Orcas & Whales
The Best Places to Watch Whales Around the World
Discover our Top 5 Whale Watching & Whale Snorkeling Expeditions
Few wildlife encounters compare to seeing a whale surface right beside you, hearing the blow of a humpback in the distance, or witnessing a pod of orcas hunting together.
In this guide, we share what we believe are the best places to watch whales around the world, including which species you can expect to see, the best time to visit, and the expedition experiences that make each destination unique.
Best places for whale expeditons at a glance
- Northern Norway: Swim with orcas and humpback whales in the fjords.
- Antarctica: Humpback, minke and fin whales in a pristine polar environment.
- Arctic Svalbard: Belugas, bowhead whales and occasional blue whales.
- Tonga: One of the best places to swim with humpback whales and calves in tropical waters.
- Galápagos: A biodiversity hotspot with a wide variety of whales, dolphins and other marine life.
Tonga – South Pacific
Best for: Snorkeling with humpback whales
Key species: Humpback whales & calves
Season: July – October
- Land-based expedition
- 7 nights – 5 days snorkeling with the whales
- Max. 6 guests
Tonga is one of the few places in the world where carefully managed in-water encounters with humpback whales are possible. Every year, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the South Pacific to breed and raise their calves, creating exceptional opportunities to observe their natural behaviour. With small groups of just six guests, our expeditions offer a highly personal experience focused on respectful whale encounters, guided by licenced marine biologists and proffessional photographers.
Northern Norway
Best for: Snorkeling with orcas
Key species: Orcas & Humpback whales
Season: Oct – Dec & Jan
- Small expedition ships
- 7 nights on board
- Incl. snorkeling gear & drysuit
- Max. 12-16 guests
Spend five full days exploring the breathtaking fjords, searching for snorkeling opportunites with Orcas and Humpback Whales, and on occasion encounter Fin Whales and even Sperm Whales. Guided by our knowledgeable experts, you’ll gain fascinating insights into these majestic creatures and their unique hunting and feeding behaviors.
Svalbard – Arctic
Best for: Arctic whale watching
Key species: Belugas, Minke Whales, Humpbacks
Season: June – August
- On board Explorer
- Guided by Waterproof Expeditions Team
- Max. 12 to 16 guests
Although polar bears and walrus might be the most characteristic Arctic animals, Svalbard is a magnificent destination for whale watching! Minke whales, belugas, and humpbacks are frequently sighted and occasionally blue whales and fin whales will make an appearance.
Antarctica
Best for: Remote expedition cruising
Key species: Humpbacks, Minkes, Orcas
Season: January – March
- 10/11 nights on board
- Max. 200 guests on board
In late Antarctic summer, the sea ice has melted significantly, providing excellent feeding grounds for whales. Humpbacks, Minke whales and Orcas are regularly seen as they actively feed on krill. Additionally, you might spot Fin whales, Blue whales, and Southern Right whales. This time also offers higher chances of observing whale behavior such as breaching and bubble-net feeding.
Galápagos Islands – Ecuador
Best for: Marine wildlife diversity
Key species: Whales, Dolphins & seasonal Orcas
Season: August – October
- Spot various whale & dolphin species
- Diving or Naturalist voyages
- Weekly departures
- 7 nights on board
The waters surrounding the Galápagos Islands are one of the largest marine protected areas in the world. During the dry (cooler) season, ocean currents bring nutrient rich waters from Antarctica up to the Galápagos, attracting many species of whales, dolphins and even orcas! For diving enthusiasts, October is also great for whale sharks!
Whale Expedition Comparison Table
| Destination | Best For | Key Species | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
🇹🇴 Tonga |
Snorkeling with whales | Humpback whales & calves | Jul-Oct |
🇳🇴 Norway |
Orca Snorkeling | Orcas, Humpbacks, Fin Whales | Oct-Jan |
🇸🇯 Svalbard |
Arctic whale watching | Belugas, Minkes, Humpbacks | Jun-Jul |
🇦🇶 Antarctica |
Remote expedition cruising | Humpbacks, Minkes, Orcas | Jan-Mar |
🇪🇨 Galápagos |
Marine wildlife diversity | Whales, Dolphins & Orcas | Aug-Oct |
Frequently Asked Questions - Best Whale Watching Around the World
Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to observe wild orcas. Every winter, large herring schools attract orcas and humpback whales to the Norwegian fjords, creating exceptional opportunities for wildlife encounters and snorkeling.
The best season depends on the destination and species. Northern Norway is at its best from October to January, Svalbard from June to July, Antarctica from January to March, Tonga from August to September, and the Galápagos from August to October.
Northern Norway, Svalbard and Antarctica are exceptional destinations for wildlife photographers. Dramatic polar landscapes, changing light conditions and frequent whale encounters create outstanding opportunities for nature and expedition photography.
If you are looking for a more tropical environment, the islands of Tonga and the Galapagos are incredible for whale photography.
Northern Norway and Svalbard are both outstanding Arctic whale watching destinations. Northern Norway is best known for encounters with orcas and humpbacks during the winter months, while Svalbard offers the chance to see belugas, minke whales and humpbacks during the summer.
Whale Expeditions
Swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga
With award-winning photographer Scott Portelli!| Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 16 Sep - 23 Sep 2026 |
| Ship: | n/a |
| Passengers: | 6 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Galapagos Diving Liveaboard
Year-round weekly departures
| Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | Year round |
| Ship: | Galapagos Sky |
| Passengers: | 16 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Cabin accommodation
- All meals & snacks
- All beverages including an open bar policy (beer, wine, spirits and liquors)
- One 80 cu ft/12 liter tank, weights, weight belt
- Up to 4 dives per day on 5.5 days for 7-night cruises
- 3 land excursions
- Service of Dive Guides
- Transfers in the Islands between the airport and dock (on cruise departure dates only)
- For travel from 2026 onward, nitrox will be included. This does not apply retroactively
- All other Galapagos Sky services and amenities
- International and domestic flights
- Trip Interruption or Cancellation Insurance
- Dive Accident Insurance (DAN or DiveAssure)
- International Airfare to Ecuador (Quito UIO or Guayaquil GYE)
- Domestic Airfare to the Galapagos Islands (Quito UIO or Guayaquil GYE to San Cristóbal SCY)
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee $200 USD
- Transit card (TCT) $20 USD
- Hyperbaric chamber fee $35 USD
- Rental Gear
- Gratuities to guides and crew
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Winter Whales Norway
Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales
| Travel duration: | 7 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 19 Oct - 25 Oct 2026 |
| Ship: | Vikingfjord |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- 6 Nights accommodation on board
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner (starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day)
- Coffee, tea & water throughout the day
- Snorkeling activity
- Waterproof snorkeling equipment
- Thermal overalls
- Warm zodiac suits for non-snorkelers
- Lectures by the experienced guides
- All service taxes and port fees
- Flights & transfers
- All personal expenses such as laundry, bar drinks, meals ashore
- Gratuities for the crew & guides
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel Insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend you take out a trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your cancellation costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Winter Whales of Norway
Snorkeling with Orcas & Humpback Whales | Travel duration: | 7 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 07 Dec - 13 Dec 2026 |
| Ship: | Polarfront |
| Passengers: | 12+ passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- 6 Nights accommodation on board
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner (starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day)
- Coffee, tea & water throughout the day
- Snorkeling activity
- Waterproof snorkeling equipment
- Thermal overalls
- Warm zodiac suits for non-snorkelers
- Use of the onboard sauna
- Lectures by the experienced guides
- All service taxes and port fees
- Flights & transfers
- All personal expenses such as laundry, bar drinks, meals ashore
- Gratuities for the crew & guides
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
Travel Insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend you take out a trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your cancellation costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Galapagos Expedition Cruises 2027
Explore the Galapagos in Style
| Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | Year round |
| Ship: | Grace |
| Passengers: | 16 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Expert guidance and service from your own personal Expedition Designer
- Comprehensive pre-and post-cruise information material
- Daily served meals or buffet offering a wide choice of dishes
- Naturalist guides & activities throughout the cruise
- All transfers (with rest of group) while in Galapagos
- Select wines, local beer, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, juice, coffee, hot chocolate, water and tea are included throughout the cruise
- Lectures and entertainment onboard
- Snorkeling equipment (masks, snorkels & fins) and wetsuits (3mm long wetsuit)
- Kayaks, Paddle Boards & Equipment
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 USD adults / $100 USD children) *
- Galapagos Transit Control Card ($20 USD per person) *
- Internet / Wi-Fi connection throughout the cruise
- Flights, accommodations, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary
- International air tickets to either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Gratuities to guides, crew and staff
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
- Trip cancellation, health and medical evacuation insurance
- Personal travel insurance
- Premium brands of wines, beer or spirits
- Mainland Ecuador arrangements (we’d be delighted to arrange these for you)
- Galapagos flights for your requested dates (Guayaquil-Galapagos-Guayaquil $473 USD adults/ $360 USD children or Quito-Galapagos-Quito $530 USD adults/children $404 USD) *
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Classic Antarctica Expedition
Special Whale Watching Expedition! | Travel duration: | 11 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 07 Mar - 17 Mar 2027 |
| Ship: | Hondius |
| Passengers: | 170 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Svalbard Awakening
Svalbard in the Light of the Summer Solstice | Travel duration: | 10 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 19 Jun - 28 Jun 2027 |
| Ship: | Explorer |
| Passengers: | 12 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Accommodation on board.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Starts with dinner on the first night, ends after breakfast on the last day.
- Coffee, tea and water throughout the day.
- Warm zodiac suits.
- Rubber boots for landings. Limited sizes available, please bring your own boots if you want to be certain of a well-fitting pair.
- Shore landings and zodiac cruises.
- Use of sauna and jacuzzi.
- Lectures by the experienced guides.
- All service taxes and port fees.
- Flights & transfers. We recommend scheduling your flight home for the afternoon or evening at the earliest.
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar drinks, etc.
- Gratuities for ships crew and expedition staff.
- Pre and post voyage excursions and hotel.
- Travel insurance.
Travel insurance with worldwide medical evacuation coverage is mandatory. We also strongly recommend taking out trip cancellation insurance. This will cover your costs in case you need to cancel your trip after you’ve confirmed your booking.
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Swimming with humpback whales in Tonga
Land-based expedition with 5 days snorkeling| Travel duration: | 8 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 04 Aug - 11 Aug 2027 |
| Ship: | n/a |
| Passengers: | 6 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Boat, experienced crew and guide for 5 days on the water
- 7 nights shared accommodation
- All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (onboard) and Dinner
- Photography/research advice and guidance in the water
- Daily snorkeling on reefs and in caves
- Airport transfers in Vava’u
- International and domestic flights
- All items of a personal nature such as laundry, meals ashore, bar and telecommunication charges
- Insurances
- Gratuities
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!
Classic Antarctica Expedition
Special Whale Watching Expedition! | Travel duration: | 11 days |
|---|---|
| Date: | 08 Mar - 18 Mar 2028 |
| Ship: | Hondius |
| Passengers: | 170 passengers |
Prices
All prices are per person and depending on availability. Please contact us for more details.
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Complimentary use of waterproof neoprene expedition muck boots and snowshoes.
- Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia.
- Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. All guests receive 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition.
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights.
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Would you like some more information?
Contact us!Still looking for your dream expedition?
Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to see inspiring content, new expeditions and special offers. As a welcome gift, you will receive a € 250 discount voucher.
"*" indicates required fields