Wildlife lovers
Whales, turtles, monkeys and more, in the right place at the right season.
Wildlife trips are all about timing. Humpback whales, whale sharks and nesting sea turtles each come to a place for only part of the year. Rainforest animals like sloths and monkeys are easier to see with a local guide who knows where to look. Our picks cover whale watching, rainforest wildlife, reef animals and more. We help you match the animals you most want to see to the right place and the right months. We also look for tours that keep a safe distance and follow local rules, so the animals stay wild and healthy. Pack binoculars, a good camera and a lot of patience.
Maui
Each winter, thousands of humpback whales come to Hawaii from Alaska to mate and give birth. The shallow, protected waters between Maui, Lanai and Molokai are one of the best places to see them. You can often spot whales from shore. Boat tours bring you closer, while staying a safe distance away. Green sea turtles are common near Maui's beaches all year.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica protects a large part of its land in parks and reserves. Visitors come to see sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, frogs and many kinds of birds. Manuel Antonio National Park is popular and easy to reach. Monteverde has misty cloud forest. Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast is known for nesting sea turtles. A local guide will spot far more animals than you will alone.
Puerto Vallarta
From about December to March, humpback whales gather in Banderas Bay to breed and raise calves. Tour boats leave from the marina and from towns around the bay. Dolphins and sea birds are common too. In summer and fall, sea turtles nest on local beaches, and some conservation groups invite visitors to watch baby turtles being released.
Los Cabos
In winter, humpback whales pass close to the tip of the Baja Peninsula, and they are often seen from boats and even from shore. Gray whales visit lagoons farther up the Pacific coast of Baja. Sea lions live on the rocks near the famous arch at Land's End. Whale sharks visit the Sea of Cortez near La Paz in season.
Cancun
From about June to September, whale sharks gather in the waters north of Cancun near Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox to feed. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the sea, and licensed boats take small groups out to snorkel near them. Strict rules limit how close you can get. Sea turtles also nest on beaches along this coast in summer.
Belize
Belize has wild jungle and the second longest barrier reef in the world. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary was set up to protect jaguars, and it is home to many birds and other animals. Howler monkeys are common in several areas. Manatees live in coastal lagoons and rivers. On the reef, snorkelers see turtles, rays and nurse sharks.
Sydney
Each year, humpback whales travel along the coast near Sydney, heading north in early winter and back south in spring. Tours leave from the harbor, and you can also watch from coastal headlands. Wildlife parks around the city let you see koalas, kangaroos and other Australian animals up close. Little penguins live near Manly.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is best known for Stingray City, a shallow sandbar where wild southern stingrays gather and swim around visitors. Sea turtles are common on the reefs. On land, the island is home to the Grand Cayman blue iguana, a rare lizard found nowhere else. A protected park on the island helps keep it safe.
Humpback whales visit Hawaii and Mexico in winter, mostly from December to April. Sydney sees them from about May to November. Whale sharks gather near Cancun in summer. Sea turtles nest in many places from late spring to fall. Rainforest animals can be seen all year, with drier trails in the dry season.
Talk to us: (888) 520-3908No one can promise wild animals will show up. In peak season, sightings in places like Maui and Banderas Bay are very common, and many tours offer a second trip if you see nothing. Going in the middle of the season gives you the best chance. We help you pick those weeks.
Good tours keep a safe distance, limit group size and never feed or chase animals. In many places, the law sets how close boats and swimmers can get. Look for licensed operators and guides who explain the rules before you start. We look for these signs when we plan your trip.
Yes, it is one of the best family activities. Kids love spotting whales from a boat or a sloth in a tree. Choose shorter tours for young children and bring snacks, water and sun protection. Some boat trips can be rough, so calmer bays and shore viewing work well for little ones.
Bring binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a light rain jacket. For boats, pack motion sickness medicine and reef-safe sunscreen. For rainforest trips, wear closed shoes, long light pants and insect repellent. Neutral colors help you blend in. Quiet voices and patience help most of all.