The Best Spots for Whale Watching in the U.S.
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While the United States is home to a bastion of iconic animals—the American bison, the grizzly bear, and the bald eagle, to name a few—some of the earth’s most fascinating mammals can be spotted just beyond the sea shore. From the remote reaches of Alaska to the coastal waters of Virginia, a wealth of unique whale species roam the open ocean, perfectly positioning themselves for viewing.
While international travel remains off the table, a domestic whale watching trip is no less rewarding (and for Americans who live on a coast, great viewing spots are never far). As the seasons change, temperatures flux in tandem, and countless cetaceans embark on lengthy migrations across the globe, there’s always something new and exciting to watch for in the world of whales.
Read on for the best places for whale watching in the U.S.
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Santa Barbara, California
With sandy beaches framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is already a must-visit destination just 90 minutes northwest of Los Angeles. Of Southern California's many whale watching opportunities, Santa Barbara’s Condor Express is truly second-to-none. The local tour company has been offering year-round excursions into the Pacific since 1973, on which you're certain to spot sea lions and pods of playful dolphins year round. But take a close look at the calendar before booking your trip: March through May is the ideal time to observe infant gray whales, while the largest living creature on earth—the blue whale—is likely to make an appearance between May and October.
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Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
The largest, youngest, and easternmost island within the Hawaiian archipelago, the Island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island) tends to be overshadowed by neighboring Maui and Oahu when it comes to tourism, making it a true underrated gem of Polynesia. Between November and May, migrating humpback whales make the journey down to the Hawaiian islands to mate and rear their calves, making it possible for travelers to spot new mothers with babies in tow. Those hoping for an up-close encounter with the island’s visiting humpbacks should book a tour with Captain Zodiac, a Kona-based company that speeds across the water in 16-passenger Zodiac rafts.
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Provincetown, Massachusetts
A short, 90-minute ferry ride from Boston, this vibrant resort town is renowned throughout New England for its idyllic Cape Cod beauty and thriving LGBTQ+ culture. Though P-Town was home to a booming whaling industry in the 1800s, modern-day boaters have traded their harpoons for binoculars, offering visitors the opportunity to spot fin, humpback, and right whales from April to October. A first mover in the Atlantic whale watching industry, Dolphin Fleet has been active since 1975, providing guests with ample whale sightings and fascinating information on the biology and behavior of the ocean’s gentle giants.
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Seward, Alaska
A small city on the southern coast of the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is located roughly two hours south of Anchorage, making it the perfect day trip for visitors in search of native wildlife. For a truly spectacular immersion into the rugged beauty of Alaska, Major Marine Tours offers a six-hour journey from Resurrection Bay into the iconic Kenai Fjords National Park, a sprawling park packed with glaciers and inlets. Available from May to mid-September, this excursion gives guests the chance to spot humpback, orca, minke, and gray whales, as well as seals, sea otters, and a wide array of seabirds.
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Virginia Beach, Virginia
Summertime is peak tourist season in this bustling city, home to 35 straight miles of coastline where visitors can sunbathe to their heart’s content. That said, aspiring whale watchers should pay a visit to Virginia Beach in the winter, specifically during January or February when humpbacks are most prevalent. Book an excursion with Rudee Tours; this trusted company has been in the business for over 40 years, and offers a guaranteed free second trip in the unlikely event that no whales are spotted on your first outing.
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San Juan Islands, Washington
While humpbacks and minkes are a common sight throughout this idyllic Washington archipelago, the true crown jewel of the San Juan Islands is actually a type of dolphin: the orca, to be precise. For those staying in Seattle, the Puget Sound Express offers a half-day tour of the Salish Sea from May to December and San Juan Safaris conducts an incredible orca spotting excursion launching straight out of San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor. After thoroughly exploring the drinking and dining scene on San Juan Island (Cask and Schooner is a must-visit for pub food and craft beer), be sure to take a trip to the aptly-named Orcas Island, where the pristine Moran State Park lies in wait for ambitious hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor adventurers.
- ShoppingA New Season of The White Lotus Just Dropped, Along With a Ton of CollaborationsParis Wilson
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Bar Harbor, Maine
The entire state of Maine is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, but when it comes to whale watching in particular, it’s tough to beat Bar Harbor. This quiet community springs to life in the summer, with peak whale watching season occurring from June to August. For those hoping to spot humpback, minke, and right whales alongside porpoises and seabirds, the iconic Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is a trusted favorite. After a long day on the water, head into town for a lobster roll (or two).
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Cape May, New Jersey
A true paradise for animal enthusiasts, this tiny peninsula at the southern tip of New Jersey offers some of the best birdwatching in the country—and, from March to December, fantastic whale watching. Hop on the Cape May Whale Watcher for the “Cetacean Spectacular,” a three-hour voyage into the Delaware Bay. Marine mammal sightings are guaranteed, or your next trip is free. Humpbacks, fin whales, and bottlenose dolphins are a common sight, though this is also a great place to spot native shorebirds, ospreys, and even bald eagles.