The best whale watching cruises

Whales are majestic marine mammals that draw travellers to destinations across the globe as people journey far and wide to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. Known for their sociable nature, whales live in pods where they hunt, travel, and nurture their young. These close-knit communities are vital for their survival, with pod members often helping to care for each other's offspring. It's not uncommon for a sister, aunt, or cousin to "babysit" a calf, reflecting the deep bonds that whales form within their groups. Some species are even known to grieve the loss of a loved one, showcasing their remarkable emotional depth. Curious to learn more about these fascinating ocean giants and where to spot them in the wild? In this guide, we explore the best locations for whale watching and highlight top cruise lines offering unforgettable whale spotting experiences. 

Spotting whales in their natural habitat is considered one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, a bucket-list adventure for many. However, knowing the best locations and the ideal times to visit can be challenging. To help, here are some of the top whale-watching hotspots around the globe. 

Juneau is widely considered one of the best whale-watching spots in Alaska. Its nutrient-rich waters are a prime feeding ground for humpback whales that have migrated to the area after spending the winter months in tropical and subtropical waters like Hawaii and Mexico. The prime time for whale watching is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, humpback whales are in the area for feeding for the season. If you're truly fortunate, you might witness the rare and spectacular phenomenon of bubble net feeding, where a group of whales work together in a coordinated display of teamwork. In this remarkable behaviour, whales create a circular "net" of bubbles to trap fish, then surge upward, leaping out of the water simultaneously to feed. It's a breathtaking sight as multiple whales breach the surface in unison, mouths wide open, showcasing their intelligence and the sheer power of their synchronized efforts. Few wildlife encounters rival the awe of experiencing this cooperative feeding strategy. 

Humpback whales have also been spotted in Juneau between April and November, offering a broader window for whale-watching opportunities. Some prefer to travel in October and November to enjoy sightings without the peak-season crowds.

Orcas are also frequently spotted in these waters, adding to the area’s appeal for those hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent marine mammals. 

Boasting the reputation of being a whale-watching haven, Disko Bay offers visitors opportunities to spot many species of whales here. Depending on the season, you may see different types of whales. In the summer months, you’re most likely to see humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales in the waters of Disko Bay. The summer whales travel from the Caribbean Sea to feed in Greenland's waters. Meanwhile, in winter, bowhead whales are the most commonly spotted. Visitors can witness the enchanting sight of Beluga whales between February and May. 

Greenland takes pride in its waters being home only to free and wild animals, allowing its whales to roam unhindered. These majestic creatures follow the natural rhythms of the ocean, swimming wherever the krill and schools of fish guide them, embodying the true spirit of untamed wilderness.

Húsavík, Iceland, is considered one of the greatest places in Europe to see whales in their natural habitat. Here, you can see a variety of whales, including humpbacks, minke whales, blue whales, and fin whales, without having to travel too far from home. The ideal time for whale watching in this scenic region is during the summer months, from May to September. The extended daylight and favourable weather conditions during this period make spotting these magnificent marine mammals easier. That said, whales can be seen in Iceland throughout the year, offering opportunities for sightings in every season.

Húsavík takes great pride in leading the way in sustainable and responsible whale-watching, with strict guidelines to protect these majestic creatures. Visitors are required to follow these practices, helping to preserve the natural environment while enjoying an ethical and unforgettable experience.

The Azores, Portugal, is home to one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world, offering a haven for a wide variety of whale species. This diverse and rich ecosystem, shaped by deep ocean currents and volcanic seamounts, creates ideal conditions for marine life to flourish. The waters support an abundance of food, making the Azores a prime location for whales to thrive. Visitors to the region have the chance to witness several species, including sperm whales, blue whales, and pilot whales, all drawn to these fertile waters. While some whale species can be observed year-round, the summer offers the best chances for sightings, as more whales are present during this time. The warmer season draws even more marine mammals to the area, increasing the likelihood of unforgettable encounters.

The Azores’ commitment to marine conservation ensures that this sanctuary remains safe for these majestic creatures, allowing future generations to experience their beauty in the wild. The rich whaling history is now considered to be a celebrated part of the local culture. 

Vancouver Island, Canada, is yet another destination renowned for its rich and diverse ecosystem, which supports an abundance of marine life. The waters attract a variety of whale species, making it a prime location for those eager to witness them in their natural habitat. 

The prime whale-watching season typically runs from May to September, when warm weather, calm waters in the Salish Sea, and an abundance of wildlife tours make for ideal viewing conditions. During these months, the coastal waters come alive with marine activity, offering sightings of humpback whales, orcas, and grey whales. The best opportunities to witness these majestic creatures coincide with their annual migrations, which vary by species, adding an extra layer of excitement to each encounter.

Monterey Bay Canyon's remarkable depth makes it a premier, year-round whale-watching destination. This unique underwater canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon, creates an exceptional habitat for a wide variety of whale species. The rich waters of the canyon attract an astonishing diversity of marine life, making it a hot spot for whale enthusiasts. Visitors are treated to sightings of humpback whales, blue whales, grey whales, and orcas, alongside other marine species that migrate through these waters throughout the year. 

The sheer range of species that call Monterey Bay home, along with seasonal movements, ensures that every trip offers a new and exciting encounter, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s top whale-watching locations.

Many of our fantastic cruise line partners offer unforgettable journeys to the destinations mentioned above, as well as other incredible locations renowned for whale-spotting opportunities. Below, we've highlighted some of the most popular cruise lines where you can experience the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures in the wild.

Open yourself to a world of awe-inspiring experiences with HX. Experts in expeditions since 1896, HX strives to help guests change how they see the world. From unforgettable cultural encounters to wildlife wonders, sailing with HX offers a journey that will not only inspire and energise you but also leave you with a profound appreciation for our planet and its diverse inhabitants. HX takes you to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, including Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, and beyond. These remarkable locations are teeming with diverse marine life, making every voyage a chance to experience nature's wonders up close.

Fred. Olsen’s dedicated and experienced teams go above and beyond to ensure every moment of your journey is captivating and enjoyable. Their attention to detail and commitment to exceptional service make each day aboard a Fred. Olsen ship is a truly enriching and unforgettable experience. Carefully curated Signature Experiences provide the opportunity to learn from an enthusiastic team of experts who have all been chosen for their deep knowledge. Sail to some of the world’s best whale-watching destinations, from the stunning shores of Portugal and the Azores to the breathtaking waters of Iceland. Each voyage offers a unique opportunity to witness whales in their natural habitat. On board, conservation experts will be on hand to help you spot different species of whales and host insightful talks on how to spot them, what to look out for and how to identify particular behaviours and species. 

Travel to some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet in the comfort and luxury you deserve with Silversea. Silversea offers immersive journeys across all seven continents, fueled by a passion for deeper, authentic adventures. As true destination experts, they unlock access to some of the planet’s most remote and untouched locations while ensuring the highest levels of comfort and safety for their guests. Each voyage blends exploration with luxury, making every journey as enriching as it is unforgettable. Set sail on unforgettable voyages to Norway, Iceland, and beyond, where you'll have the chance to spot whales and encounter a wide array of other wildlife. 

See more of the world with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Priding themselves on offering immersive exploration, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers included shore excursions, optional overland programs, bespoke experiences, and opportunities to immerse yourself in over 550 ports of call worldwide to elevate your experience further. Travel to Alaska, Iceland and other incredible destinations for prime whale-spotting opportunities. 

Celebrity Cruises aims to help guests understand the value of travel and encourage more people to expand their horizons by sailing to new and exotic locations. Onboard a Celebrity Cruises ship, every detail has been elevated beyond expectations. Enjoy cruising to breathtaking destinations celebrated for whale watching, such as Juneau and Icy Strait Point in Alaska, where the majestic beauty of marine life and stunning landscapes come together for an unforgettable adventure.