9 Places That Aren't Sea World Where You Can Spot Whales

Sea World is ending its controversial orca shows (finally), which is fine because it's even more spectacular to catch a glimpse of these fearsome creatures and their cousins in the wild.

1. Funter Bay State Marine Park in Juneau, Alaska.

From April to November, around 600 humpback whales live within the Inside Passage. Also, keep an eye out for orcas which feed on seals in the area. More about Juneau

2. Maui Island, Hawaii.

In December, the humpbacks head south for the warmer waters around Maui.

3. San Juan Islands, Washington State USA

Though the bulk of the sightings happen from May through October, you can see fearsome killer whales in this beautiful archipelago year-round.

4. Mulege, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Grey whales migrate back to the warm waters of Baja to calve in the spring. The babies are have been known to approach whale watching boats - watch out for fish breath!

5. Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

Over 150 Orcas live here during the summer months.

6. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Massachusets

Avid whale watchers who can stand the cold may spot humpbacks, Minkes, sperm whales, belugas and the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales.

7. Samaná, Dominican Republic

Between January and March each year, the Sanctuary for Humpback Whales attracts thousands of whales, which come to mate and give birth.

8. Húsavík, Iceland

Visit these chilly arctic waters in summer and get an eyeful of marine life, including over 20 species of whale and dolphin.

9. Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

You don't even need a boat to see whales in this lovely coastal town - they're visible from footpaths. Whales begin arriving in this coastal town in June.