When to go Whale Watching - Off the Map Travel

The popularity of whale watching as a holiday activity is ever on the rise. As some of the most majestic creatures in the Earth’s oceans, it’s no surprise that people are vacationing to all corners of the world for a chance to see these gentle giants of the sea.

“When is the best time of the year to go Whale Watching?” is one of the most common questions we are asked by new customers. The truth is, there isn’t a bad time to go whale watching. If you really want to go whale watching, it won’t be a question of when – only a matter of where. We’ve researched different places to go whale watching in multiple countries to the point where we know where to see whales at any time of the year and still have plenty of room for extra activities at the same time. With our expertise, we can create the perfect tailor made holiday to take you whale watching in any of the following destinations.

When To Go Whale Watching in the Azores

The Azores Archipelago lies only 800 miles from the coast of mainland Portugal and is a beautiful holiday destination in its own right. Cycling, canoeing, hiking and volcano visits are just a few of the fantastic activities on offer. As a whale watching destination, the Azores’ sub-tropical climate means you can visit at any time. You can find multiple species of whales and dolphins around the island, with Sperm Whales, Common Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins being visible all year round.

Our Whales and Islands holiday package combines whale watching in the Azores with all of the islands’ other activities for an exciting adventure holiday that can be taken at any time of the year.

When To Go Whale Watching in Greenland

Greenland’s Disco Bay is a summertime hotspot for several species, including Humpback Whales, the Minke Whale and the Fin Whale. Greenland can receive up to 15 different species across different times of the year. This summer period is, without a doubt, the best time of the year to go whale watching in Greenland.

Our Whales and Icebergs holiday package combines three exciting destinations into one, taking you to Disco Bay in Greenland as well as Reykjavik and Akureyri in Iceland. Each location is home to its own whale species as well as having its own sights and sounds unique to each individual location – most notably the chance to see the towering icebergs of Greenland. To make sure you can get the most out of each destination in this whale watching package, we make it available between the months of May and September.

When To Go Whale Watching in Iceland

As a whale watching destination, Iceland boasts over 23 different species that can be seen at different times of the year. This includes Orcas, Sperm Whales and the Blue Whale – the largest animal to have ever lived. A holiday to Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city, will give you the chance to see the largest whale species in the world.

Our Whales and Waterfalls holiday package is a great way to experience whale watching in Iceland and combine it with all of the other sights and sounds that the country has to offer. As the name suggest, this can include waterfall explorations, as well as visits to warm underground rivers and natural geothermal pools. For best results and chances of seeing the Blue Whales, we run this package between May and October.

When To Go Whale Watching in Norway

The most common species of whale in Norway are the Orca and Humpback. While you will find that the best daylight conditions are from October to October to Mid-November, the best chances to see the whales themselves are from November to January. This ties in perfectly with Norway’s other major selling point – the Northern Lights.

Our Whales and Northern Lights package is specifically designed to give you the maximum chance to see both the Northern Lights and the many species of whale that can be found around Tromsø. To make the most of these opportunities, this package is available between November and mid-January.

When To Go Whale Watching Tenerife

Tenerife is the most southerly of our whale watching destinations. The deep channel between Tenerife and La Gomera teems with microscopic marine life that makes it the perfect feeding grounds for the 28 different species that migrate through these waters. With such diversity, you will be able to go whale watching in Tenerife at any time of the year.

Our Whales and Stars package combines the diversity of Tenerife’s waters with a beautiful stargazing experience at Mount Teide. Watch whales in the day and enjoy a starlight dinner followed by a guided tour of the constellations by your astronomer guide. This package is available at any time of the year, but if there is a specific species you are seeking we recommend planning ahead to match their migratory periods.

Interested In Whale Watching?

If you are interested in whale watching, we would be happy to help you with one of our tailor made whale watching packages. Each of the packages listed in this article serves only as a guideline for what we can achieve. We can work with you to create a luxury that will take you whale watching in your preferred destination and combine it with all of the best local activities and attractions. We can also offer precise advice on seeing any migratory species at each destination. The first step to planning your whale watching holiday is to contact us.