You may be considering taking gray whale watching tours this year. You could be looking forward to leaving the bitter cold and putting your accomplishment into sweet sand. You could anticipate enjoying a beverage, snorkeling with exotic fish, or eating fresh seafood. However, going on gray whale watching tours will be the most amazing and life-changing event you will have this winter.
What Are The Best Gray Whale Watching Tours?
Gray whale watching tours in the wild are far more interesting than seeing them in captivity. You have several ways to complete this bucket list item. Whether you want to stay close to home or go to a place with the largest concentration of these creatures, the world’s greatest opportunities are on these excursions.
Baja Sur Tours – La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The Sea of Cortez is famous for its marine biodiversity, but whale viewing on the Baja Peninsula is unmatched. Gray whales have mated and given birth in protected lagoons for ages.
Sea of Whales Adventures – Trinity, Newfoundland, Canada
Trinity, a postcard-perfect village in Newfoundland, offers world-class whale-watching cruises. In summer, humpback, fin, sperm, minke, pilot, and orcas occupy the waters. Sea of Whales Adventures will take you on a small-group Zodiac trip to see the creatures up close.
Jayleen’s Alaska – Juneau, Alaska
From May through early September, Juneau is one of the greatest places in the world to see humpback whales. Owner Jayleen’s Alaska is unmatched for a personal encounter with a local expert, having grown up in a whale-watching household.
SD Whale Watch – San Diego, California
You’ll learn a bit about our beautiful marine ecosystem here in San Diego and enjoy the gorgeous views! Not only do you get a front row seat during the Pacific whale migration, whales are seen almost constantly year round.
Laki Tours Whale Watching – Olafsvik, Iceland
Iceland’s whale viewing is world-class, so it’s no surprise it’s a favorite activity. Laki Tours takes visitors to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the best place to see toothed whales, including orcas, sperm, and pilot whales.
What Are Some Tips For Whale Watching?
These large marine creatures are usually fantastic to observe in the wild and display various habits according to the season.
To help you get the most out of your trip, here are some of our best whale-watching tips:
1. Select a Reputable Company to Book Your Travel.
It may be an exciting experience to go whale watching. It may also be a long, costly journey, particularly if you have kids. If you’re going whale watching, spend some time investigating the tour companies to ensure a successful, enjoyable experience.
2. Choose the Right Season.
Every year, they observe a variety of whale species. The majority of whales that we encounter migrate, and the ideal time to watch them is during that migration’s peak season.
3. Take the Right Equipment.
The outside decks are always the greatest area to see whales. We highly advise layering your clothing and having waterproof gear to enhance your comfort during whale watching.
4. Consult the Crew.
Your greatest resources for information on recent animal sightings and what to watch for are the captains, crew, and onboard naturalists. The team will be pleased to answer any of your questions and provide their best whale watching advice with you, whether they are in the bar or on the bow.
5. Prepare Your Camera.
You will undoubtedly get some fantastic images from the boat, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur iPhone user. Ensure your camera is ready and charged to get the greatest whale images.
What Time Of Year Is Good For Whale Watching?
The best months to see these gentle giants up close are during the whale watching season, which usually lasts from June to October. However, certain other seasonal variations are significant.
June
The whale-watching season starts when mature mothers with their yearling calves and other young whales pass the Gold Coast in June. The yearlings are learning to navigate the “Humpback Highway” from their freezing feeding grounds. The southern minke whale sightings peak in June.
July
In July, the migration is picking up pace, and the early-season trickle of whales has morphed into a tremendous flow of northern whales, making whale viewing very gratifying. You may observe a newborn whale (called a newborn calf). They’re tiny and appear like dolphins curled next to their Mom, so you’ll need to look closely first.
August
August is the height of the humpback highway migration, and the Gold Coast is whole of whales. Pregnant and non-pregnant females slowly travel north into warm seas. Bulls arrive, eager to mate with cows. Numerous males may chase a female at rapid speed.
September
In September, the whales turn south and begin their journey back to Antarctica. Juveniles and newly pregnant females lead the southern migration. In a desperate attempt to mate, big males are pursuing giant ladies south. During migration, inquisitive sub-adults may approach our boats, giving us unique boat side visits.
October
In October, moms cautiously lead their calves south for the first time. Many mother-calf couples relax at Gold Coast Bay, turning it into a nursery. The mothers swim and feed the calves in the bay. You’ll regularly see them tail-slapping and pec-slapping next to mom while they practice swimming.