Is it better to whale watch in the morning or afternoon?

Calm Waters: Mornings often offer relatively calmer waters due to reduced wind activity. This can enhance your whale-watching experience by providing more stability and a smoother ride, allowing for better observation and photography opportunities.



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Whales are generally most active in the morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them. During the morning, whales tend to be more active as they start their day and may feed. As the day progresses and the sun sets, whales become more active as they prepare to rest for the night.

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While most outfits guarantee a 90 percent chance of a spotting a whale, you might consider booking an extra trip if it's at the top of your bucket list. Some companies offer a complimentary outing if your trip ends sans sighting—check out the policy before booking.

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Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. Usually a whale watching tour takes anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours in order to navigate the ocean in search of different whale species.

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More Whale Watching Destinations in the US
  • Malibu CA (Grey Feb-Apr)
  • Myrtle Beach SC (Humpback, Pygmy Sperm, Right, Nov-Apr)
  • Newport Beach CA (Blue May-Nov, Finback, Gray Dec-Apr, Humback, Minke, Year-Round)
  • Waianae, Oahu HI (Dec-May)
  • Provincetown MA (Humpback, Fin, Minke, Pilot, Sei, Right, May-Oct)


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Other Great places to see blue whales In the northern hemisphere, they can be seen in their largest numbers along the northern coast of Quebec and around Iceland in May and June. Further south, they migrate past the Azores and the Canary Islands throughout the winter and spring.

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There is no time of the day when we are more likely to see the whales. They come and go and the situation in the bay can change very fast. Sometimes we see many whales, sometimes few. Nature is unpredictable and no two tours are exactly the same – every trip is a new adventure.

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A Gratuity is not required on most whale watching tours, but the crew works very hard, and they are the ones who make the experience possible, so it is recommended that you tip between $3-$5 per person.

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7 Tips for the Best Whale Watching Experience
  1. Pick the Right Season. We see several species of whales throughout the year. ...
  2. Bring the Right Gear. The best place for whale watching is always on the outer decks. ...
  3. Talk to the Crew. ...
  4. Have Your Camera Ready! ...
  5. But Also, Take Some Time Away From the Lens. ...
  6. Be Patient. ...
  7. Share Your Photos!


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Boat-based whale watching exposes whales and dolphins to underwater noise, as well as the risk of injury from collision with the boat's hull or propeller19,20. The presence of boats can distract the animals from important behaviours like resting, socializing or feeding1,3,21.

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The best destinations in the world for whale watching
  • Baja California Sur, Mexico. ...
  • Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. ...
  • Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada. ...
  • St Lawrence Marine Park, Saguenay, Quebec, Canada. ...
  • St. ...
  • Mirissa, Sri Lanka. ...
  • Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand. ...
  • North Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA.


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During the peak of the season from January-March, it isn't a question of if you'll see humpbacks—but rather which ones to watch. Maui is home to the world's densest population of North Pacific humpback whales, who make the six-week journey from Alaska to Hawaii to mate, rest, and give birth.

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Here in the confines of Maui County the water is very shallow, which consequently means it's free of predators like fearsome killer whales. The channel between Maui, Moloka'i, and Lana'i is only about 200 feet deep, and the sandy bottom and calm conditions are a tropical “kiddie pool” for whales.

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