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The ocean offers many thrills and whale watching is probably one of the most significant ones. It is a highly coveted activity amongst nature enthusiasts, adventure buffs, and the ones with a fascination for marine life. There are numerous whale watching destinations in the world. But which ones are the best? Check out our list of top 5 destinations in the world to enjoy whale watching.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
New Zealand has always been a popular destination among nature and adventure buffs. When it comes to whale watching, numerous tourists choose the town of Kaikoura in the Kiwi nation to spot these sea mammals. You don’t need to wait for a particular season or month to spot whales here as the giant sperm whales can be seen throughout the year. However, if you want to catch a glimpse of other species, research well before planning your trip. From June to September, you are likely to spot blue whales, whereas December to March is the best time to spot killer whales. On a whale watching trip, sightings of dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and sea birds are also pretty common.
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most notable destinations to enjoy whale watching. Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii, is surrounded by warm tropical waters where humpback whales visit between October and May. Plan your trip to Maui during this time of the year to behold the sight of tail slapping and other funny antics of the humpbacks. Besides Maui, the shores of Ka’anapal, Kihei and Wailea are known for whale species such as pilot whales, false killer whales and of course, humpback whales.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Every winter, thousands of whales flock to Los Cabos from Alaska to breed. In the shallow and warm waters of the Baja California Peninsula, you will find humpback whales, blue whales and gray whales with their calves. The best time for a whale watching trip in Mexico is from January to April. Baja California is home to two natural world heritage sites namely the Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino and the Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. Both these sites are popular among whale watching enthusiasts. San Ignacio, Ojo de Liebre and Magdalena Bay are other places in Los Cabos for whale watching.
Hermanus, South Africa
Usually, one hires a boat or a yacht for watching whales. However, this is not the case in Hermanus, South Africa. The town of Hermanus is located along the Walker Bay where you can see Southern Right Whales from the sea shore between June and December. Grab your spot on any of the benches located along the coastal walkway to admire whales. Ardent whale watching enthusiasts should also ensure that they participate in the celebration of the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. This festival is scheduled in September or October.
Quebec, Canada
Canada is home to numerous destinations where whale sightings are quite common and Quebec is one such region. In this part of Canada, you would come across two types of whales – beluga whale and North Atlantic right whale. St. Lawrence River is the best place to admire belugas. These gigantic white marine mammals are easy to spot as they swim with their heads above the water. North Atlantic right whale is an endangered species and only the lucky few get to catch a sight of these creatures.