Whale Watching Cruises FAQ

Cruises are absolutely wonderful. You get the chance to mingle with many other people while cruising the ocean. You get to participate in a lot of activities that you may not have had a chance on land. You can take your cruise to the next level though. If you find whales fascinating then you may want to consider one of the many whale watching cruises found throughout the world. These cruises can show you the best that nature has to offer. You will get an opportunity to see whales in their natural habitats. You will definitely come back with memories and photos to last a lifetime. And cruises are great family vacations as well. It is something that everyone can enjoy. This article will cover some of your questions about a whale watching tour. Hopefully you will find yourself booking a cruise as soon as possible just so you can see these magnificent creatures.

What are whale watching cruises?

A whale watching cruise is exactly what it sounds like. It is a cruise that offers travelers the opportunity to watch whales in their natural environment. But you should know that the term "cruise" is used loosely in some cases. It may be just a few hours trip or it could be a full vacation length cruise that could span weeks. It really all depends on what type of cruise you are looking for and can afford. Obviously the lengthier cruises have more opportunity to view whales but are going to cost more. A simple day trip may not see any whales but will cost much less than a full cruise.

Where should I go to take a whale watching cruise?

The ocean is gigantic. You already know this so you can see whales practically anywhere. But there are some areas where whales are more prolific. Where you should take your whale watching cruise really all depends on the climate you want to be in and what type of whales you want to see. Some whales prefer colder waters so you need to find cruises that are in colder climates. Baja whales, on the other hand, are common seen in the warmer Pacific waters off of Mexico and California.

What time of year is best for whale watching cruises?

If you are going to take a whale watching cruise you have to check with the individual cruise line to see when they depart. Most major cruise lines do offer whale watching cruises but they are only during certain period of the year. The most common time to go on a cruise where you can see whales is during the early spring months and the late fall months depending on the hemisphere. Weather does play a huge part in where and when a cruise line departs from so you need to double check with the cruise line first. You definitely would not want to take an Alaskan cruise in the middle of winter because of the ice floes and packs that can occur near the Bering Strait.

What types of whales can you see on whale watching cruises?

Some whales are more commonly seen during certain months. That is when they come closer to shore and it is easier to see them. If you want to see California Gray Whales then you need to take a whale watching cruise during the months of December through April. The whales are traveling south at this time and it is a great time to visit Monterey, California to check out this "Gray Whale Migration Highway). During the summer months you get the opportunity to see quite a lot of whales. You can see: fin whales, minke whales, orcas, blue whales and even the huge humpback whales.

Related topics about Whale Watching Cruises
Making The Most Of Whale Watch Cruises
To get the most out of your whale watching experience, choose a tour operator that has onboard naturalists or marine biologists. These whale research experts can explain the whale behaviors to you and point out which species are frolicking in the water. Some larger ships have a guide narrating over a PA system, while smaller ships allow for intimate interaction with your captain.

Tips For Whale Watch Trips
Travelers usually expect to see something on their whale watch trips and tour operators desperately want to make that magic happen, and at any cost. Once the initial seasickness had subsided, the boat arrived at the prime whale watching area, along with five other boats full of eager tourists armed with cameras. In this distance, a couple humpback whales leapt out of the water.

Where To Find a Whale Watch Cruise
If you're looking for a whale watch cruise in the South, consider going to Mexico. You can call up Discover Pacific Tours, Baja Whale or Go-South-Adventures to see fins, orcas or grays. Many people love to take their whale watching cruise in Mexico because this is where most of the whales migrate to feed and breed during the winter months.