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 !

These are spots found by AI... I did not observe them from theses spots yet... and you?
Maui, Hawaii, USA
Best Time: December to April
Species: Humpback whales
Notable for their migration to Hawaiian warm waters for breeding and calving.
Monterey Bay, California, USA
Best Time: Year-round (Peak: April to November)
Species: Humpback, gray, and blue whales
Excellent marine ecosystem attracts diverse species.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
Best Time: Mid-April to October
Species: Humpback, minke, and right whales
Choose spots like Race Point Beach for sightings.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Best Time: April to October
Species: Orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, and gray whales
Offers beautiful views of resident orcas.
Punta de Mita, Mexico
Best Time: December to March
Species: Humpback whales
Ideal for watching migrating humpbacks during the winter season.
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.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Best Time: April to September
Species: Humpback, minke, and orcas
Popular destination for whale watching excursions from the capital.
San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
Best Time: May to September
Species: Orcas
Known for its resident pods of orcas along the coast.
Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan
Best Time: June to September
Species: Humpback whales and minke whales
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for diverse wildlife.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
Best Time: June to September
Species: Humpback and minke whales
Visitors often see whales close to the picturesque coastline.
Half Moon Bay, California, USA
Best Time: December to April
Species: Gray whales
Great viewing from the coastal cliffs during migratory seasons.
Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Best Time: December to April
Species: Humpback whales
Migrating through Caribbean seas; good spots for shoreline views.
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.
Portland Head Light, Maine, USA
Best Time: June to October
Species: Humpback whales
Stunning lighthouse views coinciding with whale activity.
La Push, Washington, USA
Best Time: March to October
Species: Gray whales
Offers stunning views from the beaches, particularly during migration.
Mendocino Coast, California, USA
Best Time: December to April
Species: Gray whales
Scenic viewpoints for both whale watching and breathtaking views.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Best Time: December to April
Species: Humpback and gray whales
Known for prolific marine life and seasonal whale migrations.
Svalbard, Norway
Best Time: June to September
Species: Blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas
Stunning Arctic views and rich marine biodiversity.
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.
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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