When you think of whale watching, Florida might not be the first place that comes to mind. Most people picture chilly Alaskan waters or the scenic coasts of Cape Cod. But here’s a little-known secret: Florida is actually one of the best places in the U.S. to see whales from shore! Every year, North Atlantic right whales and other marine giants migrate to the Sunshine State’s waters, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness these incredible creatures—no boat required!
If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of a whale in the wild, here are the top 5 places in Florida for whale watching, plus pro tips to increase your chances of spotting one.
Ponte Vedra Beach & Jacksonville Beach
Best Time to See Whales: December – March
Whales You Might See: North Atlantic Right Whales
Best Viewing Spots: Mickler’s Landing, Jacksonville Beach Pier
Topping our list is Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville Beach, one of the most reliable places to spot North Atlantic right whales from shore. Every winter, these critically endangered whales migrate to northeast Florida’s warm coastal waters to give birth. With fewer than 350 left in the world, seeing one is a rare and unforgettable experience.
The best places to watch? Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park in Ponte Vedra Beach and the Jacksonville Beach Pier. Early mornings tend to offer the best viewing conditions, and a good pair of binoculars will help you scan the horizon for spouts, dark shapes, and whale tails. Keep an eye out for local whale-watching alerts—when a sighting happens, word spreads fast!
St. Augustine Beach & Matanzas Inlet
Best Time to See Whales: December – March
Whales You Might See: North Atlantic Right Whales
Best Viewing Spots: St. Augustine Beach Pier, Matanzas Inlet
St. Augustine is known for its rich history, but did you know it’s also one of Florida’s best whale-watching locations? The waters just offshore are a designated calving area for North Atlantic right whales, making this a prime location for spotting mothers and their newborn calves.
For the best chance of a sighting, head to the St. Augustine Beach Pier or Matanzas Inlet, where the open views make it easier to see whales near the surface. If you see a cluster of people staring intently at the water with binoculars, you’re probably in the right place. February is peak season, so plan your trip accordingly!
Palm Beach & Singer Island
Best Time to See Whales: Year-round (Best: Winter & Spring)
Whales You Might See: Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, Bryde’s Whales
Best Viewing Spots: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Juno Beach Pier
If you’re on Florida’s east coast, Palm Beach and Singer Island offer excellent whale-watching opportunities. While North Atlantic right whales dominate the winter season, humpback whales and even sperm whales occasionally make an appearance offshore.
For a great vantage point, visit John D. MacArthur Beach State Park or Juno Beach Pier. The deep waters off Palm Beach make it a key migration corridor, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a humpback whale breaching in the distance!
New Smyrna Beach & Canaveral National Seashore
Best Time to See Whales: December – March
Whales You Might See: North Atlantic Right Whales
Best Viewing Spots: Apollo Beach (Canaveral National Seashore), Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park
New Smyrna Beach is famous for its waves and surf culture, but it’s also an underrated spot for land-based whale watching. Canaveral National Seashore, particularly Apollo Beach, offers one of the best unobstructed views of migrating right whales.
Why here? The quieter, less developed coastline makes it an attractive and safe place for mother whales and their calves to rest. Bring a beach chair and binoculars, and keep an eye out for whale spouts on the horizon.
Cocoa Beach
Best Time to See Whales: December – March
Whales You Might See: North Atlantic Right Whales
Best Viewing Spots: Cocoa Beach Pier, Playalinda Beach
Rounding out our top five is Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. This area is already famous for rocket launches, but it’s also a fantastic spot to see whales in the winter. Right whales often pass close to shore, and with a little patience, you might just spot one from Cocoa Beach Pier or Playalinda Beach.
The great thing about this location? Even if you don’t see a whale, you’re in prime viewing territory for a SpaceX launch from Kennedy Space Center—so either way, you’re in for a cool sight!
Honorable Mentions: More Great Whale-Watching Spots in Florida
If you’re outside of the main whale migration corridor, you still have a chance to see whales in Florida! Other great locations include:
- Miami & Biscayne Bay – Occasional sightings of humpback and sperm whales from South Pointe Park Pier.
- The Florida Keys – Deep waters near Key Largo & Key West attract sperm whales and pygmy sperm whales.
- Naples & Marco Island – Humpbacks and Bryde’s whales have been spotted offshore.
- Destin & The Florida Panhandle – Home to resident sperm whales and the occasional false killer whale.
Pro Tips for Whale Watching in Florida
Seeing a whale in the wild is an unforgettable experience—but you need to know what to look for! Here are some quick tips to increase your chances of a sighting:
✅ Binoculars are a must! While some whales come close to shore, a good pair of binoculars will help you spot them further out.
✅ Look for dolphins and seabirds. Whales often travel with dolphins, and diving seabirds could indicate feeding activity nearby.
✅ February is peak season. Right whales are most commonly seen between December and March, with Februarybeing the best month for sightings.
✅ Follow the crowd! If you see people gathered on a pier or beach staring at the ocean, there’s a good chance a whale has been spotted.
✅ Best vantage points: Piers give you an elevated view over the water, making it easier to spot whales in the distance.
Florida may not be the first place you think of for whale watching, but it’s one of the only places in the world where you can see the endangered North Atlantic right whale from shore. Whether you’re at a pier in Jacksonville or a beach in St. Augustine, keep your eyes on the water—you never know when a whale might appear!
