The 11 Best States for Seeing Whales in America

Explore now

California

Offers diverse whale-watching opportunities along its coast, especially in places like Monterey Bay and Channel Islands National Park.

Alaska

Known for its abundant marine life, Alaska provides exceptional whale-watching experiences, particularly in areas like Juneau and Kodiak Island.

Washington

Coastal areas like the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound are renowned for sightings of orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales.

Oregon

Depoe Bay and Newport offer prime spots for whale watching, where visitors can witness gray whales during their migration.

Hawaii

With its warm waters, Hawaii provides year-round whale-watching opportunities, particularly for humpback whales during the winter months.

Massachusetts

Cape Cod and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary offer fantastic whale-watching excursions, especially for humpbacks and fin whales.

Maine

Coastal towns like Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport are popular for whale watching, with opportunities to see humpbacks, fin whales, and minke whales.

New Hampshire

Rye Harbor and Portsmouth offer whale-watching cruises to spot finback and humpback whales during the summer months.

New York

 Long Island and Montauk provide whale-watching opportunities, with sightings of humpbacks, fin whales, and even occasional blue whales.

Virginia

Virginia Beach offers chances to see humpback and fin whales during their migration seasons, typically from December to March.