Whale watching is an experience that never guarantees a sighting, but is one of the most amazing sights you’ll see in your lifetime, guaranteed. Although these creatures typically reside in the deep and far reaches of the sea, their migrations for food and reproduction often bring them close to shorelines where we can observe them. There are places all over the world where you can see these behemoths, but you can see them closer to home too! Check out these five places to go whale watching in the US.
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Glacier Bay Alaska is one of the most notable locations in the United States for whale watching between June and August. This area is most popular for humpback, minke, and blue whales, as well as orcas.
Big Sur, California
This location is perfect for year round whale sighting. This fantastic west coast location is populated by blue whales, gray whales, and humpback whales.
Jacksonville, Florida
This location in the southern part of the country is a popular place for whale watching in the US. Spotters are often able to observe North Atlantic right whales, a type of whale that is actively fighting its way back from near extinction. The best time to visit Jacksonville to see these majestic creatures is between November and April.
Long Island, New York
This island is packed with whales between the months of July and early September each year. A wide variety of species inhabits this area. A lot of sightseers have spotted sei, blue, North Atlantic right, sperm, fin, humpback, and minke whales during their observations. In addition to whale watching, viewers are able to take part in feeding the whales that visit these shores, making it a favorite place for whale watching in the US.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
This popular beach is ideal for whale watching during the months of December through March. Humpback whales are one of the most popular species spotted in this area. In addition to larger cetaceans, you may even catch a bottlenose dolphin show as the weather begins to warm.