What are the odds of seeing a whale on a whale watching tour?


What are the odds of seeing a whale on a whale watching tour? While most outfits guarantee a 90 percent chance of a spotting a whale, you might consider booking an extra trip if it's at the top of your bucket list. Some companies offer a complimentary outing if your trip ends sans sighting—check out the policy before booking.


What is the best month to go whale watching?

Spring Whale Watching (March, April, May): Our trained whale watching captains know the best ways to gently follow and observe these precious moments with the utmost safety and respect for the animals. Spring is the best time of year to look for FIN WHALES.


Which whale watching tour is best?

16 incredible whale watching trips in the USA
  • Bar Harbor, Maine. ...
  • Depoe Bay, Oregon. ...
  • Eastsound, Orcas Island, Washington. ...
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia. ...
  • Cape May, New Jersey. ...
  • Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. ...
  • Oak Harbor, Deception Pass State Park, Washington. ...
  • Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Kona Snorkel Tours.


Which whale would I most likely see on a whale watch cruise?

HUMPBACK WHALES: Common (seen on 75-99% of trips) They range in size anywhere from 35 up to 60 feet in length when fully grown (males are usually slightly smaller than females).


Do you get wet on whale watching tours?

It is easy to get wet while whale-watching, especially if you're on a boat where ocean water often sprays up onto passengers.


Are whale cruises worth it?

YES! There are few experiences in life comparable to the extraordinary feeling of seeing gregarious dolphins as they approach from every angle, excited to see our passengers aboard the safety of each of our vessels within our sea-worthy fleet. When asked if whale watching is worth it, our answer is an assured YES!


What if a cruise ship hits a whale?

Collisions with vessels can be fatal. When a whale or sea turtle is hit by a ship or another vessel, these gentle creatures are likely to die or suffer a horrific injury. Ship collisions have been identified as a significant human cause of baleen whales (mysticete) mortality [1].


How do cruises avoid whales?

For cruise ships, avoiding a whales requires that the captain, pilot, or other bridge personnel detect the whale at a sufficiently large enough distance to change course or speed. This often means detecting the whale several kilometers away.


What time of day is best for whale watching tours?

Calm Waters: Mornings often offer relatively calmer waters due to reduced wind activity. This can enhance your whale-watching experience by providing more stability and a smoother ride, allowing for better observation and photography opportunities.


How long does a whale watching trip take?

Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. Usually a whale watching tour takes anywhere between 2.5 to 3 hours in order to navigate the ocean in search of different whale species.


Do whale watching boats bother whales?

Boat-based whale watching exposes whales and dolphins to underwater noise, as well as the risk of injury from collision with the boat's hull or propeller19,20. The presence of boats can distract the animals from important behaviours like resting, socializing or feeding1,3,21.