Skip to content
Maptlantis

Gray whale encounters

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

Operators 10Countries 2Published prices 9Encounter formats 5
See the location on the map

About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see gray whales around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the gray whale as a target species, 10 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include La Paz, Baja California Sur, Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf, Orange County & Dana Point, San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch, Baja California Sur, Loreto and Baja California Sur, Magdalena Bay. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving and land-based watching. Two "gray whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 9 of the 10 operators (90%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jan–May, Jul–Oct, Dec and Oct–Apr 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.

10 listed operators

Gray whale season

How to meet gray whales

Gray whales by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see gray whales?

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

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

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, swimming, 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 gray whale season?

Operators list different seasons, Jan–May, Jul–Oct, Dec and Oct–Apr 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. Gray 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 gray whale tours cost?

9 of the 10 operators (90%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.