블로그
Best Places to See Whales – Top 10 Whale-Watching Destinations고래를 볼 수 있는 최고의 장소 – 최고의 고래 관찰 여행지 10곳">

고래를 볼 수 있는 최고의 장소 – 최고의 고래 관찰 여행지 10곳

알렉산드라 디미트리우, GetBoat.com
by 
알렉산드라 디미트리우, GetBoat.com
8분 읽기
블로그
11월 27, 2025

Start with Alaska’s Kenai Fjords for your first whale watching session. Each year, May through September, humpbacks and orcas travel along pristine fjord walls, and captains share tips to capture powerful breaches. Choose 6–8 hour trips that depart from Seward, with on board narration and easy boarding to keep the ride comfortable for families with children.

Next, explore the west coast of canada and the united states. On Vancouver Island and in the Johnstone Strait you’ll find reliable whale watching from July to September, with orca pods and humpbacks threading the channels. Operators run multi-day itineraries and board sturdy boats; families check gear at the harbour store before departure, a common move during peak holidays. Across canada and the united states, the west coast scene remains productive for year‑round enthusiasts.

Pacifica corridor and beyond. The pacifica arc from California’s Monterey Bay to the Channel Islands delivers predictable sightings March through October. In Monterey, watching whales happens on most voyages, backed by sea otters and seabirds; choose a ride that includes a shore stop to capture shots from a stable platform with pristine water around. Some operators reuse gear and offer used equipment checks to keep costs friendly. This guide highlights ten standout spots across pacifica and adjacent shores.

East andor coastlines offer a broader picture. Consider the east coast andor routes for a different rhythm, especially around the fourth of July holidays when family groups join aboard. Just plan a year ahead to check operator calendars and book a late‑season ride up to the hill viewpoints overlooking sheltered bays; after the excursion, visit the local storeenjoy mementos and a quick debrief at the sitecapture memories of the day.

Whale Watching Destinations Guide

Start with Tadoussac, tadoussac, for consistent orca and beluga activity in the Saguenay estuary; book a licensed tour to ensure compliance with local rules, and arrive early to optimize access to the best viewing spots. Check statistics from park authorities, and plan a visit during the core window (mid-summer) for the highest chance of sightings; bring warm layers, a camera for photos, and a light jacket for damp mornings.

  1. Tadoussac, Quebec – prime for orcas and belugas in the mixing zone between river and sea; access by car or ferry, with multiple site operators along the harbor; before you go, confirm the day’s forecast and marine traffic, and consider a second site visit to maximize life-life balance while you’re there; photos are common, and some guides offer a magnified view from upper decks.

  2. Balboa Peninsula, California – coastal waters yield occasional orcas during spring and fall; drive lanes and parking are plentiful, and several marina-based outfits run short dolphin-and-whale trips; visit in the early morning hours for calmer seas and clearer photos; always follow compliance notes from operators and stay clear of buoys.

  3. Sonoma Coast + Glen Ellen, California – combine coastal watching with inland vineyards in Sonoma County; the region’s rocky shores host migrating gray whales along the peninsular fringe; access is straightforward from San Francisco Bay Area; botanic garden stops along the way provide a relaxed balance for life and nature, also offering shade and lunch options.

  4. Rockport, Massachusetts – Cape Ann channels bring seasonal whale activity, with peak activity often in late spring and early summer; park at the harbor and ride with a local operator; photos from the harbor edge are popular, and the site is well-marked for easy access and safety compliance.

  5. Valdes Peninsula, Argentina – iconic for southern right whales and resident marine life; plan a stay in nearby Puerto Madryn and join a certified tour that respects voluntary codes of conduct; the peninsula’s coastline provides dramatic backdrops for a visit, with strong statistics on seasonal concentrations.

  6. Baja California Peninsula, Mexico – winter visits bring gray whales close to shore in sheltered bays; access via La Paz or Loreto gateways, with boat operators along the peninsula offering safe, regulated trips; bring sunscreen and a cap, and note that some tours are designed to minimize environmental impact according to compliance guidelines.

  7. Lima Coast, Peru – migrating whales pass near the Costa Verde; local operators publish site-specific schedules, and driving along the coast provides several vantage points; visit during the austral winter to spring window for best activity; respect local rules and support voluntary conservation measures.

  8. Marin Headlands, California – bluff overlooks give a different angle on marine life; access by car with ample parking, and short hikes lead to whale-friendly viewpoints; you can combine a drive with a botanic excursion to nearby coastal gardens; the area’s statistics show frequent sightings during migration peaks.

  9. Glen Ellen & Surroundings, California – inland vantage points pair with coastal trips to broaden your knowledge of marine life; plan a day that blends a vineyard lunch with a late-afternoon sea watch from a nearby headland; this complement helps balance the life outside the water with the life in the field.

Also consider a multi-site visit to maximize chances, and always verify access conditions, tide windows, and operator compliance before you drive out. If you plan to shoot photos, a spare memory card and a lightweight tripod can help, and a quick thank-you note to crews after a tour supports the voluntary efforts that sustain these sites. Bring water, snacks, and a compact field guide for quick reference on species behavior, and remember that responsible behavior protects life in the marine environment.

Seasonal windows and peak migration times by region

Begin with Alaska’s north Pacific coast in March–May for high-chance gray-whale arrivals during northbound migration.

North Pacific (Alaska, British Columbia, Pacific Northwest): Expect south-to-north movement leaves the ocean surface open for extended sightings from March through May, with peak activity typically in late March to April. Humpbacks appear through June–August, while minke whales can be observed along the water column more broadly. Choose elevated, safe viewpoints above rocky peninsulas and shorelines and browse tertiary sources for around-the-water safety statistics before any stop. The overall experience is amazing for observers seeking dynamic surface displays and long, prismatic breaches.

California coast (Pacifica, Sonoma coast, Napa corridor): The winter–spring window from December to April hosts southbound gray-whale passages and occasional calving along the peninsula’s sheltered coves. Peak local activity often centers on February–March when sightings rise along the point-head locations and sheltered bays. Expect a mix of gray and humpback whales, with minke sightings in some years. Plan short loops from the coast to nearby town centers, and consider a quick stop at a botanic garden or harbor for a refreshed browse of coastal flora before continuing browsing along living shoreline locations.

Baja California Peninsula (Mexico): January–April marks the prime southbound flow with calving and nursing around Magdalena Bay and nearby lagoons, where water remains relatively pristine and traffic is manageable. Peak moments cluster January–February, then taper into March. This is an ideal stop for photographers and families who miss dense surface action, as the calm water interludes offer clear profiles of adults and calves. Book guided trips to ensure safety and compliance with local purposes and regulations.

Africa (South Africa): The Hermanus coast hosts southern-right whales from June through November, with a pronounced peak in August–October. The Hermanus Whale Festival in September adds a cultural festival cadence to your visit and helps with safe viewing from shore-based points and small-numbered boats. For places along the water, respect safety margins and follow guides’ recommendations to minimize disturbance while maximizing viewing opportunities.

South Pacific / Pacifica region (New Zealand, eastern Australia, Pacifica coastlines): Spring windows run roughly September–November for northern-h正在arcing migrations and autumn passages around February–April in some areas. Look for humpbacks along the Pacifica-facing shores and occasional southern-rights at key bays. Best viewing points are sheltered coves and established coastal tracks; from these locations you can combine water-browsing with land-based exploration and a stop at local towns. Always verify operator credentials and local regulations before venturing out.

최적의 타이밍과 안전을 위한 단계: 지역 데이터를 검색하고, 여행 날짜보다 높은 피크 기간을 비교하고, 명확한 목적지로 정확한 위치를 지도에 표시하고, 안전 규칙을 준수하는 순서를 계획합니다. 피크 이동 세그먼트와 일치하고 해안선을 따라 유명한 관람 지점을 우선시하여 더 적은 순간을 놓치세요. 해류 탐험 후 와인 컨트리에서 휴식을 취하기 위해 짧은 나파-소노마 우회 여행을 고려하고, 여정을 균형있게 만들기 위해 식물원이나 깨끗한 공원을 둘러보세요. 축제 캘린더를 사용하여 문화적인 정류 시간을 계획하고 신뢰할 수 있는 출처의 통계를 기록하여 언제 가고 어디에 가야 할지에 대한 결정을 안내하여 여행 중 기대치를 관리하고 기회를 극대화하세요.

<th traveler tips
Region 계절별 창(이동) Peak times 예상되는 종
북태평양 (알래스카, BC, 태평양 북서부) 3월–5월; 혹등고래 5월–8월; 미нк년중 북쪽으로 향하는 회색고래의 이동 경로는 늦은 3월부터 4월까지, 혹등고래는 6월부터 8월까지 절정에 달합니다. 회색 고래, 혹등고래, 밍크 고래 물 위 높은 지점을 활용하고, 안전을 최우선으로 하며, 현지 가이드로부터 통계를 확인합니다. 수면 위 관찰에 가장 적합한 위치를 파악합니다.
캘리포니아 해안 (퍼시피카, 소노마, 나파 코리도르) 12월–4월 2월–3월 회색 고래, 혹등고래; 때때로 작은고래 해안 기반의 포인트 접근 지역에서 관찰하기; 현지 조간대를 둘러보기; 바위 가장자리 근처의 안전
바하 칼리포르니아 반도 (멕시코) 1월–4월 January–February 회색 고래 일찍 예약하고, 면허를 소지한 운영자들과 투어를 하며, 잔잔한 라군에 집중하세요. 마그다레나 만의 장소를 방문하여 가까이에서 볼 수 있습니다.
아프리카 (남아프리카 공화국) 6월–11월 8월–10월 southern-right whales; 가끔 다른 종 가능하면 헤르마누스 고래 축제에 참여하고, 보트 가이드의 안전 규칙을 따르며, 면허를 소지한 사업자를 이용하세요.
남태평양 / 파시피카 지역 (뉴질랜드, 동부 오스트레일리아, 파시피카 해안) 9월–11월; 2월–4월 (일부 지역) 10월 (봄); 3월 (가을) 혹등고래; 남방밍크고래; 밍크고래 sheltered 장소를 선택하십시오; 운영자 자격 증명을 확인하십시오; 육지와 바다의 전망을 즐기십시오; 안전 의식을 가진 방문을 계획하십시오.

퀸즐랜드의 헤이비 베이에서 기대할 수 있는 것

퀸즐랜드의 헤이비 베이에서 기대할 수 있는 것

7월~11월에 면허를 소지한 운영업체를 통해 아침 고래 관찰 여행을 예약하면 여러 번 목격할 가능성이 가장 큽니다. 그레이트 샌디 스트레이트의 잔잔하고 맑은 날씨는 가시성을 높이고 해안선을 아름답게 만듭니다. 고래가 몸을 일으키는 순간이 다가오면 거대한 꼬리가 부딪히고 물보라가 튀어 나오면서 손님들이 그 순간에 몰입하게 됩니다.

잔잔한 해안 수역에서는 암컷과 새끼를 동반한 큰 혹등고래를 흔히 볼 수 있으며, 표면 위로 굴러다니고 뛰어오르는 모습이 관찰됩니다. 먹이를 먹고 놀 때는 활동적이며, 그들의 행동에 대한 순간순간의 통찰력을 제공합니다. 가이드가 관찰하는 내용을 설명하고, 최적의 관람 지점을 강조하는 전자 브리핑 자료 및 지도를 제공합니다. 손님들은 자주 놀라운 상호작용을 보고하며, 많은 여행은 동물을 방해하지 않고 사진을 찍을 수 있도록 잠시 멈춥니다. 만 주변을 여행하는 동안 경치 좋은 지평선과 다양한 목적을 가지고 여행하는 사람들을 위한 기억에 남는 순간을 제공합니다. 손님들은 고래에게 먹이를 주거나 만질 수 없습니다.

실용적인 팁: 일반적으로 파도가 잔잔한 낮게나 늦은 시간에 출발하세요. 투어는 매일 여러 번 운영되어 투숙객에게 고래 브리치와 꼬리 지느러미를 목격할 수 있는 더 많은 기회를 제공합니다. 해풍이 시원할 수 있으므로 자외선 차단제, 모자, 여벌옷을 가져오세요. 운영업체는 교란을 최소화하기 위해 세심한 주의를 기울입니다. 전자 티켓이 일반적이며, Tripadvisor 또는 운영업체 웹사이트를 통해 예약 관리가 가능합니다. 가치를 위해 여러 업체를 비교해 보세요. 호주 주변의 유사한 여정은 유사한 경험을 제공하지만, 헤이비 베이의 보호된 수역은 가장 일관된 관찰을 제공합니다.

다양한 목적을 가진 가족, 커플, 그리고 손님들을 위해, 하비 베이는 보호된 수로를 따라 편안하고 경치 좋은 여정을 제공합니다. 프레이저 아일랜드 근처의 딥시와 같은 만들은 사진 촬영을 위한 안정적인 플랫폼을 제공하며, 맑은 날에는 크고 놀라운 만남이 가능합니다. 이러한 순간들은 고래의 행동과 더 넓은 생태계에 대한 통찰력을 제공합니다. 호주의 동부 해안에도 유사한 옵션이 있지만, 만의 보호된 해협은 가장 일관된 관찰을 제공하며, 트립어드바이저 리뷰에서 종종 가이드 및 물류의 신뢰성을 언급합니다.

육상 기반 vs. 보트 기반 시청 옵션 및 장단점

Recommendation: 육지에서의 관찰이 시작점입니다. 매일 새벽부터 오전 중반까지 선착장, 전망대, 해안 정원에서 기회가 펼쳐집니다. 육지에서 경치를 관찰할 수 있으며, 미라마르, 트롬쇠, 리마와 같은 유명한 해안 중심지 방문객의 비용과 물류를 단순화할 수 있습니다.

연안 기반의 장점 저렴한 비용, 유연한 시간, 가족 및 첫 방문객을 위한 폭넓은 접근성을 포함합니다. 공공 전망대와 정원은 해양 생물을 방해하지 않고도 꾸준한 생명 관찰을 제공하며, 장미빛 전망과 골짜기 옆 벤치는 편안함을 더합니다. 그러나 날씨는 시야를 망칠 수 있고, 각도는 제한적이며, 바람이나 눈부심은 세부 사항을 줄이므로 일부 관찰에는 인내심과 빠른 위치 조절이 필요합니다.

선박 기반 옵션 동물들과 함께 움직이며 더욱 가까운 모습과 역동적인 구도를 제공합니다. 당신은 board 항구에 있는 배와 합류하여 reservation for guided trips; many operators run daily 출발, 하지만 hours 그리고 노선은 환경에 따라 달라집니다. 장점으로는 플룩(fluke), 가슴지느러미, 그리고 팟(pod) 행동과의 근접성이 있으며, 단점으로는 더 높은 비용, 잠재적인 혼잡, 멀미, 그리고 지침을 준수하지 않을 경우 더 큰 영향에 대한 우려가 있습니다. 투어는 해양 생물 복지를 핵심 목적으로 강조하며, 운영자는 교란을 최소화하려고 노력합니다. life.

To maximize chances, use a blended plan: base in shore-based sessions and add a boat excursion when forecasts show calm seas. Reserve ahead during peak periods, especially when festival atmospheres draw crowds; check hours and wind forecasts, and choose operators that feature voluntary guidelines to protect wildlife. This approach serves guests with diverse purposes and supports a pristine marine environment for years to come.

Exclusively shore-based strategies limit close-range encounters; a balanced mix offers the widest range of sights and remains practical for most travelers. Home base can be near Miramar or Lima, with daily options that also accommodate spontaneous decisions and active itineraries, ensuring you capture both broad patterns and intimate moments in the wild.

Responsible whale-watching practices and operator standards

Book only with licensed operators who publish a formal code of conduct and provide a pre-trip briefing covering minimum approach distances, engine rules, and safe viewing etiquette. In waters where marine life gathers, crews should identify sensitive areas and pause operations during critical periods for stress reduction and reproductive cycles.

Maintain a distance of at least 100 m (about 328 ft) from any whale or dolphin and slow to 6–7 knots when within 100–200 m. Engines should be in neutral or off when observers are watching, and total encounter time should be limited to 15–30 minutes per group, with rotation of the party to minimize disturbance.

Operators must assign a dedicated on-board observer to track animal behavior, monitor crossing of trails and nurseries, and enforce a strict no-feeding policy. Vessels should carry basic safety gear and clear escape routes; distance, duration, and encounter outcomes should be stored in logs and retrieved for voluntary audits or to inform researchers, and such records should be available without subpoena when requested by authorities.

Minimize acoustic impact by using low-noise engines or electric systems, avoid loud conversations, and refrain from sudden speed changes or aggressive chasing. Do not anchor in ecologically sensitive zones, and keep a respectful distance when animals display signs of distress or avoidance. If behavior changes or a group heads away, respectfully disengage and move to a new area.

Your reservation should confirm a visit plan aligned with regional guidelines, including maximum party size and a locally approved route. When you travel with a small party, the operator can spread observers to reduce pressure; such next-level practices improve experiences for both wildlife and tourist groups. For a trip in miramar, expect seasonal adjustments and adaptive rules during october as part of ongoing management.

Before sailing, ask for written recommendations or checklists and request transparent safety records, including monthly summaries of distances kept and areas avoided. Use services that publish experiences and feedback so you can compare more operators. By aligning with responsible providers, you ensure your own safety and that marine life remains accessible for future visitors and researchers alike.

Planning tips: best tours, budgeting, and travel logistics

Start with a highly knowledgeable operator in tromso to chase whales and dolphin pods during the annual migration window; pick a small-boat option to minimize noise and maximize sightings, with marin crew leading the chase and expanding knowledge of the ocean.

Budgeting: plan two to four hours per outing, typical rates range between 120 and 260 USD per person during the annual peak, with 10–15% discounts for families or groups; use tripadvisor recommendations to filter for licensed, knowledgeable crews and vessels with low environmental impact. If you depart from newport harbor, add a pre- or post-cruise stroll along the marina to stretch the travel day.

Logistics: plan access via tromso or tadoussac; tadoussac connects to saguenay–st. lawrence river corridor, while pacific-coast spots or africa-coast spots require longer itineraries–build in rest days between flights. For on-water time, select steady zodiac or larger-boat departures offering a stable platform for several hours at sea near the peninsula for closer views. Pack windproof layers, sunscreen, a hat, seasickness remedies, and a compact daypack; verify local regulations and the crew’s safety briefing, and listen as the captain explains the behavior of the wildlife and the dolphins themselves.

On-site tips: by browsing tripadvisor, filter for crews with strong safety records and marine-education focus; once done, confirm wildlife-encounter policies and any guarantees, and ask the captain to explain the behavior of these species themselves. Arrive early to secure seats, stay flexible as weather shifts, and respect viewing distances to protect wildlife and ensure others enjoy the same moments, which you will thank yourself for.