Best Places to See Killer Whales
Do you dream of seeing the world’s most powerful wild predator in its natural habitat? Head to the right destinations at the right times and you’re almost guaranteed to catch a sight of the legendary killer whale. Follow this guide, and you’ll soon know all the best places to see killer whales.
Why Seek Out Killer Whales in the Wild?
Killer whales, otherwise known as orca or blackfish, are perhaps best known for being majestic display animals in parks like SeaWorld. However, it has been well documented that these parks do nothing but harm to these powerful creatures, and many people are realising that the only way you should ever view a killer whale is in its natural habitat.
Killer whale encounters are thrilling experiences. The most powerful predator in the ocean, these apex killing machines are large and charismatic, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who is lucky enough to see them in the wild. There is nothing quite like seeing a killer whale in its natural habitat, and it’s not difficult to do either.
Coastal predators, killer whales hunt in pods and range very close to the shore in search of large prey that live in shallower waters. Thanks to their massive range of travel and predictable hunting patterns, it’s very easy to know where killer whales will be, which means finding and seeing a wild killer whale is really not difficult if you know where to look.
The 10 Best Places to See Killer Whales
Washington, USA
June to September
The San Juan Islands of Washington State in the USA are home to many resident orcas. These killer whales stay in the area year-round, which means you’ve always got a chance of a sighting. However, they tend to be more active in the summer months.
California, USA
April to May and August to October
Monterey Bay in California plays host to an abundance of marine life, including pods of killer whales. They are not resident as in Washington but instead travel here as they follow migrating prey. Found further offshore, you’ll be in with a good chance of seeing killer whales hunt here.
Vancouver, Canada
May to October
The same resident orca as those of Washington, the animals travel between the Juan Islands and Vancouver Island as they hunt and socialise with other pods. Because they’re always around, chances of sightings are very high. It’s rare for there not to be sightings of killer whales in Vancouver Island during peak season. Perhaps the best place to see killer whales in the world.
Alaska, USA
May to September
You can catch a sight of killer whales in many locations off the Alaskan coast, but the best places to see killer whales are Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Superpods have been reported of up to 50 orcas, as the animals congregate here to breed and hunt.
Peninsula Valdes, Argentina
October to November
The killer whales of this region are legendary. Known for their ruthless hunting technique of aquaplaning through the shallows and snatching seal pups from the land, this is the only place on Earth you can witness this stunning hunting behaviour. During October and November, as seals give birth, this practice is common and easily witnessed in the right place.
Grundarfjörður, Iceland
April to June
You can see killer whales all around Iceland, but the best place to see killer whales is near the town of Grundarfjörður on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. A migratory point for several orca pods, this location attracts fish-eating killer whales who feed on the masses of herring that breed here.
Bremer Bay, Australia
January to March
A little-known marine life paradise, Bremer Bay is fast making a name for itself as one of the best places to see killer whales in the world. Drawn here to feed on an abundance of prey both great and small, you’ll often find large pods here; we’re talking hundreds of killer whales, some of the largest gatherings on the planet.
Tromsø, Norway
November to January
Drawn by the gathering of their favourite prey, herring, killer whales emerge from all over the waters of northern Europe and congregate in the Fjords near Tromsø in Norway. Some argue that this is actually the best place to see killer whales in the wild, and not Vancouver. It really doesn’t matter. Either way, time your trip right and you’re in for a great show. Be sure to note that because of the long nights near the arctic, December is too dark to go looking for orca.
Auckland, New Zealand
December to March
Killer whales are found all around New Zealand. A small island with rich waters full of prey, many top predators call this country home, including orca and great white sharks. Of all the locations to try and see orca, Auckland is known as the best place to see killer whales. Trips during peak season have a very high success rate.
Hokkaido, Japan
April to August
Japan is an unsung hero in the world of killer whale sightings. You may have been aware of some of the locations on this list of the best places to see killer whales already, but few are aware of Hokkaido. The waters here are rich and vibrant, attracting many killer whales to the region. Rare albino orca have also been sighted here.