Watching whales in their natural environment is far better than viewing them in captivity. There are still some who think the best place to see orcas is at SeaWorld. But there’s nothing like seeing them in the wild, enjoying the freedom they deserve.
I feel it’s important to point out that I don’t like using the term “killer whales.” Orcas are a large and powerful apex predator but it unjustifiably gives the beautiful creatures a bad rap. Many seem to be under the impression that they are out to get humans. But there have been no reliably verified fatal attacks on people in the wild. The problems have occurred only in captivity. Those rare instances are likely due to severe mental health issues caused by living in a tiny tank. If you want to know more, read this study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior. It summarizes how orcas are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of constricted artificial environments.
Now, that said, Ready to make that dream come true? These destinations across the globe offer the best chance to see orcas in the wild.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
One of the best places in the world to see orcas is Johnstone Strait. Located between northern Vancouver Island and mainland Canada in the province of British Columbia, it’s known as the “orca highway.” This area is home to about 250 resident orcas and many Bigg’s (transient) orcas pass through as well. There are multiple ways that you can see them. Telegraph Cove is a popular base with many outfitters offer orca-watching tours by boat and by kayak. Trips range from just a few hours to a few days or more.
There is nothing like seeing these beautiful animals just a few yards away from a kayak, paddling alongside them in their natural habitat. If you choose a multi-day trip with meals included, afterward, you might enjoy fresh salmon that was literally just plucked out of the water. Camping in a tent along the shore you’ll likely hear them at night. Falling asleep to their sounds is absolutely surreal.
If you’re visiting Victoria B.C., the island’s largest city and the capital of British Columbia, it’s a 5.5- to 6-hour drive to Telegraph Cove or a 75-minute flight to the nearest airport in Port Hardy. For those who don’t have the time and/or money for the trip, you’ll still have a good chance of seeing the resident orca pods on a whale-watching tour that departs from Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
San Juan Island, Washington
Having lived in this beautiful region of the Pacific Northwest for many years, I’ve been treated to many sightings of the famous Southern Residents. Made up of pods J, K, and L, the Residents are unlike any other type of orca. They’re the only known group of animals in the world where both female and male offspring remain with their mothers for life. They primarily feed on fish, especially salmon, and have often been seen swimming peacefully alongside seals and dolphins. They don’t stalk marine mammals like their relatives.
Orca whales can be spotted throughout the Puget Sound, from Tacoma to the Olympic Peninsula, but San Juan Island is your best bet. Part of the San Juan Islands off the northern Washington coast, the island can easily be reached by ferry from Anacortes or a charter flight from Seattle. There are also whale-watching tours from Port Townsend via Puget Sound Express. If you head directly to Friday Harbor, the largest town on San Juan Island, you’ll find multiple outfitters for tours. It’s also possible to see them right from shore at what’s known as the Whale Watch Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park. Whether on water or land, there’s an abundance of other wildlife to watch for too. That includes minke whales, humpback whales, gray whales, porpoises, sea otters, and bald eagles.
Monterey Bay, California
Monterey Bay in Central California is a marine mammal paradise. Sperm whales, beaked whales, gray whales, blue whales, minke whales, humpback whales, and transient orcas can all be seen here on whale watching tours. Risso’s dolphin, Dall’s porpoise, Pacific white-sided dolphin, sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals are just a few of the others.
There’s no guarantee of spotting the transient orcas as they move from one place to another, following the food. But the good news is that this area has an abundant food supply that attracts them. They tend to frequent Monterey Bay more often than any other area along the coast in the spring, with April and May the peak months for sightings but it is possible to see them year-round.
The Inside Passage, Alaska
Another one of the best places to see orcas, there are three different types in Alaska, The Resident orcas can be seen here, especially near coastal areas, feeding only on fish. Transients, feeding on marine mammals, have a larger range.
There are three different types of orcas in Alaska, based on their prey and habitat: resident, transient, and offshore. Resident orcas feed only on fish and tend to stay near coastal areas, while transient orcas feed on marine mammals like seals, porpoises, and sea lions and have a larger range. Offshore orcas are much more elusive as they’re found primarily in the open ocean, feeding on fish and sharks.
Juneau and the Inside Passage communities are particularly ideal for sightings of killer whales, including the Icy Strait area, Ketchikan, Sitka, Gustavus and Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, and Wrangell. You’re most likely to see the Residents here as they inhabit the water closer to coastal areas. If they’re out there, Jayleen with Jayleen’s Alaska whale watching company will find them while offering the most intimate experience with lots of knowledgeable insight.
Shetland and Orkney Islands, Scotland
Scotland is a country that offers it all, with everything from awe-inspiring scenery and ancient castles to the chance to see wild orcas. Ninety percent of orca sightings in the United Kingdom are off the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, with peak sightings between around late May through early September. If you head to the cliffs in the western Orkney Islands, you might spot them right from shore, with the Old Man of Hoy and Cantick Head two of the top spots.
The Shetland Islands have had a wealth of impressive sightings in recent years and are arguably your best bet. Follow them via Facebook on the Shetland Orca Sightings page. They tend to hunt close to share at Sumburgh, South Nesting, Gulberwick, and Lerwick. In fact, there have been numerous sightings right in Lerwick Harbour. There are no whale watching boat tours per se, however, the Noss Boat offers wildlife boat excursions that can include orca sightings.
Iceland
Iceland boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and when it comes to watching orcas, the beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the place to go. It’s often referred to as Iceland in miniature as the landscapes are diverse, with a little of something all the country offers, including numerous waterfalls and black sand beaches.
While there are about 5,000 orcas that live in Icelandic waters throughout the year, Snaefellsnes is the only area where they’re regularly spotted. And, Laki Tours is the only outfitter offering whale-watching trips from here. They depart from Olafsvik in the summer and Grundarfjordur in the winter.
Norway
Just viewing wild whales is exciting on its own, but imagine sharing the water with orcas! Like Iceland, Norway offers stunning scenery and the Norwegian fjords are a must-visit. In the Tromso region, you can swim right alongside inquisitive, friendly orcas. The best time to swim with the orcas is from November through January. The animals come to feast on the herring, and this period also happens to be great for spotting the northern lights. You might be able to check off two bucket list experiences at once!
My good friend Isabella with Boundless Roads enjoyed this incredible adventure on a liveaboard in November 2023. She chronicles it in the fantastic YouTube video featured above. There are no words that can describe it as well this footage does, so I’ll leave it at that. Let’s just say, she’s doing it again this year and my trip is planned for this November!
Peninsula Valdes, Argentine Patagonia
Peninsula Valdes in Argentine Patagonia down in the Southern Hemisphere is inhabited by one of the highest concentrations of orca whales. They can be seen between September and April. Many visitors arrive in March and April to witness their unusual hunting techniques. This is when the animals beach themselves while pursuing the unsuspecting sea lion pups. It’s just a two-hour from Buenos Aires and not only is it one of the best places to see orcas in the world, but you’ll also spot a ton of other wildlife, including penguins.
Bremer Bay, Australia
Another fantastic spot in the Southern Hemisphere to see orcas and other whale sightings is Bremer Bay in Western Australia. This region is renowned for its unspoiled white sandy beaches and surreal turquoise water. Between January and April, you’ll have a good chance of watching multiple family pods. Marvel at them while they work together, foraging, hunting, and socializing in the area called “The Patch.”
Antarctica
If you’re up for a very big whale watching adventure, about half of the world’s orca population resides in Antarctica. While it’s not easy to get there, it’s one of the best places to see orca whales in the wild. There are estimated to be some 25,000 of them plying the iceberg-filled water. Paradise Bay, Schollart Channel, Gerlache Strait, and around Cape Horn are all great spots.
If you can book a trip that takes you to the Drake Passage crossing and Wilhelmina Bay, particularly in February and March, you’ll be in one of the best viewing places on the planet. For those who can’t make the journey, be sure to watch the series “Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory.” It features the fascinating technique the B1 orcas use for hunting. This was the first time it had ever been captured on video.
For all whale lovers out there, this will be an ongoing series of where to see all types of whales in the wild. You’ll learn where to see everything from humpbacks and grays to belugas and blue whales.
Interested in a very close encounter with gray whales? Check out my article on whale watching in Baja, Mexico.
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