The 21 Best States for Seeing Whales in America

Whales are some of the most beautiful and mysterious animals of all. It’s no surprise at all why so many people would want the chance to see one up close in real life. Luckily, there are many states you can visit where whales have been spotted in the past. While some states report more sightings than others, many of the waters off the coast of the United States are home to at least one or two whale species. Let’s explore 21 states throughout America where you’ll have the best odds of seeing whales in their natural habitat.

1. Hawaii

Many people know Hawaii for its natural beauty, tropical scenery, and exotic animals. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, “There are 16 types of baleen whales on Earth; eight of these whales have been observed in Hawai‘i: the humpback whale, sei whale, fin whale, minke whale, blue whale, Bryde’s whale, North Pacific right whale, and gray whale. The humpback whale is the most famous baleen whale in Hawaiian waters.”

2. Florida

Florida is famous across the nation for the abundance of flora and fauna found there. Among the wonders of this state are whales, and tourists and residents alike can spot them during the winter months. Some of the best places to go whale watching in Florida include Daytona Beach and St. Augustine Beach.

3. Alaska

Often, when people think of a whale-watching destination, Alaska is one of the first places to come to mind. This is for a very good reason, as these animals can be spotted year-round, and quite a few call this state home. Gray whales, beluga whales, orcas, and humpback whales are all common residents.

4. California

California residents can enjoy observing a variety of whales throughout the year. Gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and humpback whales are all somewhat common visitors. Each passing season means that different whales will be passing through. This gives people the opportunity to see many different species!

5. Georgia

Many of the whales you can observe in Florida also visit Georgia waters from time to time. This state is also home to the North Atlantic right whale, which is incredibly rare and precious. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, “The waters off coastal Georgia and north Florida are this species’ only known calving grounds. The North Atlantic right whale is also Georgia’s state marine mammal.”

6. New York

While some people might think of New York as an odd place to go whale watching, the truth is that many of these animals have been spotted in New York waters over the years. New York City and Montauk have been particularly popular destinations for whale sightings.

7. Massachusets

The East Coast of the United States has a lot to offer in terms of abundant marine life. In particular, Cape Cod has been a wonderful destination for whale sightings. In fact, this location is home to dozens of whale species, and depending on the time of year you’re visiting, different ones will be on display.

8. Virginia

Virginia is no stranger to whales, in fact, many species visit this state throughout the year. The most common is likely the humpback whale, although this state is also home to minke and fin whales as well.

9. Washington

The mysterious waters off the coast of Washington state are home to many different whale species. Gray whales, blue whales, orcas, and humpback whales have all been spotted here. Some popular spots to see these animals are Cape Alava, the San Juan Islands, and Charles Richey Viewpoint.

10. Oregon

Washington’s neighbor to the south is no stranger to whales either. Oregon is an excellent state for observing these animals, and many residents report seeing orcas and gray whales throughout the year.

11. North Carolina

The warm waters of the Carolinas are home to many different whales, such as the sperm whale, the humpback whale, and the blue whale. The best time of year to see these magnificent animals is during their migratory period, which takes place from December to April.

12. South Carolina

The whales spotted in South Carolina are very similar to those in North Carolina. However, parts of South Carolina are home to the calving grounds of the North Atlantic right whale. As one of the most endangered species we’ve discussed today, seeing one in real life is quite a rarity.

13. New Jersey

The Jersey Shore is home to several different whale species, some of which include fin whales, North Atlantic right whales, and humpback whales. Cape May in particular is a popular destination where people go to whale watch.

14. Rhode Island

Many places throughout this state offer boat tours so that residents and tourists can catch glimpses of these wonderful animals up close. According to South County Rhode Island, “On a Whale watch trip, you might see other whales such as Humpbacks, Minke, Pilot, False Killer, and even a Sei whale.”

15. Connecticut

New England has many different places to go whale watching, and Connecticut is no exception. The waters of this state are home to a variety of whales, and the best time to set out and see them is during the spring and summer months.

16. Delaware

Delaware is another wonderful state for whale watching. Cape Henlopen State Park is a popular destination for sightings, and whales such as the humpback whale and finback whale are known to make appearances in these waters.

17. New Hampshire

Whale watching is a popular pastime in New Hampshire during the spring and summer months. Humpback whales and finback whales are two species commonly spotted in the waters off the coast of this state.

18. Maine

The Northern waters of Maine are home to several whale species such as humpback whales, finback whales, and minke whales. Similar to New Hampshire, the best time of year to set out on a whale-watching trip in this state is during the summer.

19. Lousiana

Residents of this Southern state have reported several instances of whale sightings throughout the years. Residents and visitors alike can set out during the summer and early fall for the best odds of seeing them in the water.

20. Alabama

Alabama is no stranger to whale visitors. In fact, fin whales and humpback whales have been spotted throughout the waters of this state.

21. Mississippi

Although whales have visited Mississippi before, the waters along the coastline in this state aren’t ideal for frequent visits. Seeing whales in Mississippi is possible, but quite a rarity.