Best Places in America to See Whales, Dolphins, and Marine Wildlife
Few travel experiences rival the thrill of seeing a whale breach the surface of the ocean or spotting a pod of dolphins racing alongside your boat.
The United States—bordered by two vast oceans and dotted with pristine bays, inlets, and islands—is one of the best places in the world for marine life encounters.
From Alaska’s icy waters to the sunny shores of Hawaii, there’s an incredible variety of whale watching and marine tours to choose from.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for an unforgettable day trip, or just someone who’s always dreamed of seeing a humpback leap into the air, the options across the U.S. are as awe-inspiring as the animals themselves.
So, grab your binoculars and sea legs—let’s dive into some of the top spots for whale watching and marine life tours across the country.
1. Monterey Bay, California
Monterey Bay is often called the “Whale Watching Capital of the World,” and it’s easy to see why. The deep underwater Monterey Canyon runs close to shore, bringing nutrient-rich waters that attract a stunning array of marine life year-round.
Depending on when you visit, you might see humpback, blue, and gray whales, along with dolphins, sea otters, and even orcas. The best viewing typically happens from April through November when humpbacks and blue whales migrate through the area. Winter months feature the gray whale migration as they travel between Alaska and Mexico.
Local tours out of Monterey and Moss Landing are top-notch, with experienced naturalists on board to explain what you’re seeing. Imagine watching a humpback whale’s massive tail slap the surface just a few hundred feet from your boat—pretty unforgettable, right?
2. Juneau, Alaska
If you’re looking for a wild, untamed setting to see whales, Alaska tops the list. Juneau’s coastal waters are part of a major feeding ground for humpback whales that migrate here every summer. You’ll also have the chance to spot orcas, sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles soaring overhead.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when humpbacks are most active. Many tours combine whale watching with glacier sightseeing, so you might find yourself cruising past massive ice formations while whales breach in the distance. It’s truly a bucket-list experience—and the pristine backdrop makes it all the more magical.
3. San Juan Islands, Washington
Tucked between Washington’s mainland and Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands are prime orca territory. This region is famous for its resident pods of killer whales, which can often be seen from May through October. There’s nothing quite like the sight of a tall dorsal fin slicing through the calm Pacific waters.
Beyond orcas, these islands are home to seals, sea lions, porpoises, and even the occasional humpback. The area is also known for eco-friendly tours, many using quiet boats or kayaks that minimize disturbance to marine life. Fancy gliding across calm waters in a kayak as a pod of orcas passes nearby? It’s possible here—and it’s as thrilling as it sounds.
4. Maui, Hawaii
The warm waters surrounding Maui are a winter retreat for thousands of humpback whales migrating from Alaska. From December to April, it feels like the ocean is alive with activity—you can see spouts, tails, and even full breaches from shore.
The Auʻau Channel, between Maui and Lanai, is one of the best whale watching areas in the world. Many visitors opt for guided catamaran tours out of Lahaina or Maʻalaea Harbor, where marine naturalists share fascinating facts about whale behavior and migration. Plus, the views of the neighboring islands and Maui’s volcanic peaks are the perfect backdrop for spotting whales at play.
If you’re lucky, you might even hear their haunting songs through hydrophones on board—talk about a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a classic New England destination with deep maritime roots, and it also happens to be one of the best places to see whales on the East Coast. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, just off the coast, is a feeding ground for humpback, fin, and minke whales, and even the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
The prime whale watching season runs from mid-April through October. Boats depart from towns like Provincetown and Barnstable, where seasoned guides help spot and identify whales by name—yes, many of the local humpbacks are known individually by researchers!
Between sightings, you might catch dolphins, seabirds, and even basking sharks gliding near the surface. After your tour, grab a lobster roll and walk along the beach—you’ll still be smiling from that whale breach you just witnessed.
6. San Diego, California
Sunny San Diego offers whale watching year-round, thanks to its prime position along the gray whale migration route. From mid-December to April, you can spot gray whales heading south to the warm lagoons of Baja California to give birth. In summer and early fall, blue whales—the largest animals on Earth—cruise these same waters to feed.
Tour operators depart from downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, and nearby Oceanside. You’ll also likely see playful pods of dolphins and sea lions basking near the harbor. Want to mix a little adventure with your wildlife viewing? Try a small-group zodiac tour or even a sailing catamaran for a more intimate experience.
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Not everyone realizes that the mid-Atlantic coast also has great whale watching, but Virginia Beach is a hidden gem for it. From December to March, humpback and fin whales can often be seen just off the coast. The area’s marine tours also highlight bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Several local outfitters operate eco-tours that depart right from the Virginia Aquarium, pairing education with adventure. You might even see a mother and calf surfacing together—a heartwarming sight that tends to make everyone on board cheer.
8. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport isn’t just about mansions and sailing; it’s also a fantastic base for spotting whales and marine life in the Atlantic. Tours from late spring through early fall head toward the deeper waters off Block Island and the continental shelf, where humpback, finback, and minke whales feed.
Newport’s coastal setting also means you might spot dolphins, seals, and even the occasional basking shark. And since you’re in New England, why not cap off your whale watching day with a bowl of clam chowder overlooking the harbor?
9. Channel Islands, California
Just off the coast from Ventura lies the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary—often called the “Galápagos of North America.” This protected area is teeming with biodiversity, including blue whales, humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds galore.
From late spring through early fall, blue and humpback whales migrate through the area to feed, and tour boats often encounter dozens of whales in a single outing. The islands themselves are spectacular, too, with dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Some tours even let you disembark and hike on the islands after your whale-watching adventure.
10. Gloucester, Massachusetts
Another classic New England whale-watching spot, Gloucester has been a whale-watching hub since the 1970s and remains one of the best places to see marine giants up close. The nearby Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge are nutrient-rich areas that attract humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and the occasional right whale.
Tours typically run from May through October, with local captains and naturalists who know the region’s whales by heart. Many visitors say the experience feels personal and moving—especially when a whale approaches the boat and locks eyes with the onlookers. It’s one of those rare travel moments that sticks with you forever.
11. Big Island, Hawaii
While Maui gets most of the attention, the Big Island’s Kona Coast offers equally amazing whale watching. The calm, clear waters here are perfect for spotting humpbacks during their winter migration (December through April).
But that’s not all—you might also see spinner dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles, sometimes all on the same trip. Evening snorkel tours with manta rays are especially popular, giving you the rare chance to witness these graceful creatures gliding through illuminated water at night. Can you imagine anything cooler?
12. Kodiak Island, Alaska
If you’re drawn to the wild side of adventure travel, Kodiak Island delivers. This remote Alaskan destination is surrounded by waters rich in marine life, from humpbacks and fin whales to sea lions, puffins, and otters.
Because it’s less crowded than Juneau or Seward, tours here feel intimate and authentic. Summer (June through August) offers the best conditions, and the island’s rugged landscapes add to the sense of awe. Whether you’re cruising past towering cliffs or kayaking in quiet coves, the chance to see whales in such a pristine environment is truly special.
Wrapping It Up
From the icy waters of Alaska to the sunny shores of California and Hawaii, the United States offers some of the most extraordinary whale watching and marine life experiences anywhere on Earth. Each destination has its own rhythm, species, and season—but all share that same electric moment when you see the ocean come alive before your eyes.
So, where will you go first? Maybe you’ll watch humpbacks leap in Maui, hear the song of whales echo through Alaska’s fjords, or lock eyes with an orca in Washington. No matter which coast—or island—you choose, one thing’s for sure: the memory will stay with you long after the boat returns to shore.