Oahu, Hawaii

Schedule your Hawaiian getaway from December through May when more than 12,000 humpback whales leave Alaska and migrate to the Hawaiian islands to breed and give birth. A few whales make cameos in November, but more follow in December and continue to arrive through late spring. From January to March, the season is in full swing, making this an ideal time to visit. The Hawaiian Islands are also a great area for spotting false-killer, melon-headed whales, pygmy killer whales and short-finned pilot whales.

Pro tip: Stay at Wayfinder Waikiki. From the hotel, it’s a short drive to Hanamua Bay Lookout and Diamond Head State Monument (non-Hawaii residents need reservations for parking and entry) where you might spot whales. Increase your chances of a closer-up look by taking a boat tour out of Waikiki.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Thanks to Cape Cod’s all-you-can-eat buffet of mackerel and herring, this northeastern peninsula attracts a high whale population. From mid-April to October, it’s home to humpback, minke, fin, sei and North Atlantic right whales. Peak season is June through mid-September.

Pro tip: For a front-row seat for whale watching, book a private charter through Chatham Bars Inn on a super fast, luxe boat.

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Multiple whale species head to Maine’s waters from mid-April to late October to snack on plankton, fish, sand eels and copepods. The usuals are humpback, minke and finback. Not-so-usuals are North Atlantic right whales, sei whales, sperm whales and orcas.

Pro tip: Spruce Point Inn books whale-watching tours for guests through a company with more than 80 years of experience. Added bonus: puffins, dolphins and Maine’s famous lighthouses.

Boston

Grab your binoculars! From late March to November, it’s possible to see humpback, finback, pilot, minke and, if you’re lucky, Atlantic right whales (a protected species) in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, about 30 miles off the coast of Boston.

Pro tip: Schedule a Boston Harbor Cruise, part of the Whale Sense program, which promotes responsible whale watching. On board, ask naturalists all of your burning whale-watching questions. Afterward, happily rest your head at Boston Harbor Hotel, a luxe waterfront property where you could potentially see whales passing by.

Newport, Rhode Island

On a clear sunny day, venture out on a boat ride to search for sperm whales, humpback, minke and pilot whales. Keep those peepers peeled for false-killer whales, dolphins and loggerhead turtles.

Pro tip: After a day of whale spectating, settle in at Wayfinder Newport for games on the party deck, hand-crafted cocktails at the bar or room service in your PJs.

Explore these top whale-watching destinations and more across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.