Sperm whale encounters
Where to see sperm whales: seasons and ways to meet them
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see sperm whales around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the sperm whale as a target species, 9 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include Amami & Kagoshima, Andenes, Azores, Pico, Tromso, Azores, Sao Miguel and Vesteralen, Andenes. Encounters are split into snorkeling, boat-based watching and swimming. Two "sperm whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 8 of the 9 operators (89%) 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–Sep, May–Sep and Mar–Jul 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.
9 listed operators
Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
ネイティブシー奄美
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Sep
- Price
- ¥23,100 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Norway · Andenes
Arctic Whale Tours Andenes
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Sep
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Portugal · Azores, Pico
CW Azores
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Mar–Jul
- Price
- Adults €79 · Children €50
- Checked
- Official source
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Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
マリンスポーツ奄美
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Oct
- Price
- ¥23,100 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Norway · Tromso
Brim Explorer Tromsø
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jan, Oct
- Price
- NOK 1,990 / adult
- Checked
- Official source
Portugal · Azores, Sao Miguel
Futurismo Azores Adventures
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Mar–Oct
- Price
- Adults €65 · Children €32.50
- Checked
- Official source
Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
ダイビング＆ペンション RIKI
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Oct
- Price
- ¥26,000
- Checked
- Official website
Norway · Vesteralen, Andenes
Whalesafari Andenes / Whale2Sea
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Sep
- Price
- NOK 1,690 and up
- Checked
- Official source
Portugal · Azores, Sao Miguel
Terra Azul
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Apr–Oct
- Price
- Adults €65 · Children €45
- Checked
- Official source
Sperm whale season
How to meet sperm whales
Sperm whales by country
Other marine life
Frequently asked questions
Where in the world can you see sperm whales?
9 operators name the sperm whale as a target species. Main regions: Amami & Kagoshima, Andenes, Azores, Pico, Tromso, Azores, Sao Miguel and Vesteralen, Andenes.
Do you have to get in the water to see sperm whales?
Formats on record: snorkeling, boat-based watching and swimming. 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 sperm whale season?
Operators list different seasons, Jan–Sep, May–Sep and Mar–Jul 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. Sperm 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 sperm whale tours cost?
8 of the 9 operators (89%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.