If you are an avid whale watcher, then you have probably already seen these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. But like many, most of us have only seen whales in marine parks and such like. So now we take a look at some of the best places on the planet that you can see these spectacular creatures.
Humpback whales are the most friendly and beautiful whales that swim in our seas and oceans, and there are many great places to get up close to these gentle giants, and in some places, you can actually get out and swim with them.
St. Lawrence Marine Park
This marine park in Quebec was created to protect humpback whales and fifteen hundred other types of marine animals. At Saguenay, there are thirteen different kinds of whales that visit there in order to feed and get ready for the long migration that lies ahead of them. Visitors can take advantage of rowing out in small boats to get close to these amazing creatures.
Iceland
Iceland is a great place to go whale watching especially around Husavik and Reykjavik, and if the weather is clement you can board one of the boats that take daily tours. In these waters you can see many species of whales swimming in their natural habitat, including humpbacks, and minkes. If you are lucky you can also spot orcas, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. The best time of year to go is between May and August.
Mexico
From the icy waters of Iceland we now travel to the warmer Sea of Cortez, a stunning beautiful place and it is known locally as The Aquarium of Mexico, as the clear waters display a vast biodiversity of marine life. If you are lucky enough to visit there between December and April, you will see the magnificent whales giving birth and breeding. The humpbacks can be seen just five hundred meters from the coast, and guides with small boats will be happy to take you out to get a little closer.
Columbia
From June to October the Pacific coast around Colombia is a perfect location to go humpback spotting. The whales head to the warm waters during this period to give birth and to breed. You need not even go out on a boat as the whales can be seen by the naked eye from the beach. The best places to see them are, Tumaco, Gorgona National Park, Nuqui, and Bahia Malaga.
South Africa
Our final destination in our hunt for the best places to see humpback whales is the Western Cape of South Africa. During August until November the waters around this part of the world are teaming with whales, and the local laws allow small boats to get as close as fifty meters to the marine giants.
Most boats are crewed by expert guides, who will gladly impart exactly what the whales are doing and why. Understanding the behavior of these magnificent creatures gives a great insight into their lives and their purpose on the planet.
