It’s never too early (or too late) to start gearing up for a trip centered on these large mammals.

Massachusetts-Cape Cod.  Whiles sightings are so frequent in the Atlantic waters surrounding Cape Cod that it might as well be renamed Cape Whale, the World Wildlife Fund named Massachusetts one of the top 10 whale-watching spots in the world. Minke, finback and humpback are among the species of whales that regularly glide through the waters. Whale-watching charters typically run from April to October.

More information: 888-33CapeCod (2-2732), www.capecodchamber.org. Visitor information: 800-227-MASS (6277).

California-San Diego. Sure, you could visit Shamu and his posse at Sea World, like everyone else, or you could opt to encounter gargantuan gray whales in their natural element, the great blue sea. California gray whales make their remarkable, 10,000-mile annual pilgrimage from feeding grounds in the Bering Sea to birthing grounds in the shallow lagoons of the Gulf of California. From December through March, approximately 25,000 whales swim past San Diego. Best bets for viewing are Cabrillo National Monument, the Birch Aquarium, whale watching cruises or a unique kayak tour.

More information: 619-232-3101, www.sandiego.org. Visitor information: 800-862-2543, www.gocalif.ca.gov.

Hawaii-all islands. Each winter, humpback whales migrate to this tropical paradise from the northern Pacific. The clear waters surrounding the islands provide visibility up to 100 feet deep, making for incredibly easy sightings. Scientists estimate that about two-thirds of the entire humpback whale population in the North Pacific visit the islands each winter. Hawaii’s season typically takes place from late November to mid-April. Whales may be viewed from all the islands, but most congregate off Maui, particularly along the south and western shores (between Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina and Ka’anapali). The Big Island’s deep-water Kona Coast is also fertile territory for sightings.

Visitor information: 800-GOHAWAII (464-2924).

Mexico-Los Cabos. Aside from the pleasant beaches, quality resorts and near-perfect, year-round weather, Los Cabos offers tourists the added spectacle of spouting whales. Every year from late December through April, magnificent humpbacks, grays, blues and sperm whales visit Baja California and the Gulf of California just in time for peak tourist season. Although places like San Ignacio are better known for whale watching, more people probably see whales in Los Cabos than any other place in Baja. Breeding grounds are mostly on the Pacific side, but some travel to the Gulf of California.

Visitor information: 866-LOS-CABOS, (567-2226).

Washington-Orcas Island. No list of whale-watching destinations would be complete without a nod to Orcas Island, a nature lover’s paradise that also bears a name reminiscent of the killer whales that gather off its long coastline. Minke whales live nearby, and sometimes gray whales will travel through the islands en route to the open ocean.

More information: 360-376-2273, www.orcasislandchamber.com. Visitor information:
800-544-1800, www.experiencewashington.com.

By Juan J. Flores
Special to the Orange County Register
August 19, 2007