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20 best spots in the world to see whales from shore according to AI

Writer's picture: Virginie WyssVirginie Wyss

People are often asking me where they can go to see whales.

Here are 20 spots in the world to see them from shore, in my opinion one of the best way to observe them !


Dos d'une baleine à bosse
Dos d'une baleine à bosse

These are spots found by AI... I did not observe them from theses spots yet... and you?


  1. Maui, Hawaii, USA

    • Best Time: December to April

    • Species: Humpback whales

    • Notable for their migration to Hawaiian warm waters for breeding and calving.

  2. Monterey Bay, California, USA

    • Best Time: Year-round (Peak: April to November)

    • Species: Humpback, gray, and blue whales

    • Excellent marine ecosystem attracts diverse species.

  3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

    • Best Time: Mid-April to October

    • Species: Humpback, minke, and right whales

    • Choose spots like Race Point Beach for sightings.

  4. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

    • Best Time: April to October

    • Species: Orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, and gray whales

    • Offers beautiful views of resident orcas.

  5. Punta de Mita, Mexico

    • Best Time: December to March

    • Species: Humpback whales

    • Ideal for watching migrating humpbacks during the winter season.

  6. Kaikoura, New Zealand

    • Best Time: Year-round (Best in winter: June-August)

    • Species: Sperm whales, orcas, and humpbacks

    • Known for sperm whales due to the deep underwater canyons near shore.

  7. Reykjavik, Iceland

    • Best Time: April to September

    • Species: Humpback, minke, and orcas

    • Popular destination for whale watching excursions from the capital.

  8. San Juan Islands, Washington, USA

    • Best Time: May to September

    • Species: Orcas

    • Known for its resident pods of orcas along the coast.

  9. Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan

    • Best Time: June to September

    • Species: Humpback whales and minke whales

    • A UNESCO World Heritage site known for diverse wildlife.

  10. Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

    • Best Time: June to September

    • Species: Humpback and minke whales

    • Visitors often see whales close to the picturesque coastline.

  11. Half Moon Bay, California, USA

    • Best Time: December to April

    • Species: Gray whales

    • Great viewing from the coastal cliffs during migratory seasons.

  12. Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

    • Best Time: December to April

    • Species: Humpback whales

    • Migrating through Caribbean seas; good spots for shoreline views.

  13. Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

    • Best Time: Late July to September

    • Species: Humpback whales (from observation points while kayaking)

    • Although not as common, certain areas may catch migrating whales on the route.

  14. Portland Head Light, Maine, USA

    • Best Time: June to October

    • Species: Humpback whales

    • Stunning lighthouse views coinciding with whale activity.

  15. La Push, Washington, USA

    • Best Time: March to October

    • Species: Gray whales

    • Offers stunning views from the beaches, particularly during migration.

  16. Mendocino Coast, California, USA

    • Best Time: December to April

    • Species: Gray whales

    • Scenic viewpoints for both whale watching and breathtaking views.

  17. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

    • Best Time: December to April

    • Species: Humpback and gray whales

    • Known for prolific marine life and seasonal whale migrations.

  18. Svalbard, Norway

    • Best Time: June to September

    • Species: Blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas

    • Stunning Arctic views and rich marine biodiversity.

  19. Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island, Australia

    • Best Time: May to October

    • Species: Southern right whales and humpback whales

    • Gorgeous coastal views paired with chances of seeing whales.

  20. Falkland Islands

    • Best Time: January to March

    • Species: Southern right whales and orcas

    • Found mostly around the southern reaches, offering dramatic landscapes.


Whale watching from shore provides a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Exact migration timing can vary based on environmental factors, so it’s always a good idea to check local whale monitoring resources before planning your trip!


Please let me know if these locations are accurate as I did not had the chance to experiment the whale migration from there.


For me, Tadoussac and les Escoumains (July August), la Reunion (July,August, September), Hawaii (December, January), Madeira (Mai, June, July) and South Africa are very good spots as well.

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