A World of Whales
Few wildlife spectacles can match the thrill of seeing a whale breach from the ocean. Gentle giants, whales can migrate through some of the world’s most stunning waters, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers and nature lovers. With that in mind, here are 5 places for whale fans to venture to.
1. Quebec
One of the world's premier whale-watching locations is Tadoussac, Québec, where three ocean currents meet in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, forming a rich feeding ground for marine life. Blue, humpback, fin, minke, and the famous white beluga whales can be seen, the latter of which spend the year round in the Saguenay Fjord.
2. Vancouver Island
The Pacific coast of Vancouver Island is home to orcas, gray, humpback, and minke whales. Tens of thousands pass through the area on their annual migration routes. Resident pods of the highly intelligent and easily accessible orca can be found in the Johnstone Strait.
3. Baja California
Baja California is famous the world over for its friendly gray whales. Each year the gray whale migrates to the warm, protected lagoons of San Ignacio to breed and give birth. In the waters of the Sea of Cortez, you can see blue and fin whales, dolphins, sea lions, and much more.
4. Dominica
Dominica is the only place in the world where you can see sperm whales throughout the year. Protected by the island’s deep coastal waters, humpback and pilot whales, as well as playful dolphins and sea turtles, are free to visit and thrive. If you visit between November and March, you have the best chance of seeing these deep divers from shore or by boat.
5. Iceland
The cool nutrient-rich waters of Iceland's North Atlantic draw minke, humpback, blue, and sperm whales. Húsavík is known as the whale-watching capital of Europe, with tours in summer under the midnight sun, including the sight of puffins and dolphins in the numbers. Visit during May to September when the seas teem with migrating whales and there is 24-hour daylight.
