Amazing whale-watching spots around the world

The Australian coast is blessed with some great opportunities for whale watching, but for those who love marine wildlife, there’s many more places worth exploring around the world.

From different species of whale to the spectacular scenery that surrounds them, each location offers a unique experience.

Here are some of the world’s top places to get up close with the giants of the sea.
Do you have a favourite place for whale watching? Share your tip.

Tonga
One of the only places where it’s possible to swim with whales, Tonga’s waters attract humpbacks on their migration between July and October, and is becoming popular with tourists eager to join them.

There are various options to swim with the whales. WhaleSwim Adventures runs various tours, including a four-night catamaran tour around the islands of Vava’u and Whale Discoveries runs day tours from Foa Island.

Alaska
The coastal regions of Alaska are filled with marine life, including grey, killer, humpback and beluga whales. The best months are from June to September.

Many Alaskan cruises focusing on whale watching are listed on the Alaska Whale Tours website.

National Geographic Expeditions run eight-day tours through Alaska’s Inside Passage, which includes opportunities for kayaking with whales and a chance to meet members of the Alaska Whale Foundation.

Dominica
This Caribbean island is the only country in the world where sperm whales are found all year, although the best months to see them are between November and March.

Various Caribbean cruises make port visits to Dominica, where whale watching and diving are among the popular activities. The Dominica tourism site has information for divers and day trippers and the Anchorage Hotel organises regular tours.