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Maptlantis

Humpback whale encounters

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

Operators 135Countries 14Published prices 116Encounter formats 6
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see humpback whales around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species, 135 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Amami & Kagoshima, Jervis Bay Territory, British Columbia & Richmond Steveston, Haapai, Uoleva, Samana Bay and Moorea. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, land-based watching, swimming and freediving. Two "humpback whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 116 of the 135 operators (86%) 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–Mar, Jun–Jul, Sep–Dec and Apr–Oct 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.

135 listed operatorsShowing the top 60

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Humpback whale season

How to meet humpback whales

Humpback whales by country

Other marine life

Frequently asked questions

Where in the world can you see humpback whales?

135 operators name the humpback whale as a target species. Main regions: Amami & Kagoshima, Jervis Bay Territory, British Columbia & Richmond Steveston, Haapai, Uoleva, Samana Bay and Moorea.

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

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, land-based watching, swimming and freediving. 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 humpback whale season?

Operators list different seasons, Jan–Mar, Jun–Jul, Sep–Dec and Apr–Oct 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. Humpback 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 humpback whale tours cost?

116 of the 135 operators (86%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.