What times are best for whale watching?

One of the reasons that the morning time is the best time of day for whale watching has to do with weather and ocean conditions. The wind is a key player when it comes to smooth seas, and morning trips often have less wind.



People Also Ask

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)


MORE DETAILS

Both departures are the same; there is not one trip that is 'better' than the other. Time of day does not impact whale sightings, as they are active throughout the day.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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!


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Despite what ANY whale watch company may claim, you can never really guarantee how many whales will be seen, or even if any whales will be seen, when you go whale watching. You can guarantee a free return ticket (aka “rain check”) if you don't see a whale, but you can't guarantee the whales themselves.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Cape Cod is a premier location in the U.S. to whale watch. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area that stretches from Cape Ann to Cape Cod. Even the local cruises guarantee a 99% whale-spotting success rate.

MORE DETAILS

In addition to a stunning setting, visitors to Bar Harbor also get a chance to behold the region's spectacular wildlife. Whales of all kinds can be found in the Gulf of Maine and are easily spotted on a whale watching cruise.

MORE DETAILS