Boston Globe - "Five great places to see whales"

1 - AZORES, PORTUGAL

More than 20 types of whales frequent the waters surrounding these nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries.


2 - SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON

From mid-April to early October, killer whales (orcas; one is pictured above) feed and play in the Lime Kiln Whale Watch Park on the west edge of the islands.


3 - NUNAVUT, CANADA

Some 1,000 bowhead whales, measuring up to 66 feet and weighing up to 136 tons, live year-round in the waters of this northernmost territory.


4 - HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA

Considered one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world; southern right whales arrive in June to mate, give birth, and raise their young.


5 - BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

January through March,

Hundreds of California gray whales migrate to the warm, protected waters of Magdalena Bay to mate and give birth.


in Boston Globe