The answer to the question in the title should always be yes. And if you have any friends who reply “no” to “Do you want to watch majestic marine mammals in their natural habitat and bask in their beauty?” then maybe you shouldn’t be friends with them. But we aren’t here for your social life now. We are here to tell you about the best places where you can make this dream come true. The following three places are ideal to soothe your whale-watching woes.
California, Monterey Bay
So, what kind of whale can you watch in Monterey Bay? So many. Gray whales, humpback whales, and blue whales are only a fragment of the marine life habitating in these waters. What makes this place so suitable for so many species is the nutrient-rich waters of the bay. Whales, in particular, are drawn to the krill and small fish that draw them near the surface for your viewing pleasure. Loads of Monterey tour operators will happily take you on a boat so you can witness these enormous creatures slapping their tails on the surface firsthand. You might even be lucky enough to see an orca!
Iceland, Husavik
If your passion for whales is great enough for you to brave the Icelandic cold, book yourself a ticket on the next flight to Husavik. The town’s Skjálfandi Bay is widely known as the European capital of whale watching, and the local tour operators make sure to execute their tour in an eco-responsible way. Whale species like humpback, minke, or even blue whales can be found in these waters. Joining a whale-watching tour will come with a bonus of other local animals such as seals and puffins.
New Zealand, Kaikoura
The thing that makes Kaikoura so special is the convergence of cold and warm water currents near its shores. When the currents come together, they bring with them all sorts of nutrients, which in turn, bring the whales. The local biodiversity includes sperm whales, which would be fantastic to watch, but also bonuses in the form of fur seals and dusky dolphins.
