Insights

Whaling

Whaling has a long history, dating back thousands of years, with early civilisations hunting whales for food, oil, and materials. Indigenous communities used traditional methods to capture whales, utilising every part of the animal for survival. However, large-scale commercial whaling began in the 17th century, driven by the demand for whale oil, which was used for lamps, soap, and later as an industrial lubricant. The industry expanded rapidly in the 19th and early 20th centuries with the advent of mechanised ships and explosive harpoons, leading to severe declines in whale populations.

The main targets of commercial whaling were species that yielded the most oil and meat, such as the blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, and right whale. By the mid-20th century, overhunting had pushed many whale populations to the brink of extinction, prompting international concern.

Efforts to regulate whaling began with the establishment of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1946, which eventually led to a global moratorium on commercial whaling in 1986. This ban was meant to allow whale populations to recover, and for the most part, it has been successful. However, some countries continue whaling under loopholes or exemptions.

Countries That Still Hunt Whales:

1. Japan – Conducted whaling under the guise of “scientific research” until 2019, when it withdrew from the IWC and resumed commercial whaling in its waters. Despite declining domestic demand for whale meat, Japan argues that whaling is part of its cultural heritage.

2. Norway – Formally objected to the IWC moratorium and continues commercial whaling, primarily targeting the minke whale. The Norwegian government subsidizes the industry, though local consumption of whale meat has significantly declined.

3. Iceland – Engages in limited whaling, mainly for export to Japan. However, public support for whaling in Iceland is low, and recent years have seen fewer whales being hunted.

Sperm whales were a prime target of the commercial whaling industry and close to 1,000,000 sperm whales were killed worldwide by whalers between 1800 and 1987

Why Does Whaling Continue?

While proponents argue that whaling is a cultural tradition, a closer look suggests that economic and political factors play a role. Whale meat consumption has drastically declined, and in some cases, governments struggle to justify the continuation of the practice. In Japan, for instance, the government has invested in whale meat marketing, even attempting to introduce it to younger generations. However, it remains a niche product with limited demand.

The persistence of whaling appears to be more about political identity and defiance of international restrictions rather than necessity. Environmentalists and conservation groups continue to pressure these nations to end whaling altogether, pointing out that it is both unnecessary and harmful to marine ecosystems.

The Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands’ annual whale hunt, known as the Grindadráp, is a controversial practice driven by tradition and, in many cases, greed. Hundreds of pilot whales and dolphins are herded into shallow waters and slaughtered, turning the sea red with blood. While locals argue that this is a cultural tradition providing food, in reality, whale meat is increasingly being discarded due to high levels of toxic pollutants. Despite global outrage, the hunt continues, fueled by stubborn resistance to change and a disregard for the suffering of these intelligent creatures.

Each year, an average of around 700 long-finned pilot whales are caught and killed during the grid

Captivity

The captivity of marine mammals began in the mid-20th century, with the first recorded case being a bottlenose dolphin displayed in an aquarium in the early 1900s. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the industry expanded, with orcas becoming the main attraction. The first orca captured for display was in 1961, and by the 1970s, marine parks around the world were aggressively capturing them, taking them from the wild to perform in shows for human entertainment.

At first, people believed these shows were educational and that they helped humans connect with marine life. But over time, the reality became clear: these intelligent, social animals were being taken from their natural habitats and forced into small tanks, where they lived in suffering and deprivation. In the wild, dolphins swim dozens of miles a day, live in complex family groups, and exhibit rich social behaviours. In captivity, they are confined to tiny enclosures, isolated or forced into artificial groups, and subjected to stress, illness, and early death.

Supporting Captivity is Supporting Cruelty

When people buy a ticket to see these shows, they are funding an industry built on suffering. There is nothing loving about watching a dolphin or orca perform tricks for food while living a life of confinement. True love for these animals means respecting their right to freedom. Even the trainers who claim to “love” them are part of the system that keeps them imprisoned. Love is not about control—it is about allowing these creatures to live as they are meant to: free in the ocean.

Prolonged confinement can lead to depression and self-harming behaviours, like repeated smashing of heads against tank walls or gnashing at walls and gates.

Taiji dolphins hunt

The Taiji dolphin drive hunt is based on driving dolphins and other small cetacean into a small bay where they can be slaughtered for meat or hand-picked to live out their lives in a dolphinarium.

Once a pod of dolphins is spotted, fishermen bang on metal poles, creating an underwater ‘curtain’ of noise, which confuses and disorientates the dolphins that are driven together to shore.

Taiji is a small coastal village, also known as The Cove, a 2009 documentary film that drew attention to the hunt.

The six month dolphin-hunting season is authorised by the Japan Fisheries Agency. The local fishing union organises the hunts each year, with support from captive facilities and their trainers to assist in the dolphin selection process.

There is Another Option: Sanctuaries

Some marine parks claim they cannot release these animals because they wouldn’t survive in the wild. While this is true for some, there are sanctuaries where former captive dolphins can live in large, natural sea enclosures, free from performances and human exploitation. These sanctuaries offer a second chance for marine mammals to experience the ocean again, even if they cannot fully return to the wild.

Yet, instead of working toward rehabilitation, the captivity industry continues to breed more dolphins, ensuring that the cycle of suffering continues. These animals will never know the ocean, never swim vast distances, never live in their natural social groups—all because of profit.

Captivity is not conservation. It is not education. It is a business built on suffering. The only way to end it is to stop supporting it. When people refuse to buy tickets, when they speak out against these parks, the industry will have no choice but to change. These animals deserve better. They deserve freedom.

Right now, hundreds of dolphins are held in captivity around the world, forced to live in artificial tanks far smaller than their natural habitats. Orcas, for example, can travel up to 100 miles a day in the wild, but in captivity, they are confined to tiny spaces, leading to severe physical and psychological stress. Many display unnatural behaviours, such as self-harm and aggression, due to the immense stress of confinement. While some marine parks claim to focus on education and conservation, the reality is that captivity is a business built on exploiting these animals for profit. Efforts to ban cetacean captivity are growing, but many still suffer in tanks today, far from the open ocean where they belong.

As of early 2024, it’s estimated that approximately 2,360 cetaceans are held in captivity worldwide, including around 2,000 dolphins, 227 beluga whales, and 53 orcas. 

If you wanna go deeper here a useful link: https://www.dolphinproject.com/

Pollution

Plastic Pollution and Its Impact on Cetaceans

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to cetaceans in the ocean. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the sea, where whales and dolphins often mistake it for food. Consuming plastic can lead to blockages in their digestive systems, causing malnutrition, internal injuries, or even death. Microplastics have also been found in the tissues of these animals, raising concerns about long-term health effects. Additionally, discarded fishing nets, known as “ghost gear,” entangle and drown countless cetaceans each year, making plastic pollution a silent but deadly killer in marine ecosystems.

Noise Pollution and Its Impact on Cetaceans

Cetaceans—whales, dolphins, and porpoises—rely heavily on sound for communication, navigation, hunting, and social interactions. However, increasing levels of human-made noise in the ocean pose a significant threat to their well-being. Sources of Noise Pollution are:

Shipping Traffic: Large cargo ships and tankers generate low-frequency noise that travels vast distances underwater, disrupting cetacean communication.

Sonar Systems: Military and commercial sonar emit high-intensity sound waves that can disorient and even physically harm marine mammals.

Seismic Surveys: Oil and gas exploration uses air guns to map the seafloor, producing loud bursts of sound that can interfere with cetacean behaviour.

Construction and Industrial Activities: Offshore drilling, pile driving, and wind farm installations contribute to chronic underwater noise pollution.

In recent years, unusual mass stranding of beaked whales around the world have been linked to loud noise events out to sea

Effects on Cetaceans are:

1. Communication Disruption: Many cetacean species use echolocation and vocalisations to interact. Excessive noise can mask these signals, making it harder for them to find mates, warn of danger, or locate food.

2. Hearing Damage and Stress: Prolonged exposure to intense sounds can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. It also increases stress hormones, weakening immune systems and affecting reproduction.

3. Behavioural Changes: Noise pollution can cause cetaceans to abandon feeding grounds, alter migration routes, or surface more frequently, increasing the risk of ship strikes.

4. Strandings: There is evidence that high-intensity sonar use correlates with mass strandings of deep-diving species like beaked whales. These animals may surface too quickly to escape the noise, leading to decompression sickness (akin to “the bends” in human divers).

Mitigation Efforts

Quieter Ship Designs: Reducing engine and propeller noise can lessen the impact of shipping.

Regulation of Sonar Use: Some navies have implemented restrictions on sonar in areas with high cetacean populations.

Seasonal and Regional Restrictions: Limiting seismic surveys and construction in sensitive habitats helps protect marine life.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing noise-free zones can create safe spaces for cetaceans to thrive.

As human activity in the oceans continues to grow, it’s crucial to implement strategies to reduce noise pollution and protect cetaceans from its harmful effects.

In the end, the real question is: What can we do? Often, we think, I’m just one person—what difference can I make? But that’s not true. It’s us—our collective choices—that shape the world.

Take dolphin captivity, for example. Can we stop it? Absolutely. The solution is simple: stop buying tickets to these shows. You might think, But if I don’t buy a ticket, it’s just me—what difference does it make? But it’s not just you. It’s you, plus another person, and another, and another. Eventually, when no one buys tickets, there will be no demand, and the shows will end.

The same applies to plastic pollution. You might wonder, What can I do about all the plastic waste in the world? The answer; plenty. Start by reusing what you already have. For example, instead of throwing away an empty plastic container, cut it, paint it, and use it as a planter. Be creative. Reduce plastic use by bringing reusable bags when shopping. Choose products with minimal packaging—why buy individually wrapped portions of butter when one larger package will do?

Sound—especially underwater noise—is a major problem. Marine animals rely on sound to communicate with their families. Imagine being out with your friends at a nightclub, trying to talk, but the music is so loud that you have to shout just to be heard. That’s exactly what happens in the ocean. The constant noise disrupts marine life, making communication difficult.

Sound plays a crucial role in the underwater world. Interestingly, studies have shown how noise pollution affects marine life, with significant observations made after 9/11 when human activity temporarily decreased, drastically reducing underwater noise. Researchers found that during this time there was a drop in a stress-related hormone in the right whales. That was tied to a dip in ocean noise that followed a near-standstill in ship traffic, due to security concerns after the attacks. The work indicates that whales and other sea life that use sound to communicate and travel are harmed by the noise.

A similar phenomenon occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic—when human activity slowed down, ocean noise decreased, and marine animals thrived. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced international shipping and kept cruise ships docked, providing a momentary relief for whales and other marine mammals that are highly sensitive to noise.

You might think, But what can I do? I don’t operate a massive cargo ship. The answer lies in our everyday choices. For example, buying locally can help. A huge portion of ocean shipping exists because we demand products from faraway places—like bananas from South America. If we prioritise local goods, we reduce the need for long-distance shipping.

Ultimately, our individual choices matter. Small decisions—like choosing local products or opting for slower shipping—can collectively make a big impact.

Small actions add up. Change starts with us.

If you want to go deeper on all these subject, here a useful link:

https://uk.whales.org

List of countries where you can find whale-watching

Asia:

1) Timor-Leste (East Timor):

Timor-Leste is becoming an emerging destination for eco-tourism, and whale watching is one of the attractions, particularly for sperm whales and humpback whales.

Atauro Island: Located just north of Dili (the capital), Atauro Island has been gaining attention for its whale-watching potential. The waters around the island are known for sperm whales, humpback whales, and blue whales. The best time to visit is typically between June and October, when the migration season peaks.

Jaco Island: Located on the eastern tip of Timor-Leste, Jaco Island has clear waters and is another area where whale sightings can occur.

2) Sri Lanka: 

The southern coast, particularly around Mirissa, is known for sightings of blue whales and sperm whales, especially from November to April. 

3) Indonesia:

Indonesia has many opportunities for whale watching due to its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity.

1. Bali: Bali is one of the more famous locations where you can go whale watching. While dolphins are more commonly spotted in places like Lovina (north Bali), whale sightings (mostly sperm whales and blue whales) can be seen around Nusa Penida and Lombok, especially between July and October.

2. Komodo National Park: Known for its stunning scenery and marine life, Komodo National Park (in Flores) offers the chance to spot sperm whales and blue whales while cruising around the islands.

3. Aceh (Sumatra): Off the northern tip of Sumatra, around the Aceh Province, you can spot blue whales, sperm whales, and other species.

4) Japan:

1. Hokkaido: The northernmost island of Japan is one of the best spots for whale watching, especially in the winter months. You can spot minke whales, sperm whales, and sometimes humpback whales off the coast, particularly in areas like the Shiretoko Peninsula (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Kushiro.

2. Ogasawara Islands: Located about 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, the Ogasawara Islands are known for humpback whale migrations, which happen from January to April. These waters are also home to sperm whales and other marine life.

3. Kyushu and Okinawa: Off the coast of Kyushu, especially around Amakusa, you can find opportunities to see dolphins and whales (mostly humpbacks), and in Okinawa, the whale shark is another attraction, though more commonly known for diving rather than whale watching.

5) India

6) Philippines

7) Vietnam (in certain coastal areas, although less commercialized)

8) Cambodia (in the Gulf of Thailand, though it’s not a widely known industry)

9) Kuwait (whale sightings in the Arabian Gulf)

10) Saudi Arabia (potential for whale watching in the Red Sea)

Europe:

Europe is home to several excellent whale-watching destinations, particularly along the coasts of Iceland, the Azores, Norway, and Spain. Here are some of the top places for whale watching in Europe:

1. Iceland:

  1. Húsavík: Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in Europe. You can see humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales here, especially from June to August. Additionally, the area is known for orcas and fin whales.
  2. Reykjavik: Whale-watching tours depart from Reykjavik, offering sightings of humpbacks, minke whales, and orcas. The best time to visit is from April to October, with peak sightings in the summer months.
  1. Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Located in western Iceland, this area offers chances to spot humpback whales and minke whales as well. Tours are typically available from April to September.
  2. West Fjords: In the Fjord located in the South-Eastern part of the West Fjords, Hólmavik represents a whale watching hotspot for humpback whales before heading all the way East towards Akureyri and Húsavík. Tours are offered from June to October and in this unspoiled part of Iceland it is possible to observe the majestic humpback whales in total privacy, being there only one boat offering this tour. The sheltered Fjord offers the possibility of going out at sea almost every day, as the conditions are very “sailor friendly”. 
  3. Eyjafjordur: Known as the longest fjord in Iceland, it is nowadays considered one of the most popular spots to see whales in Iceland. Recently whales have increased in numbers and whale watching spots are now scattered all along the Fjord. The main hub is located in Akureyri, Capital of the North,  where big boats leave daily all year round in search for whales, even in the calm winter months. Going up towards the mouth of the fjord, tours are offered in Hauganes, Árskógssandur and Dalvik. In Eyjafjordur we cannot observe the same diversity as in Skjálfandi Bay, where Húsavík is located, but great numbers of humpback whales gather, especially during the summer months, white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and occasionally also long finned pilot whales. Orcas and northern bottlenose whales are rarely encountered.

2. Azores (Portugal): 

  1. Ponta Delgada (São Miguel): The capital of São Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada, is one of the best starting points for whale-watching tours. The Azores are known for sightings of sperm whales, blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales, and orcas. The peak season is from April to October, with April to June being particularly good for sperm whales.
  2. Horta (Faial Island): Another key whale-watching destination in the Azores, Horta is known for sperm whale sightings, along with humpback whales and blue whales during the migration seasons.

3. Norway:

  1. Tromsø: Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers incredible whale-watching opportunities, particularly for orcas and humpback whales. The best time to visit for whale watching is during the winter months, from November to January, when herring (the main food source for orcas and humpbacks) is abundant.
  2. Andenes (Vesterålen Islands): Known for its deep waters, this area offers excellent chances of seeing sperm whales, as well as orcas and humpbacks. The best season is from October to January.
  3. Lofoten Islands: Situated along Norway’s northern coast, the Lofoten Islands offer a picturesque setting for whale watching, with sightings of orcas and humpback whales. The prime season is from October to January.

4. Spain:

  1. Canary Islands: Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a great destination for whale watching. The islands are particularly known for pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, but you can also spot sperm whales, humpback whales, and fin whales year-round. The best time to visit is from November to March when whales migrate along the coast.
  2. Gibraltar: The waters around the Strait of Gibraltar are another great location for whale watching. This area is a migratory route for sperm whales and killer whales (orcas). The best time for whale watching is during the spring and fall, particularly May to October.
  3. Costa Brava: Located along the northeastern coast of Spain, the Costa Brava region is famous for whale watching. You can see fin whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales, as well as dolphins, especially from April to October.

5. United Kingdom:

  1. Scotland: The waters around Scotland, particularly around the Hebrides and Orkney Islands, offer sightings of minke whales, orcas, and humpback whales. The best time for whale watching is from May to October.
  1. Cornwall: Located in the southwestern corner of the UK, Cornwall is a great place to spot humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales, especially during the summer months.
  2. Falkland Islands (UK)
  3. Saint Helena (UK)

6. France:

  1. Brittany: The waters off Brittany, in northwest France, are known for fin whales, minke whales, and occasionally humpback whales. The best whale-watching season runs from May to September.
  1. French Polynesia

7. Madeira (Portugal)

8. Germany (North Sea)

9. Italy

The Ligurian Sea, bordering Northern Italy, is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary—a marine protected area established to safeguard marine mammals. Between June and September, this region offers opportunities to spot species such as fin whales, sperm whales, and various dolphins. Ports like Savona and Genoa serve as departure points for whale-watching excursions into the sanctuary.

10.. Turkey (especially in the Mediterranean Sea and near the Aegean coast)

11. Greece (although less developed, some companies offer trips around the Aegean and Ionian seas)

12. Malta

While Malta is not a major whale-watching destination, sperm whales and, on rare occasions, fin whales have been spotted in its deeper waters. More commonly, bottlenose and striped dolphins can be seen near boats, especially around the Pelagian Deep, Gozo, and Comino. While dedicated tours are uncommon, boat excursions, diving trips, and sailing adventures offer opportunities to observe these marine mammals in their natural habitat. However, there is the opportunity to embark from La Valletta on Eco Marine Tours, aboard dedicated vessels that combine research and conservation missions with an enjoyable boat trip in Maltese waters. 

United States:

1. California:

Monterey Bay: One of the most popular whale-watching destinations on the West Coast, Monterey Bay is known for sightings of gray whales, humpback whales, and blue whales. The best time to visit is from December to April (for gray whale migration) and May to November (for humpbacks and blues).

Santa Barbara: In Southern California, Santa Barbara offers whale watching tours for humpback whales, gray whales, and blue whales. The prime season is December to April for gray whales and May to November for humpbacks.

San Diego: Known for gray whale migrations from December to April, San Diego is another excellent whale-watching destination.

2. Maine:

Bar Harbor: Located on the coast of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers great whale-watching tours to see humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales. The best time to visit is from June to October.

Cape Cod: Cape Cod, especially from Provincetown, is a popular destination for spotting humpback whales and minke whales. The peak whale-watching season is from April to October.

3. Hawaii:

Maui: The waters around Maui are some of the best in the world to see humpback whales, particularly during the winter months from December to April when they migrate from Alaska to breed and calve.

Big Island: The Kohala Coast of the Big Island is another great location for humpback whale sightings, especially between December and April.

4. Alaska:

1. Juneau: Alaska’s capital is one of the best places to see humpback whales. Whale-watching tours depart from Auke Bay or Mendenhall Glacier, with sightings often between May and November. It’s a great location for orca sightings as well.

2. Ketchikan: Located in Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is a fantastic place to see humpback whales and orca. The best season is from May to September.

3. Glacier Bay National Park: Glacier Bay is a designated whale-watching hotspot, known for humpback whales and gray whales, as well as orcas. The best time to visit is from May to September.

4. Kenai Fjords National Park: This park, just outside of Seward, is famous for its marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orca, and minke whales. The best months for whale watching are May to September.

5. Prudhoe Bay (Arctic Ocean): For a more unique experience, you can visit Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean, where beluga whales are often seen in the summer months (typically June to August).

6. Homer: Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is another top spot for seeing humpback whales, especially during late spring to early fall.

5)  Oregon: 

Year-round, About 200 Gray whales remain in Oregon’s coastal waters every year. In the summer and fall, it is possible to see them feeding closer to shore. The central coast is a hot-spot for whales from May through October.

6) Greenland: 

Up to 15 different whale species live in the waters around Greenland, most of which are only encountered sporadically, but humpback, fin and minke whales can be seen regularly between July and September.

Canada:

1. Vancouver Island (British Columbia):

British Columbia is renowned for its whale-watching opportunities, particularly from April to October. The coastal waters are frequented by orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales. Notably, Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island’s northeast coast is considered one of the premier locations globally to observe orcas, especially during the summer months.

Victoria (Southern Vancouver Island): One of the most famous whale-watching spots in Canada, particularly for orcas (killer whales). The best time to visit is from May to October.

Tofino (Western Vancouver Island): Tofino is a well-known location for spotting gray whales, humpback whales, and orcas. The prime season for whale watching here is March to October.

Johnstone Strait: Located between Vancouver Island and the mainland, this area is a prime location for spotting orcas. The best time is from May to September.

2. Newfoundland and Labrador:

Iceberg Alley (Near St. John’s): This area is famous for icebergs and humpback whales, especially from June to August. The whales are often seen feeding near the icebergs in the colder waters.

Twillingate: Known for its stunning scenery, Twillingate offers excellent whale-watching opportunities. Humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales can be spotted here from June to September.

Bay of Islands (Western Newfoundland): This bay is another great location to see humpback whales and minke whales, primarily from June to October.

3. Quebec:

Quebec’s maritime regions, especially the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, are prime whale-watching destinations. The season typically begins in May and continues through October, attracting species like minke whales, fin whales, humpbacks, belugas, and white-sided dolphins. Tours depart from locations such as Tadoussac, offering both boat excursions and opportunities for shore-based observations. 

Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of the best places in Canada to spot beluga whales, blue whales, and humpback whales. The prime whale-watching season is from June to October.

4. Prince Edward Island:

The waters around North Cape are great for sightings of minke whales, humpback whales, and fin whales, especially in summer and early fall.

Africa:

1) Réunion (France): 

Réunion, an island in the Indian Ocean and a French overseas territory, is an excellent whale-watching destination.

Sperm whales are commonly sighted off the coast of Réunion year-round, particularly near Saint-Gilles.

The island is also home to humpback whale migrations, particularly during the winter months (from June to October), when the whales migrate to the warmer waters for breeding and calving.

2) South Africa: 

South Africa is one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world, known for sightings of Southern Right Whales, humpback whales, and even killer whales.

1. Hermanus: Known as the “whale-watching capital of the world”, this coastal town is renowned for its Southern Right Whale sightings, particularly from June to December. The whales often come very close to shore, and you can even watch from land.

2. False Bay: Another great spot near Cape Town, especially from June to November, where you can spot humpback and southern right whales.

3. Western Cape: Several coastal areas along the Western Cape are excellent for whale watching, including Paternoster, Struisbaai, and Plettenberg Bay.

3) Mozambique:

Tofo: Located on the southern coast, Tofo is one of the top destinations in Mozambique for humpback whale sightings, especially between June and November. You can also see sperm whales and dolphins in this region.

4) Kenya:

Lamu: Located on the Kenyan coast, around Lamu, whale sightings are more rare, but it’s possible to spot humpback whales during the migration season (around July to October).

5) Tanzania: 

You can spot whales off the coast of Zanzibar and Pemba Island, particularly humpback whales during the migration season (from June to November).

6) Namibia: 

While Namibia is more famous for its seals, whale sightings (mainly Southern Right Whales and humpbacks) can occur along the coast near Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, particularly between June and November.

7) Sao Tome & Principe

Whale watching in São Tomé and Príncipe is not widely recognized as a major tourist activity, but it is possible. The islands are located in the Gulf of Guinea, and their waters are home to various marine species, including humpback whales particularly during their migration season, early August to October, sperm whales off shore, and dolphins.  

However, organized whale-watching tours and infrastructure for such activities are not established, therefore it’s advisable to contact local tour operators on São Tomé and Príncipe for specific opportunities to engage in whale watching. 

8) Mauritius

9) Egypt: Red Sea, although less common, dolphins and whales have been sighted

10) Algeria: some whale sightings off the coast, though whale watching is not yet fully developed

11) Madagascar: whale watching in places like Nosy Be

New Zealand:

New Zealand is a fantastic destination for whale watching, with species like sperm whales, humpback whales, and orca found throughout the year.

New Zealand’s nutrient-rich waters provide habitats for various whale species year-round. Kaikoura, on the South Island, is particularly famous for sperm whale sightings throughout the year. Additionally, between June and August, humpback whales migrate through New Zealand’s waters, and it’s possible to spot orcas, blue whales, fin whales, and Southern right whales during this period. Dolphin pods, sometimes numbering between 800 to 1,000 individuals, are also a common sight, alongside the native Hector’s dolphin—the world’s smallest dolphin species.

1. Kaikoura 

(South Island): Kaikoura is world-renowned for whale watching, specifically sperm whales, which are present year-round. The waters around Kaikoura are rich in nutrients, which attracts these magnificent creatures. Humpback whales and orcas can also be spotted during their migration seasons (June to November).

2. Auckland 

(North Island): The waters around Auckland, especially in the Hauraki Gulf, are great for spotting orcas, dolphins, and sometimes humpback whales. Whale-watching tours are available year-round, but the peak months are June to October.

3. Bay of Islands

 (North Island): Located in the northern part of the country, the Bay of Islands offers opportunities to spot humpback whales and orca. The best time for whale watching is during the Southern Hemisphere winter months, from June to November.

4. Fjordland (South Island):

 Fjordland National Park is a rugged, remote area where you can sometimes spot humpback whales and orca. Though it’s less known than Kaikoura, it’s still a great location for whale enthusiasts.

Australia:

Australia is one of the world’s top destinations for whale watching, with several locations renowned for sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, and southern right whales.

1. Hervey Bay (Queensland): Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World,” Hervey Bay is one of the most famous locations in Australia for whale watching. It’s a humpback whale nursery where whales rest and play before continuing their migration. The best time to visit is from July to November.

2. Sydney (New South Wales): From Cape Solander and Barrenjoey Head (especially in North Head), you can see humpback whales migrating along the coast from May to November. You can also go on a whale-watching boat tour from Sydney Harbour or nearby coastal areas.

3. Albany (Western Australia): The southern right whale sightings are popular in Albany (the whale-watching capital of WA). These whales come to the coast from June to October to calve and can often be seen from the shore.

4. Kangaroo Island (South Australia): Located off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is a prime spot for whale watching. You can see humpbacks, southern right whales, and occasionally killer whales from May to October.

5. Gold Coast (Queensland): The Gold Coast offers whale-watching tours that focus on humpback whales. Tours typically run from May to November.

Antarctic: 

Antarctica is in fact one of the world’s greatest destinations for whale watching. There are 96 species of whales in the world, five can be found in Antarctic waters and a further seven can be seen in the Southern Ocean, perhaps while crossing the Drake Passage.

February and March are the best months to see whales in Antarctica. Whale numbers are at their peak, and more importantly for visitors to the area, this is when they are at their most curious. The behaviour change in these months comes from their seasonal feeding pattern. 

Central America:

1. Dominica: 

This Caribbean island is particularly famous for sperm whale watching. The waters around Dominica, especially off the west coast, are home to a large population of sperm whales, and the island has become a top destination for whale watching. It’s known for being one of the best places in the world to see sperm whales year-round.

2. Dominican Republic: 

The Bay of Samaná in the Dominican Republic is a popular location for whale watching, especially between January and March when the humpback whales migrate from the colder waters of the North Atlantic to breed and give birth in the warm waters off the Dominican Republic. The country has a growing whale-watching industry, with tour operators offering boat trips to see the whales up close.

3. Costa Rica:

Marino Ballena National Park: This park, located on the Pacific coast, is known for whale watching, especially humpback whales. Both northern and southern hemisphere humpbacks migrate through this region, and the best time to visit is from August to October and December to April.

4. Panama:

Gulf of Chiriquí: Located in western Panama, this area is known for humpback whale sightings from July to October. The surrounding waters are a great place to watch these majestic animals.

Coiba National Park: Also in Panama, Coiba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can spot humpback whales and other marine life.

5. El Salvador: 

offers some whale-watching opportunities, particularly in its coastal regions along the Pacific Ocean.

La Unión: This area in the eastern part of El Salvador is known for its whale-watching tours, especially during the whale migration season. Humpback whales are the primary species seen here, as well as orcas on occasion. The best time to visit for whale watching is from July to October.

Costa del Sol: The Costa del Sol area, located on El Salvador’s southern coast, is another location for spotting humpback whales. This region is not as well-known as other whale-watching destinations, but there are local tours that provide opportunities to see these majestic creatures, particularly from July to October.

6. Mexico:

Baja California: This region is home to some of the most famous whale-watching areas in the world, including Laguna San Ignacio, Bahía de Los Angeles, and Magdalena Bay. The best time to visit is from December to April, with sightings of gray whales, blue whales, and humpbacks.

7. Guatemala:

Monterrico: Located on the Pacific coast, Monterrico offers sightings of humpback whales between June and October 3. Guatemala: The Pacific coast, particularly around Monterrico, offers opportunities to see humpback whales during migration periods.

8.Turks and Caicos Islands

From January to early April, the Turks and Caicos Islands become a haven for humpback whales migrating through the region. Notably, Salt Cay offers exceptional whale-watching experiences during this period. Visitors can observe these gentle giants as they pass through the Turks Island Passage, with some tours even providing in-water encounters. 

9. Colombia

10. Bermuda

11. Cuba (whale watching is less commercialized but possible)

South America:

1. Peru: The northern coast, especially around Mancora, is known for whale-watching opportunities, particularly from July to September.

2. Chile: The southern regions, including Patagonia and the Strait of Magellan, offer sightings of blue whales, humpback whales, and orcas, especially from December to March.

Golfo Corcovado (Southern Chile): This bay, located in the Aysén Region, is famous for blue whales and humpback whales. The best time to visit is from December to March when the whales come to feed in these waters.

Chiloé Island: Chiloé is known for sightings of blue whales and humpback whales in the surrounding waters. It’s one of the best places for whale watching in Patagonia.

3. Uruguay: The coast near Punta del Este is known for sightings of southern right whales, particularly from July to November. 

4. Ecuador: The waters around the Galápagos Islands are known for whale-watching opportunities, especially from June to September.

5. Argentina:

Peninsula Valdés: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patagonia is one of the most famous places for southern right whale watching. These whales come to the coastal waters of Peninsula Valdés to calve, and the best time to visit is from June to December.

Puerto Madryn: Close to Peninsula Valdés, Puerto Madryn is a well-established whale-watching base. Southern right whales are most commonly seen here, and there are boat tours and observation points along the coast,

6. Brazil:

Abrolhos Islands: Located off the coast of Bahia, the Abrolhos Islands are home to humpback whales during their migration season (between July and October). This area is also a protected marine park.

Santa Catarina: The coastal waters around Florianópolis are also known for sightings of humpback whales during migration.7. Venezuela (some areas on the Caribbean coast)