Imagine a lazy summer’s afternoon on a boat in a gentle rolling ocean. A good breeze softly massages your face where you sit, and you begin to close your eyes and drift away… sound of boat’s engine begins to fade and finally stops. The boat, like you, is drifting over waves and following breeze. It’s very peaceful and calm and after a stressful week you feel in harmony with world. Then something explodes… out of water… and only a few feet from your nose! A 30-ton humpback… length of a large house... it breaches… and in another second is gone. And you’re left in disbelief and wonder.

And it’s just start of your whale watching!

While whales are scattered throughout world there’s only a handful of accessible locations to view them in their natural environment. The coastal waters of New England and west coast of North America are prime locations for whale watching. Hawaii and South Africa are also superb locations to spot whales, as are ocean waters around New Zealand.

So if a vacation or trip takes you to any of these areas make sure you book a cruise and take in largest show on earth.

Here’s some pointers to make sure you have an enjoyable whale watch.

PLAN YOUR WHALE WATCHING TRIP

In summer months whale watching is popular and so book early – many tours suggest one week to avoid disappointment.

Whale watching cruises can last anywhere from 3 hours to 41/2 hours. If whales are just playing hard to find, then captain will make every effort to stay out as long as they can to get a sighting.

While most boats are equipped with a place to buy food and drink they don’t usually mind you taking your own pack lunch or snacks. Because it can be a long ride until they find whales and then back to port take a novel or your walkman and listen to your favorite music, or even whale song CD. If you’ve got young children take something to keep them entertained as well.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WHALE WATCH CRUISE