The United States is also home to some of the best whale watching locations in the world, lucky nature lovers are able to see these magnificent creatures at close as possible. Whales can be seen in their natural habitat from the flyways of Alaska all the way down the West Coast to sunny California. It’s simply a must for anyone in the US that comes to see the likes of humpbacks breaching the surface, orcas gliding through the waves. If you have got your US Visaready before your plan, it will be a trouble free trip.
The US has different species of whales that are visible all through the year in each of the regions. Some of these destinations offer guided boat tours to see the whales and another do it right from the shore without a boat tour. This is the list of best places in the US for whale watching where you are at the end of the plan to have one amazing whale watching experience.
Here are the 9 Best Places in the USA for Whale Watching
1. Monterey Bay, California
Monterey Bay is one of the best sites in the US to go whale watching year-round. In winter, this area is home to gray whales, in summer to humpbacks and blue whales. The deep undersea canyon close to the coast provides abundant feeding grounds for whales, making it a popular spot to watch them. Visitors can get a close look at these magnificent creatures on boat tours from Monterey or Moss Landing.
2. San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands are an ideal place for people keen to see orcas. Humpbacks and minkes are some of the whale species that come to the region for its nutrient rich waters. Guided boat tours are plenty of visitors and you can also see orcas here from the land at Lime Kiln Point State Park, considered one of the best shore based whale watching spots in the world.
3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Thousands of visitors flock to Cape Cod every year to come whale watching on the East Coast. Just offshore, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a feeding ground for humpback, fin and minke whales. Provincetown and Barnstable also depart for whale watching tours with incredible experiences.
4. Maui, Hawaii
To become well-known for their location on Maui, thousands of these gentle giants migrate to the warm Hawaiian seas between December and April. Whales breed and calve in the shallow Auau Channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Scenic viewpoints such as Lahaina and Maalaea Bay as well as boat tours, kayak excursions, and even whale spotting from the shore are available for visitors.
5. Juneau, Alaska
If you’re looking for some of the most breathtaking whale watching experiences in the US, Alaska is one of the best places to see humpbacks in action, and Juneau is one of them. An unforgettable sight is bubble-net feeding, a way that humpbacks hunt. There are also many tours that are offered and have opportunities to see sea lions, bald eagles and glaciers.
6. Point Reyes, California
Just north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore is a fantastic location to witness gray whale migration.In the months from January to May, these huge whales pass close to the shore on their way to Alaska. Point Reyes is a great location for whale watching from land because of the high cliffs that provide great vantage points.
7. Depoe Bay, Oregon
Gray whales are seen year round, hence the nickname of the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast” comes from Depoe Bay. Whale Watching Center in the town provides information about migration patterns and real time information about whale activity. Whales are visible right from shore or on a guided tour for a closer view. This is a prime spot for seeing resident gray whales because the calm coastal waters.
8. Virginia Beach, Virginia
The best time to see migrating humpback whales is from December to March in Virginia Beach. These gentle giants come as the cool Atlantic waters move up the East Coast. There are several boat tours which arrange guided whale watching trips, as well as provides the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles. The mild winter climate of the region also makes it a good place for those who wish to escape the cold and still enjoy a great wildlife experience.
9. Big Sur, California
Whale viewing is especially dramatic in the winter and spring, with Big Sur’s magnificent coastline as a backdrop.Highway 1 has fantastic views of whales swimming close to the shore along the high cliffs. Land viewing of whales is great from Garrapata State Park and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and it is a great spot for those who want to take a scenic road trip and see wildlife.
Conclusion
The US is a place where whale watching is one of the most breathtaking experience to travelers and a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you decide to take on the rough and rugged California coastline, enjoy the pristine water of Alaska, or have a tropical paradise visit to Hawaii, you are sure to come face to face with whales. Before going on your journey, don’t forget to apply for your US Visa from India to avoid any hassle during the trip.
The US is a great place to go whale watching as there is a wide variety of whale species visible throughout the year. No matter whether you prefer to watch the whales out on the shore or on a guided tour, these nine destinations will provide some of the best chances to see whales up close. But the occasion has arrived, pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and prepare for an exciting marine adventure in the US.
