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Maptlantis

Blue whale encounters

Where to see blue whales: seasons and ways to meet them

Operators 7Countries 2Published prices 7Encounter formats 5
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see blue whales around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the blue whale as a target species, 7 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Orange County & Dana Point, Baja California Sur, Loreto and San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch. Encounters are split into swimming, snorkeling, boat-based watching, scuba diving and land-based watching. Two "blue whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. All 7 operators on this list publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare them directly. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jun–Nov, Jan–May, Jul–Oct and Dec among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

7 listed operators

Blue whale season

How to meet blue whales

Blue whales by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see blue whales?

7 operators name the blue whale as a target species. Main regions: Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Orange County & Dana Point, Baja California Sur, Loreto and San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch.

Do you have to get in the water to see blue whales?

Formats on record: swimming, snorkeling, boat-based watching, scuba diving and land-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is blue whale season?

Operators list different seasons, Jun–Nov, Jan–May, Jul–Oct and Dec among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Blue whales are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.

How much do blue whale tours cost?

All 7 operators on this list publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare them directly. Estimated prices are not shown.