Whale Watching in Bermuda
About whale watching in Bermuda
You get the best opportunity of watching whales in Bermuda during the Spring time between March and April. This is when the humpback whales migrate from the Caribbean water zone to the north Atlantic feeding zone. The whales usually have a regular pattern of behavior and a migration route. During the winter, the humpback whales of the Atlantic prefer the Caribbean tropical zone for mating.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
And during the spring, they migrate towards the north Atlantic zone for feeding. About 15,000 Humpback whales migrate every year. They travel for about 16,000 miles during this time. This is considered as one of the longest migrations in the world by mammals.
An adult humpback whale can be from 40 - 50 foot long. Sometimes they can be even longer. On an average, they would weigh about 40 - 50 tons. Being mammals, they need space to find food, to rest and even socialize just like the way we do. Average whale calves are born about 12-15 foot in length, requiring 120 gallons of milk a day and weigh about 3,000 pounds each.
So, where and how do you get to see these huge majestic creatures? The best is to take an organized whale watching boat tour. There are several operators in Bermuda who take you to the south shore waters in Bermuda for several hours showing you the whales either from the deck and even through the glass bottom views.
During March to April, the water visibility is high and you can clearly see whales through the glass bottom up to 100 feet below the surface. If you can't make it to a boat tour, you can also see them from the shore. Just hold on for a while and I shall soon discuss all the best options.
Humpback whales have long white flippers. You can sometimes see them swimming upside down with their flippers in the air.
There are distinct black and white markings on the underside of their tail flukes. These marks can be used by experts to identify individual whales.
Look for how they slap their huge tails on the water surface.
On their slightly flattened heads, you will see bumps.
Unlike other species, humpback whales are very acrobatic. If you are lucky, you will see them breaching, i.e. throwing their entire body out of water.
As they come out of water surface, they often blow a stream of spray that can rise up to 12 feet above the water. After blowing for 3 to 4 times, a humpback usually dives back into the water and remains underwater for about 15 minutes.
There are several boat operators in Bermuda that offer whale watching trips and mostly along the south shore. Over the years, whale watching in Bermuda is catching up and becoming increasingly popular to both tourists and residents. Although whales can be sighted as early as last week of December, the best season is between March to April when the migration takes place.
The whales are usually seen at Sally Tucker and Challenger sea mounts which are some 2 to 15 miles offshore. From the boats, you can sometimes see them as close as about 10 feet away. During the season, you are almost certain to see whales in Bermuda from the boats. The average whale watching boat tour costs about $85-95 per adult but varies with the operator and departure location. You need to carry your lunch pack, water, windbreakers, cameras, drinks etc. Alcohol is not allowed on board the cruise.
Here are the best whale watching tours in Bermuda:
They offer whale watching boat trips during March and April. The boat leaves from their own dock at Hamilton. Tours depart on few days of the (e.g. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday). Minimum age is 12. Check in time is 9am. Tours end by 5pm.
Members: $85; Non-members: $100.
For booking and information, call (441) 294-0204, or Email
[email protected] or visit the
Oceans Gift Shop in BUEI, Hamilton City.
Island Tour Center
Although this is a tour booking agency in the island, their parent company Fantasea has been running whale watching trips since 1987. Those days they were the only ones offering such boat tours. Their boats have reinforced glass bottom for underwater viewing. The tour duration is about 5 hours and is captained by Mike Heslop who is a 10 year veteran in this field. The boat leaves from Dockyard (next to the dockyard ferry stop) on some days of the week during March-April. Island Tour Center and Fantasea are located at Dockyard Watersports Center, North Arm (Royal Naval Dockyard). Island Tour Center also has an office in Hamilton (Albuoy's Point, 5 Point Pleasant Road).
Cost: $95 Per Adult, $75 Per Child
Duration: 5 Hours, The boat 'Looking Glass' is a 50-ft mono hull motor boat.
They operate from Somerset Bridge Marina which is located at the western side of the island in Sandys near the dockyard. Between March and April, they usually operate three times a week. The trip lasts for 5 to 7 hours depending on whale activities.
Cost: $95 Per Adult, $75 Per Child
Duration: 5 Hours, Boat used is 'Sundeck' - 60 Ft Power Catamaran
Location: Robinson's Marina (near Somerset Bridge), Sandys parish
They too offer whale watching boat tours in spring time.
Cost: $95 Per Adult, $75 Per Child
Duration: 6 Hours, Boat used is 'Endurance' - 45Ft Custom Motor Boat.
They offer group tours in one of their boats. You can book through Island Tour Center (mentioned above) or inquire directly.
Cost: $85 Per Adult, $65 Per Child
Duration: 5 Hours
Moby Dick Charters
They offer whale watching tour in private groups in their 40-ft boat. The boat can accommodate up to 16 persons. The tour is usually for 4 hours and costs $75 per person. You can also customize the tour. They are located at St. George's.
Whale Watching From Shores
The best place for whale watching from the shore is
West Whale Bay Beach at Southampton Parish. Take a taxi and come to the Whale Bay Park. There is an open area from the cliffs that gives you a great vantage point to watch the humpback whales beyond the reef line. But you will need a binocular to make the most out of such experience.
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 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
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Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Jeanene (January 2018)
Hello, Went to Bermuda for my 40 birthday last year but couldn't do whale watching because it was cancelled due to winds. Heading back to Bermuda in June and I know whale watching is not available. My friends and I are willing and contemplating flying into Bermuda for a day to go whale watching. Can you help me possible plan this out, best whale watching company in terms of number to make reservation, best time between March and April to go, hotel in close proximity and relatively inexpensive as it will only be for evening. We stayed at Fairmont and plan on staying there again in June. Any advice would help make it possible for us to go and greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) January 2018
Hi Fantasea is the oldest operator in the island for whale watching boat tours and they are one of the best. Any time between March to April should be a good time, but it also depends on day's weather. I would suggest you contact them and then fix up a date because the boat tours are not operated everyday. You can get in touch with their booking center (known as 'Island Tour Center') Phone: (441)236-1300; Email: [email protected] .
They usually operate from Royal Naval Dockyard (near the ferry dock) and so staying in a hotel in Sandys or Southampton would be convenient. You can also stay at Warwick. There are not many choices in Sandys... Cambridge Beaches Resort is great but it's a 5-Star property. Visit the links below for some nice hotels in Warwick and Southampton:
Arthur Groten (February 2014)
As near as I can tell, the only time that there is a significant chance to see the whales in March-May. Is that correct or is there an opportunity in July? Thanks
Raj (bermuda-attractions.com) February 2014
Hi, March to April is the best time for whale watching. This is when the humpback whales migrate through Bermuda waters. In July the possibility is low.
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