14 Best Places to See Wildlife Around the World (From My Travels)
Over the past few years, as I’ve grown as a photographer and traveler, I’ve set my sights on the best places to see wildlife. As much as I love landscape photography, getting a chance to spend time with wild animals, see how they act, and immerse myself in their world is captivating.
Now, I know some of these are expensive or in far-off places, but I hope they inspire you to add them to your bucket list. Watching humpbacks breach in Maui, brown bears eat fish in Alaska, or giraffes move through bamboo in Rwanda are life-changing moments.
And I know you’ll have a blast as well!
These are the Best Places to See Wildlife That I’ve Experienced
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Katmai National Park, Alaska – Amazing Bear Watching
Hands down, Katmai National Park is one of the COOLEST places I’ve ever visited. There are no roads to Katmai and Brooks Falls from Anchorage, so flying (or boating) is the only way in. For most visitors, you’ll fly in from Homer or Anchorage to spend time with salmon-hungry bears.
It’s a major bucket-list moment and lets you see one of the least-visited places in the country.
Main wildlife attraction?
Coastal Brown Bears
Best time to visit?
June into September for Fat Bear Week. Book a trip to Brooks Falls.
How costly is a visit?
Day trips to Katmai or Lake Clark run over $1,000 per person. Overnight stays at lodges can cost $2,000 or more per night.
Alaska At-Large – Bears, Whales, and Bird Opportunities
I’d be doing a major disservice to the rest of Alaska if I only did Katmai NP. The rest of Alaska is teeming with more wildlife than you can imagine. And it’s on land and in the sea.
My first memorable wildlife encounters happened on my first Alaska road trip in 2021. In Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, we saw humpbacks, orcas, rare birds, and steller sea lions. On land, in Denali National Park, we saw moose and a far-off bighorn sheep. And you can’t forget America’s symbol, the Bald Eagle.
I had a really special encounter with an otter down in Homer, AK, on that trip.
While I haven’t been there yet, Juneau has phenomenal wildlife encounters as well.
Main wildlife attraction? Moose, Bears (black and brown), big horn sheep, humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles
Best time to visit?
Summer is the best time to visit, with better weather for viewing animals and longer days.
How costly is a visit?
It somewhat depends on what you want to do. You don’t need to book any tours to see moose in Denali National Park or see bald eagles in Homer. But you would need to book a tour to see the Kenai Fjords, or to go bear watching. (Though there are actually spots where you can do it for free on the Kenai Peninsula.)
Generally speaking, Alaska is expensive to visit. In 2021, our 21-day trip cost around $5,000, but we camped for half of it and worked with a camper van company to keep costs down.
Glacier National Park, Montana – Bears, Mountain Goats, and Big Horn Sheep
Glacier National Park is up there among the best national parks in the USA. Its glacier lakes, stunning wildflowers, and jagged peaks make it a must-see destination each year. But one aspect that puts it at the top is its wildlife. It’s one of the best places to see wildlife in the United States.
On my most recent trip, I saw grizzly bears, big horn sheep, and mountain goats up close. And on the Grinnel Glacier Trail, a moose enjoyed the shallow ponds far below the trail. This place is truly magical to visit!
Main wildlife attraction?
Bears. Moose. Mountain Goats. Big Horn Sheep.
Best time to visit?
Glacier is accessible year-round, but to access the entire park, June through October offers the most bang for your buck. This is also when the big horn sheep and mountain goats flock to areas like Logan Pass, and you can get close encounters with them.
How costly is a visit?
That depends on how you want to travel. If you fly in, rent a car, and stay in hotels around Glacier, it’ll start to add up. If you do a road trip and then camp, you’ll find it far less expensive.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Wyoming – Best Place to See Bison
The stretch of landscape spanning Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks is one of the most vibrant, rugged, and wild places America offers. It’s home to the Teton Range, the massive geothermal features sitting above a magma chamber of Yellowstone, and tons and tons of wildlife.
Outside of Montana and Alaska, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something that feels out of the 1800s.
Main wildlife attraction?
Bison. Bears. Elk.
Best time to visit?
From April through October. It depends on exactly where you want to go and when. Yellowstone’s high elevation means it is colder longer. But bears begin to emerge from their dens in April/May, which makes it prime time for visitation.
How costly is a visit?
These two places are costly due to limited infrastructure and high popularity. Yellowstone doesn’t have that much lodging, which can drive up prices. And then Jackson is a billionaire’s playground, so prices continue to skyrocket.
Still, a road trip and camping offer you the chance to enjoy the area without breaking the bank.
Costa Rica – Incredible Monkeys, Frogs, Snakes, and Birds
I just returned from Costa Rica in early 2026, and it’s easily one of the best places to see wildlife. While you don’t get the big animals like above, you’ll be treated to colorful birds, raucous monkeys, and maybe even a crocodile or two.
It is, though, one of the better places to see whales in Central America off the Pacific Coast.
Main wildlife attraction?
Birds. Frogs. Monkeys. Iguanas. Whales. Turtles
Best time to visit?
This is one ofthose places you can visit year-round. However, the dry season is December through March, which coincides with one of the two whale seasons. The other whale season is July through October. If you visit in the off-season, just choose a non-rainy night to do your wildlife night walk or sloth viewing.
Use this link to book your hotel stays.
How costly is a visit?
This depends on the hotels you stay at. There are ways to make this trip more affordable, but prices are still similar to those in the United States. You likely won’t find hotels cheaper than $170 a night in touristy areas, or you could spend $800 per night at a luxury hotel.
Australia – Kangaroos, Wallabies, and Crocodiles
In the spring of 2024, my brother and I spent two weeks exploring Australia. The first half was in the Northern Territory. The second half was a road trip throughout Tasmania. The two are almost mirror images. The NT is hot and humid with unique geological and cultural aspects. Tassie is green and lush and far more mountainous.
Main wildlife attraction?
Kangaroos. Wallabies. Crocodiles.
Best time to visit?
April was a really great time for our trip. It’s the dry season in the NT and approaching fall in Tasmania. Our weather was mostly fine in Cradle Mountain National Park, though we did get rained out of a big hiking day that we had hoped for.
The NT is where you get the BIG crocodiles that may or may not eat boats. They also have wallabies, but no Kangaroos. You have to go more into the Red Center for that. And for Tassie, they only have wallabies, no ‘roos.
How costly is a visit?
From the US, this is going to be a costly trip for the airfare. But luckily, the USD is incredibly strong, so your money goes further. And the NT is cheaper than Sydney.
Maui and Kauai – Best place for humpback whales
If you love whales, Hawaii is the place for you! I’ve only been to Maui and Kauai, but they’re two of my favorite places in the world. Each winter, Maui has world-class whale encounters. You can get similar experiences across all the Hawaiian islands, but Maui is the single BEST place for wildlife sightings.
Main wildlife attraction?
Humpback whales. Turtles. Fish. Chickens (I kid. I kid.)
Best time to visit?
For whale watching, come December through March. If you want turtles, there’s no urgency, as they are there year-round.
How costly is a visit?
It’s on the pricer side, especially when factoring in flights. For a week-long trip for two people, you will likely spend $4,000 to $5,000.
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada – Polar Bear Capital of the World
While my trip to Churchill was speedy, it was so worth it. Getting a chance to see polar bears in the wild was a dream come true. It was humbling and magical to see them playing on the ice and with their young.
Main wildlife attraction?
Polar bears! Every October/November, polar bears gather on the shores of the Hudson Bay near Churchill, waiting for the ice to freeze and to begin another winter on the ice hunting seals.
Best time to visit?
Polar Bear season runs from mid-October through mid-November, when they are most dense. But you can see them throughout the summer as they come off the ice. On top of that, summer months are when Beluga Whales gather in the tens of thousands to mate and give birth.
How costly is a visit?
It’s decently costly. You can do a day trip during Polar Bear season for $1,500 from Winnipeg. Longer trips can cost $6000+ per person.
When did I visit? November 2025
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Rwanda – Mountain Gorillas, Monkeys, and Big Five
My first trip to Africa was a 10/10 trip. We toured the entire country of Rwanda, getting to see wild animals I had only seen in zoos. The country is a must-visit in Africa and offers a greener, more lush environment than other popular destinations in the region.
The main draw is the mountain gorilla. With fewer than 1,500 individuals alive, they are among the most endangered species on the planet.
Main wildlife attraction?
Mountain Gorillas. Bonus animals: Monkeys, Big 5 Safari
Best time to visit?
Dry season tends to be over teh summer months, ranging from May through September. But because of the higher elevation and volcanoes on the western border, moisture is more common. Another shorter dry season is mid-December into February.
How costly is a visit?
It costs $1,500 per person to take a gorilla trek in Rwanda. It’s a little cheaper in Uganda and the DRC. But those areas are less safe. You can do a golden monkey or chimpanzee trek for much cheaper. Additionally, you can take a safari on the eastern edge of the country to see the Big Five.
Hotel and lodging prices vary based on how nice a place you want to stay at.
Puget Sound – Orcas and Humpbacks
Living in Seattle for three years was a blessing. Obviously, I knew we were living by water, but I didn’t realize how much sea life there was. From our home in Ballard, we were only 10 minutes from Golden Gardens, where we’d constantly see seals in the water.
The best, though, was tracking Orcas throughout the Puget Sound. Because of the Orca Network, I was able to jump on a whale watching boat in 2023 and see over a dozen orcas near Seattle. But there’s more than just orcas. Humpback and gray whales call the Salish Sea, Puget Sound, and San Juan Islands home as well. (At least temporary homes.)
Main wildlife attraction?
Humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, and seals
Best time to visit?
Year-round, though it’s harder to see sea life when it’s raining and getting dark at 4pm during the winter. Orcas, as you can imagine, follow the salmon run. So they are more prevalent when there’s more salmon. Still, I noticed orcas frequently during the winter months.
All that said, I’d still visit in spring through fall, when the weather gets better and more tour operators are running.
How costly is a visit?
Seattle isn’t too costly a place to visit – pretty typical for any other major metro area. It’s a little pricier up on the San Juan Islands during peak season. But you can find good deals in the off-season.
Santa Barbara Channel
After calling Santa Barbara home for a year, there are few places more perfect than the Central California Coast. The weather is nearly perfect 365 days per year, and there always seems to be a wildlife encounter.
On evenings that we would walk the beach, we’d regularly see dolphins or seals playing in the surf. It’s a phenomenal place to spend some time – especially if you want to see animals.
Main wildlife attraction?
Humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, dolphins, and seals
Best time to visit?
Santa Barbara year-round is phenomenal. But I would recommend the summer months for whale season and awesome hiking nearby. This is when they are migrating and make their home in the Santa Barbara Channel. Truly one of the better places to see wildlife in the USA.
How costly is a visit?
Santa Barbara hotels can be on the more expensive end. Thankfully, you can fly directly in her and may not even need to rent a car for your trip. If you stay near the wharf, you can walk everywhere, including to your SB whale watching excursion!
Iceland for Puffins
Iceland isn’t on too many people’s list for top wildlife destinations, but they throw a hard punch if you know where to look. I’ve been twice, and while I haven’t had the best experiences seeing wildlife, I know plenty of others who have.
Main wildlife attraction? Puffins and whales. In the NW part of the country, you may have some more critters.
Best time to visit?
It’s gotta be summer and fall. Puffin season in Iceland is over the summer months, and whales generally migrate that way around the same time.
How costly is a visit?
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. The cost of living is high, which pushes up prices across the board. Then, there’s gas. It tends ot be $8 per gallon or more. If you plan to visit Iceland, and you should, expect to spend a pretty penny.
Incredible Places to see Wildlife that I haven’t been to yet
Antarctica
It’s very high on my bucket list, mostly for the unique wildlife encounters you can get there. Leopard seals, penguins, orcas, whales, and so much more. It just looks incredible and is easily one of the best places to see wildlife. One of these days, I’ll cross it off my list!
African Safaris
Obviously, no list of the best places to see wildlife is complete without a true African Safari. Unfortunately, I haven’t experienced that yet. But some of the best places to focus on:
- Masai Mara
- Serengetti
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
- Krugers National Park (South Africa)
- Tanzania
Baja California
I’m sure Baja California has many other incredible aspects, but for this article, it’s all about Gray Whales! These are some of the friendliest whales, frequently coming up to boats to say hi.
Indonesia
One of the main draws is the Komodo Dragon, the most dinosaur-looking thing we have left. But, unbeknownst to many, the diving and sea life in the region are second to none in the Coral Triangle. There’s incredible underwater sea life, and it offers magical moments for those who go below the surface.
Patagonia
The icon of South America. Patagonia is known for its spires and jagged peaks. But many don’t know about their Puma population. It’s a growing wildlife photography destination for capturing wild pumas in front of the famous mountains.
Norweigan Fjords
Each winter, orcas flock to Norway’s fjords in search of herring. It’s one of the largest gatherings of Orcas in the world. It also coincides with the Northern Lights, giving you a two-for-one experience. Just know that temperatures will be cold, but not frigid, thanks to the ocean keeping it more temperate.
The 8 Best Places to See Wildlife in the USA
I noted these above, but for simplicity, I’ll list them out below.
- Alaska: Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Katmai National Park, and Lake Clark National Park
- Wyoming’s Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
- Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National
- Washington’s Puget Sound up to the San Juan Island
- North Idaho Panhandle
- Everglades and Key West in Florida
- California Coast, spanning San Diego to Monterey
- Hawaiian Islands
7 Wildlife Photography Tips
When you’re exploring the best places to see wildlife, you don’t want to miss the shot!
- The best lens is the one you have with you, but you really want a telephoto zoom lens to bring the animal closer to the viewer. A 100-400 or 100-500 is a classic wildlife lens.
- To find your optimal shutter speed, double your focal length. This will reduce camera shake. Ex: 200mm lens, 1/400 shutter speed, 400mm lens, 1/800.
- Find ways to make your shot unique. Get low, get high, or find a way to frame the animal.
- Understand animal movement and signs. For whales, for example, watch for bubbles in the water indicating they are nearing the surface.
- Don’t put yourself in harm’s way. Your safety is paramount.
- Put your camera into high-speed mode to freeze the action
- Bring a monopod to help with stabilization.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to See Wildlife (from my own experience)
There’s so much to see in the world, and I know my list doesn’t even come close. There are so many more amazing wildlife destinations out there. But of the ones I have visited, I do think they are some of the best places to see wildlife.
My favorite experience was bears in Katmai National Park. We were there for a long time, and so close, it was such a memorable occasion. While everything else I’ve done has been awesome, that one stands out because there was no time limit, and we became part of the environment.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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