For nature and animal lovers, whale watching can be a magical and underrated experience. It’s the type of excursion that is enjoyable solo or with your travel companions. You can do it on land or on the water — and depending on whether you go on a tour, it can also be highly educational, offering insights into whale species and local marine life.
Whales in the water are a spectacle to be seen and many find spotting the marine giants both thrilling and transformative. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the Antarctic blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, can be nearly 100 feet long and weigh 400,000 pounds each — the equivalent of around 33 elephants.
Before picking your excursion, factor in your destination and what whale species will be around there during the season. To have the best experience, bring binoculars and a camera with a sharp zoom lens if you’ll want to take photos.
The Dominican Republic
Whale watching might not come to mind at first when you think about visiting this warm-weather escape during the winter months. However, along with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lively culture, the Dominican Republic also boasts its scenic Samaná Peninsula.
Thousands of humpback whales migrate down from the northern Atlantic Ocean to the Samaná Bay between mid-December and April for their breeding and calving. The whales enjoy the Dominican Republic’s tropical waters, and the likelihood of spotting the majestic marine animal is high. Notably, the humpback whales present are particularly lauded for their show-making agility, especially given their massive size.
The Dominican Republic is also home to the Silver Bank Marine Sanctuary. There, you can swim and snorkel with whales throughout the winter and into the early spring.
Oregon
Oregon is a prime U.S.-based location for winter whale watching. It has many places to embark on excursions and see the sea creatures in action. In fact, the state even hosted a “Winter Whale Watch Week” late last December, during which park rangers and volunteers were at 14 locations on the Oregon coast offering spotting tips and information. The event is one of two designated “Whale Watch” weeks that the state hosts each year.
From mid-December through mid-January, around 20,000 gray whales make an epic migration south (to Baja, Mexico), a journey viewable along Oregon’s over 360-mile coast. There are many locations worth checking out, including certain state parks, viewpoints, lighthouses, and the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay. Consider taking an Oregon coast winter whale-watching road trip if you truly want to make a memorable holiday.
Riviera Nayarit
There are several destinations within Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit to go on your adventure, including Punta Mita, Sayulita, Nuevo Vallarta, and more. The area provides access to whale watching in Banderas Bay, one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse marine ecosystems. In these waters, during the winter season, humpback whales visit the warmer, calmer waters for their breeding and calving season.
Be sure to look for a biologist-led excursion if you want to learn as much as you whale watch. Riviera Nayarit’s official website notes that other species you might see in Banderas Bay during the winter include blue, sperm, gray, and orca (killer) whales.
Norway
In Europe, check out Northern Norway for winter whale watching from mid-January through March, and then during early spring. Northern Norway is an ideal place for the activity if you already plan to check out the local fjords.
The country’s tourism board notes that though whale watching is a year-round activity, you can expect to see orcas and humpback whales in the winter. The aforementioned species, along with fin whales, feed on herring found along the Northern Norwegian coast during the season. The source additionally noted that Vesterålen is a place where there is a high chance of spotting the sea giants.
Even more northern, Tromsø is another good destination in Norway for winter whale watching. When looking for an excursion operator, search for “whale watching tours” and “whale watching safaris.”
Mirissa
Mirissa is a beachy area located on Sri Lanka‘s south coast. In addition to being the best time of year to soak up the local sun and sand, November through April is also ideal for enjoying warm-weather whale watching in Mirissa. It’s your chance to see epic sperm, orca, Bryde, short-finned, and even blue whales in calm waters from a safe distance. Expect the weather to be generally hot and sunny, although rainfall occasionally occurs this time of year.
