Last Updated on December 30, 2020
8. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city with a soul of its own. Known for the fog that lasts all year, for its emblematic Golden Gate Bridge – the setting for many films and series – and also for its cable cars and colorful Victorian houses. But you probably never imagined it would be on the list of America’s most amazing whale watching trips. Right? Yeah. Between cruises, expeditions, and tours, there are many alternatives for all travel profiles. The catalog of whale species that can be seen on its coast is also diverse: there are blues, Humpbacks, and Gray Whales living on it. They are present in greater abundance from December to February, so the whale watching season corresponds to our winter. San Francisco is also the starting point to discover many places that you will remember, such as the Farallon Islands, Point Reyes National Seashore, a national reserve, and also the city of Half Moon Bay, much sought after by surfers.
9. Channel Islands, California
Channel Islands whale watching is one of the most visited hotspots in the country and the world. This archipelago is located in California, and its main harbor is located in the city of Oxnard. If you visit these islands between November and April, you can be sure to see the Humpbacks, Minkes, Gray Whales, and Blue Whales skips. This is a perfect trip for those who like adventure and to establish a deep contact with nature. To give you an idea, there are many camping grounds in the Channel Islands National Park. In addition to whale watching, this place usually hosts practitioners of hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. Another one that is considered one of the best places for whale watching is the National Marine Sanctuary. Because of its biodiversity and abundance of wildlife, this sanctuary and the national park are considered “The Galapagos of the Northern Hemisphere.” Excursions, tours, and trips are offered as a package by several agencies or on an individual basis by tour guides.
10. Depoe Bay, Oregon
Although you can find a wide variety of species – Gray Whales, Humpbacks, and Blue Whales – year-round in Depoe Bay, the best time to whale watching depends on the species you want to see. That’s because while Gray Whales pass through Depoe Bay during their migration, from December to January, Humpbacks and Blue Whales appear mainly during the summer when they come to feed from July to October. To have the best perspective and angle for your photos, you can always hire one of the available tour or excursion services. Or else you can book a day to visit the Whale Watching Center, where you will find everything you need on this subject: information, guidance, and socializing. End your afternoon by making a toast to this whale biodiversity at one of the local wineries and breweries. Lack of options to fulfill your child’s dream you can no longer complain. There are several alternatives for watching dozens of whale species. And why not interact with them? Each of these trips is unique, each place is special. So don’t forget to take your camera and be present to record all these incredible moments!
