blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth, you will also see sperm and fin whales. To play with words a little, you will also spot the sperm whale in the area, but they are a bit rare.
2. The Whale-Watching Capital of New Zealand
The South Island of New Zealand, namely the Kaikoura, is known worldwide for being named the Whale-Watching Capital of New Zealand. Why? Because of the massive amounts of sperm whales that can be seen at any time during the year. While the Azores have a somewhat limited sighting of sperm whales, the Kaikoura feature them in abundance. One interesting tidbit of trivia is that the famous Moby Dick was inspired by the famous Mocha Dick sperm whale who lived in these waters.
The famous book drew inspiration from these sensational waters, and you will find your adventure in them the moment you set sail! New Zealand’s nature is preserved and wild, extending to its marine life in Kaikoura. While you can catch sight of sperm whales all year long, we suggest coming in June and July, as that’s the peak of the season. On the side, you can also catch a rare sighting of blue and southern right whales, who also make pit-stops in the region.
3. Whale-packed Bremer Bay
Orcas, Blue Whales and Humpback whales all make their home, vacation and stop at Bremer Bay in Western Australia. Fifty thousand humpback whales make their trip around Bremer Bay during the winter months, from November to February. The humpback whales bring their young into the world in Bremer Bay. Watching the miracle of life happen as mother Humpback whales give birth to their young in the endless ocean-hugging Australia will give you a lifelong memory.
Joining certified and professional whale-watching tours in the region will make sure you don’t miss a single step of this glorious event. The migration takes them to Antarctica, where they feed and return during fall. In the meantime, you can feast your eyes on Blue Whales, an endangered species, but the specialists and organisations in Bremer Bay are doing all they can to lift them from that status. Any tourist contribution also helps along the way.
Combining your natural curiosity and adventurous spirit with humanitarian work in preserving the blue whales is a noble cause. When you see the largest mammal on Earth with your eyes, you will realise the importance of such actions.
4. Astounding Antarctica
Migrations from Portugal to Western Australia and New Zealand don’t quite capture the magnificence of whales. Such places offer you a chance to observe all species of whales on the move, but Antarctica is their home. The Antarctic Ocean is home to all sorts of whales, like killer whales, humpbacks, sperm, dotted, minke, and the biggest whales on Earth, the blue whales. Antarctica may sound like a harsh and extremely cold place, but if you visit during February and March, you will be pleasantly surprised.
All sorts of whale species are native and common in Antarctica. Watching the splendour of whales as they move freely in their natural habitat while you are in presence of immense glaciers will let you know just how small we are in the grand scheme of Earth. Whales, as a whole species, represent the majesty of nature’s potential, and when they reach Antarctica, they can show you their true potential. One that you must capture with your camera and cherish for a lifetime.
5. Incredible Island
Since we are on the topic of cold places and whales, Island has the best of both worlds and vulcanos! If that triumvirate does not sound like a perfect adventure, you need to rethink your life goals! From May thru September, you can observe blue, spot, humpback and sperm whales splashing around the cold waters of the Island. When you book your tour, make sure it’s a night one, because you will bathe in the Northern Lights, waves from incredible whales and the pure awesomeness of such sights. Seeing a whale leaping into the air while an Aurora Borealis is above will leave you breathless and humbled for a lifetime.
Water covers around eight per cent of Earth’s surface. And in those waters live incredible creatures, whose sheer magnitude, grace and splendour are unmatched. In their presence, we can only stand in shock and awe. Because we are sharing the same planet, we should try our best to preserve and help these gentle giants. The sooner you visit them, the sooner your life perspective will change.