The Best Places for Whale Watching in Latin America

Come discover the best places for whale watching in the world! 

If you’re searching for an exciting and unique vacation experience, then look no further! Whale watching is the perfect getaway activity for adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. 

This post details the best places and time for whale watching throughout Latin America. It also takes you through what to bring and how to prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Whale, let’s get to it! 

What Is Whale Watching?

Whales are huge, majestic creatures that own the oceans. This makes them difficult to keep in zoos or enclosures. However, don’t let this stop you from appreciating them in person!

Whale watching is the perfect way to get up close to these amazing animals. Usually, a guide will take you on a boat out into the ocean. This way you get to witness mothers, babies, and male whales in their natural habitat! They might swim, swish, or even jump around in the water right next to you. 

If you’re an animal lover, practice some Spanish wildlife vocabulary words to help prepare for your adventure!

What To Bring

Whale watching is a unique and special opportunity that you will want to remember for the rest of your life! 

That’s why it’s important to bring a camera and phone with you. Be sure to keep them on hand at all times! You never know when your marine friend will decide to make its appearance. 

The best places for whale watching will be sunny and windy out on the water. Take a protective hat and a light jacket to protect yourself from the elements. 

If you know that you get seasick, you may want to bring some water and medication!

Just a little bit of extra preparation can help ensure that you have the best experience possible! 

Mexico

El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve

Wondering where to whale watch in Mexico? Don’t worry! There are plenty of amazing whale spotting locations in this beautiful country. 

El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve is the largest wildlife refuge in all of Mexico! It’s no surprise that they have a collection of whales for viewing. 

Located in the center of the Baja California Peninsula, this refuge has a whale habitat in its lagoons of Baja California Sur.

Los Cabos

Los Cabos is another great whale-watching opportunity! 

Come witness Humpback Whales and Gray Whales as they migrate to this area. You might even encounter a dolphin or sea turtle along the way! 

One of the best parts about Los Cabos is that sightings are guaranteed. If you don’t see whales, they will take you to another tour at no additional cost. 

Each tour is also led by a biologist guide who can answer all of your marine inquiries! 

Best Time of Year To See the Whales

December to April

Learn more about this beautiful country here! 

Colombia

National Natural Parks of Gorgona

Looking to go whale watching in Colombia? The National Natural Parks of Gorgona is the perfect spot!

This paradise of diversity is nicknamed “science island” thanks to its gifts to science. Researchers have found incredible amounts of information here that help them understand the surrounding ecosystem. 

The park also has 11 different species of whales and dolphins! Gorgona is a key mating, breeding, and feeding site for humpback whales. 

Best Time of Year To See the Whales

July to October

Peru

Mancora

Mancora, a gorgeous beach town near the coast, is one of the best places for whale watching due to its location. 

This area is known for its turquoise beaches and strong waves, making it a perfect surfing destination. The beach town has over 30 different beach resorts that you can try out!

Punta Sal

Punta Sal is another town along the coast. Humpback whales are the most common type of whale that you will see during their mating season. 

You can take boat trips to seek out pods of dolphins, whales, and so much more!

Best Time of Year to See the Whales

August to November

Chile

Chiloé Island

Chile is the perfect location for some South American whale watching! 

Chiloé island is filled with rich marine life and is famous for its blue whales. Explore the island’s peaceful coes, wooden churches, and stunning national parks. 

Punta Arenas

Puntas Arenas is an isolated city that overlooks the Strait of Magellan. It’s one of the best places not only for whale watching, but also travel and tourism. 

This is a popular cruise city thanks to its nearby humpback whales, icebergs, elaborate tombs, and city cemetery. 

Best Time of Year to See the Whales

January to April

Costa Rica

Ballena National Marine Park

Ballena National Marine Park is one of the top 10 best places for whale watching. This coastal park located in Drake Bay is filled with mangrove forests, untouched beaches, and coral reefs. With over 9 miles of coastline and 13,000 acres of ocean, there is no shortage of things to see!

If you go whale watching, you will most likely run into humpback whales. However, pilot whales, killer whales, and beaked whales can also make appearances throughout the year!

Best Time of Year To See the Whales

August to November

Ecuador

Machalilla National Park

Whether you’re looking for bird watching, diverse forestry, or marine life, Machalilla National Park has it all!

This national park is home to jaguars, iguanas, monkeys, and, of course, whales! Its islands and shoreline make it one of the best places for whale-watching boat tours. 

Best Time of Year To See the Whales 

June to October

Brazil

Florianopolis

Florianopolis has 60 beaches and is a center of surfing activity! The city also boasts of unique hiking trails, lush rainforests, and rustic restaurants. 

Its secluded beaches and fishing villages attract animal enthusiasts who come to witness the southern right whales that migrate here. 

Praia do Rosa

Praia do Rosa in southern Brazil is a bay known as one of the best places for whale watching. Come visit during the late summer for surfing, ecotourism, charming bungalows, and authentic restaurants. 

Best Time of Year To See the Whales

July to November

Argentina

Puerto Madryn

Argentina is one of the best places for whale watching in South America! Just head to the coastal town of Puerto Madryn on Patagonia’s rugged Peninsula Valdes. 

You can whale watch from the shore! For an even closer encounter, hop on one of the many boat tours to see elephant seals, sea lions and colonies of magellanic penguins.

Best Time of Year To See the Whales

June to December

Sign Up for a Free Class Before Your Trip to Latin America

It’s time to visit the best places for whale watching in Latin America! But before you go, be sure to prepare for your trip with some Spanish practice. Learning this amazing language makes traveling in Latin America easier, more fun, and extra rewarding! 

With over 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world, there is no shortage of amazing nature and wildlife to explore using this language. 

Homeschool Spanish Academy is an easy, flexible way to learn Spanish at home! Our certified teachers from Latin America can help you learn travel vocabulary and phrases to navigate this area. Each 1-on-1 lesson is tailored to suit your specific needs. Check our affordable pricing and flexible programs or try out a risk-free class today!

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