Seven Stunning Cruise Destinations To Go Whale Watching

• Global Giants: Discover the distinct waters where you can spot everything from the elusive Blue Whale to the acrobatic Humpback.

• Seasonal Success: Timing is everything - learn exactly which months offer the highest probability of sightings for each destination.

• Cruise Convenience: Explore how to combine these bucket-list wildlife encounters with the comfort and ease of a cruise holiday.

Whale watching is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing these majestic sea creatures close up in their natural habitat is powerful and humbling, and one of the best ways to have this encounter is on a whale-watching cruise. 

Different species frequent different waters around the world, so your choice of destination will influence which of these beautiful creatures you'll get to see.

In this blog, we'll explore seven of the best destinations for whale-watching cruises, sharing what species you can hope to see and when and where you may see them. 

1) Iceland and the Arctic Waters

Iceland offers remarkable landscapes and a rich marine ecosystem, making it a top destination for nature lovers. The island’s nutrient-rich Arctic waters attract 24 different species, giving you a very high probability of a sighting.

• What you might see: Humpbacks, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are common. If you are lucky, you might spot sperm whales, orcas, and even the elusive blue whale.

• Where to go: Many excursions depart directly from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre, making it incredibly accessible for cruise guests.

• When to go: The season runs from April to late September, with the peak period falling between June and August. However, winter cruises (often in search of the Northern Lights) can still yield sightings of hardy dolphins and orcas.

2) Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is not just a stunning city; it is a gateway to the wild. Sailing the Northern Pacific waters off this coastline offers excellent promise for catching a glimpse of marine mammals against a backdrop of pine forests and mountains.

• What you might see: Keep your fingers crossed for orcas (killer whales), grey whales, minkes, and fin whales. Humpback whales are also a common sight, with many remaining in these waters year-round.

• Where to go: Great spotting areas include the waters around Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the San Juan Islands.

• When to go: The prime viewing window is between April and October.

Many leading cruise lines (including Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises) depart from Vancouver for the Alaska season, so we recommend arriving a few days early to book a dedicated whale-watching tour before you board.

3) Norway

Whale watching in Norway is something truly special. The deep sapphire fjords and rugged cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop to an already emotional experience.

• What you might see: This is prime territory for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales. In the Svalbard archipelago, you might even spot a blue whale - the largest animal to ever live.

• Where to go: Tromsø and Andenes are the hotspots. Andenes is famous for its deep underwater canyon which attracts diving sperm whales.

• When to go: This depends on what you want to see. November to January is the time for the "Winter Whales" (orcas and humpbacks) following the herring migration. However, sperm whales can often be seen year-round.

4) Scotland

You don't always have to fly halfway around the world for a wildlife adventure. The coastal waters around Scotland - specifically the Hebrides - are a hidden gem for cetacean sightings.

• What you might see: Minke whales are the frequent visitors to the Inner Hebrides. Around the east coast (Firth of Forth), you may spot humpbacks, orcas, and plenty of playful dolphins and porpoises.

• When to go: The waters are most active between May and September.

Cruise lines like Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Ambassador specialise in British Isles itineraries. Their smaller ships can navigate the rugged Scottish coastline, and their onboard experts are excellent at helping you spot fins from the deck.

5) Alaska 

For many, Alaska is the undisputed king of wildlife cruising. If you make the "Great Land" your next holiday destination, you will discover waterways teeming with life.

• What you might see: Humpbacks are the stars of the show here—look out for the phenomenon of "bubble net feeding", where pods work together to trap fish. Orcas and grey whales are also regularly spotted.

• Where to go: Icy Strait Point (near Hoonah) and Juneau are world-renowned for their whale populations. The Kenai Fjords near Seward are also spectacular.

• When to go: Orcas frequent these waters year-round, but the migratory species (and the cruise ships!) arrive from May to September.

Take day cruise tours or water taxis from Whittier or Valdez to discover the protected waterways, fjords and glaciers of Prince William Sound. Or sail from Seward to explore the icy waters of Kenai Fjords. The vast, wild landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with the whale-watching opportunities being the icing on the cake of an extremely memorable experience. 

6) Maui, Hawaii

It is not just cold, icy conditions where whales thrive. The shallow, warm waters surrounding Maui and the Hawaiian Islands are a vital breeding spot for North Pacific humpback whales, which swim more than 3,000 miles from Alaska to nurse their young here.

• What you might see: Humpback whales (often mothers with calves).

• Where to go: The Auau Channel between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai is often called the "Humpback Highway" due to the density of the population.

• When to go: Unlike the other destinations on this list, this is a winter activity. The season runs from December to May, making it the perfect winter sun getaway.

7) Australia

Head on a cruise "Down Under", and you will discover an abundance of whale-watching possibilities. The migration along the Australian coast is one of the longest in the world.

• What you might see: Southern right whales seek out the temperate breeding waters off the coast of South Australia and Victoria. Humpback whales tend to prefer the warmer waters near the Great Barrier Reef, while orcas favour the southern coast of Western Australia.

• When to go: You can typically see whales migrating along the coast between May and November.

However, whichever region you choose and however lucky you are at whale watching in Australia, you can be sure that you’ll be treated to the country’s glorious combination of sun, sea and stunning landscapes.

Top Tip for Booking

If you’re considering a cruise holiday to one of these destinations, adding a whale-watching adventure to your itinerary couldn't be more highly recommended.

Witnessing the majesty of these gentle giants in their natural habitat is something truly special, and no matter where you choose to seek these mammals out, it will provide a unique, exhilarating experience you'll never forget.