What Is the Best Cruise to See Whales?

By Robert Palmer

When it comes to whale watching, taking a cruise is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. But with so many different cruises available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top cruises for whale watching and what makes them stand out.

Alaska Whale Watching Cruises

One of the most popular destinations for whale watching cruises is Alaska. The state’s waters are home to a wide variety of whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and gray whales. Many of the cruises in Alaska offer naturalist-guided tours that provide passengers with insights into the behavior and biology of these fascinating creatures.

Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Cruises

One cruise that stands out in Alaska is the Prince William Sound Glacier & Wildlife Cruise. This cruise takes passengers into the heart of Prince William Sound, where they’ll have a chance to see humpback whales breaching and feeding in their natural habitat. In addition to whales, passengers on this cruise may also spot sea lions, otters, eagles, and even bears.

  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Season: May-September
  • Vessel: Catamaran

Hawaiian Whale Watching Cruises

Another popular destination for whale watching cruises is Hawaii. From December to May each year, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate and give birth. This makes Hawaii an ideal location for spotting these gentle giants.

Maui Whale Watching Tours

Maui is one of the best islands in Hawaii for whale watching. Many of the tours depart from Lahaina Harbor and take passengers out to the Auau Channel, where humpback whales can often be seen breaching, tail slapping, and singing. Some tours even have hydrophones on board so passengers can listen to the whales’ songs.

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Season: December-May
  • Vessel: Catamaran or power boat

Baja California Whale Watching Cruises

If you’re looking for a truly unique whale watching experience, consider a cruise in Baja California. The waters off the coast of Mexico are home to several different species of whales, including gray whales and blue whales.

Gray Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay

One of the most popular cruises in Baja California is the gray whale watching tour in Magdalena Bay. This tour takes passengers into the breeding grounds of these massive mammals, where they can get up close and personal with mothers and calves. Some tours even allow passengers to pet the friendly whales!

  • Duration: Full day
  • Season: January-March
  • Vessel: Small boat or panga

In Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for an Alaskan adventure or a tropical escape in Hawaii, there’s a whale watching cruise out there for you. Keep these top destinations and cruises in mind as you plan your next vacation, and get ready for an unforgettable experience with some of nature’s most magnificent creatures.