With World Oceans Day, June 8, right around the corner, these destinations offer experiences that take family travelers to the water to learn about and appreciate the ocean and its inhabitants.
World Oceans Day was originally proposed in 1992 by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development and the Ocean Institute of Canada at the Earth Summit in Brazil. Continuing to foster Canada’s commitment to environmental conservation, Victoria, the waterfront capital of British Columbia, is a sustainable leader, as well as a natural beauty, making eco-friendly whale watching a popular destination. Prince of Whales, celebrating 30 years in 2023, offers travelers climate-positive whale tours. In 2022, Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Watching Tours won numerous awards and was also the first in the industry to join 1% for the Planet to adopt carbon neutrality and implement a per-guest wildlife fee to support conservation efforts. Orca Spirit provides carbon-neutral tours and is the only whale-watching company in Victoria to use ultra-quiet, ultra-clean Yamaha four-stroke engines, creating minimal disturbance to marine life.
Santa Barbara, California
As one of California’s most desirable coastal towns, Santa Barbara is poised to become a whale heritage site to further protect various whale and dolphin species. Travelers can safely appreciate these beautiful creatures on a tour with CONDOR Express, a responsible whale-watching company in business since the 1970s. For different ways to explore the beautiful waters, guests can relax at one of the many beaches, catch some waves surfing, book a sailing excursion or embark on a guided or self-guided kayaking tour.
City Cruises San Diego
Along California’s coast, the popular activity of whale watching kicks off for the summer season in late June. Travelers can experience a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the seasonal migration of blue whales and other wildlife, including minke whales, fin whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. San Diego City Cruises’ seasonal Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure runs June through September, following the migration of blue whales from Central America to California. With changes in ocean temperatures and an abundance of krill, the past few years attracted far more blue whales to San Diego’s coast than in the past. In partnership with San Diego Natural History Museum, guests onboard learn about wildlife with narration from expert captains and volunteer naturalists. With whale sightings guaranteed, passengers get a free pass for another cruise if whales don’t make an appearance.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Feb 3, 2025Tips for a Stress-Free RV Road Trip with Kids
Family travel on the road can be stressful for many reasons, from restlessness to boredom to spending too much time on screens in the backseat. But RV road trips foster curiosity in kids and enhance family bonding, so don’t miss out on the opportunity for an RV vacation because of these avoidable stressors and fears.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Hotels
Jan 30, 2025This Lisbon Hotel Loves Kids and Babies
Family resorts often provide special accommodations for children, but beyond the availability of a crib, these are rarely found in city hotels. This is what makes Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Luxury Hotel & Apartments so extraordinary. For traveling families, this hotel is a revelation.
Hotels
Jan 30, 2025Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Oregon’s Wine Country with Tributary Hotel
Inject a bit of romance into your family travels this Valentine’s Day and escape with your significant other to McMinnville, in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Wine Country — specifically to Tributary Hotel, an intimate retreat and the state’s first and only Relais & Châteaux property. The Willamette Valley sits about one hour from Portland and is considered a foodie haven full of world-class wineries. And Tributary Hotel’s eight suites offer couples a romantic escape tailored to their preferences.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Airlines
Jan 29, 2025Norse Atlantic Launches New Direct Route to Athens
Traveling to Greece just got a little bit easier for family travelers looking to make less stops between Southern California and Athens. A new direct route between Los Angeles International Airport and Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Greece, was just announced by budget carrier Norse Atlantic Airways, bringing a much-needed and long-awaited non-stop flight between these two major travel hubs. As of now, there are no other airlines offering a direct route between Los Angeles and Athens, making this a one-of-a-kind option for travelers from these cities.
ShareThis