KEN BENNETT takes you on a worldwide tour of places you can watch whales at peace with the oceans ...

The death of the majestic bottle-nosed whale that foundered in the River Thames and the death of the whale on the coast near Newport two years ago has heightened our curiosity in these lovable mammals.

If you choose the right time of the year to take a holiday, the sight of these mighty creatures basking in safe climates is almost guaranteed.

And, if you're careful, your holiday won't break the bank either because there are some great whale-watching bargains around.

For example, you can study the migration of whales and their companions, dolphins, on their watery trek from the warm waters of the Mediterranean to the colder Atlantic on Explore's 'Journey into Barbary'.

This two-week family adventure travels from Moorish Andalusia across the straits of Gibraltar to Morocco. You'll be able to watch sperm and pilot whales, orcas and dolphins at play.

With departures in April, July, August and October, prices from £990 for adults - £100 less for children - the holiday include Heathrow return flights, transfers, all transportation, 13 nights' B&B accommodation, some lunches and dinners, local payment and the services of a tour leader.

Children must be over five years old and regional airport departures are priced from an extra £85 a head. Call Explore on 0870 333 4001 or: www.explore.co.uk Meantime, Kirker Holidays are promising a whales and wildflowers break to South Africa for £1,485 a head.

Thriving populations of southern right whales and humpbacks converge on the balmy coastal waters of South Africa's Western Cape to mate and calve.

The tour operator says the coastal town of Hermanus, just 75 miles east of Cape Town, gives visitors the best chance of spotting whales.

The cost of your four-night stay at the five-star Marine Hotel includes four nights' B&B; return flights, car hire throughout and Kirker's unique Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing. Call Kirker Holidays on 0870 112 3333 or check out: www.kirkerholidays.com

Maori people have a spiritual connection to the whale and the Maori-owned enterprise, Whale Watch in New Zealand's Kaikoura, is a staunch ally of the marine conservation movement.

It takes people to visit whales in their natural environment, including sperm whales, humpback whales during June and July, orcas in the summer months, New Zealand's own tiny Hectors dolphin, the dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and the royal albatross.

Check out: www.whalewatch.co.nz or for more information on New Zealand or to plan your trip, visit: www.newzealand.com

Alternatively, the otherworldly, untouched appeal of the Azores and its incredible beauty is the ideal haven to see these delightful creatures.

Blow your mind with vast volcanic craters, gleaming blue and green lakes, verdant undulating valleys, jagged mountains and hot mineral springs.

Sunvil have direct flights with SATA International every Tuesday from Gatwick from April 4 until October 31. Early bookers who travel in April could be treated to a free whale and dolphin-watching trip worth £33 each. Call Sunvil: 020 8758 4722 or: www.sunvil.co.uk Passengers can expect to see orca whales, seals and colourful birdlife on Voyages of Discovery's 10-night adventure to the Norwegian fjords.

This is a frenetic time of activity for wildlife making the best of the weather, the warm winds of the Gulf Stream and the eerie light of the midnight sun.

The cruise departs Harwich on June 15 with stops at Alesund, Honningsvag, Tromso, Leknes, Flam and Gudvangen, before returning to Harwich.

Prices start at £999 - the full brochure price was £1,589 - based on two sharing an outside cabin and includes all meals, on board lectures, taxes, tips and free parking at Harwich or complimentary coach transfers from London, Luton or Stansted.

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Call Voyages of Discovery: 01444 462150 or checkout: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

And if these breaks are not enough to tempt you, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) provides the chance to watch your choice of whale in any of the world's seas.

With over 35 specialist tour operators - including those featured above - AITO members offer opportunities to view a humpback in Madagascar or eyeball an orca in New Zealand.

You can even set up your own whale-watching adventure - call AITO: 020 8744 9280 or: www.aito.co.uk for more information.