Whale Watching · CANOES & KAYAKS

The 15 Best Whale Watching by Canoe and Kayak

24 tours  ·  from $2 a head

Whales do not run to a timetable, but the boats do. These 15 whale watching by canoe and kayak are priced and timed so you can pick one in a couple of minutes and go and pack a coat.

Orca Cove Sea Kayaking - Getting fitted out on the 57-foot catamaran
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Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

1.Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 322 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Our pick

Ride a fast boat from downtown Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then paddle 1.5 to 1.75 hours among rainforest islands and quiet coves. Guides such as Lucas, Matt, David, and AJ lead groups of up to six. Gear, dry bags, drinks, and smoked salmon are included.

“Amazing excursion, worth every penny for this experience, we ended up going out just 2 of us with Lucas as our guide who was very knowledgeable of the wildlife and surroundings went above and beyond taking great pics of us so we could just relax and enjoy our surroundings, on our way back at end of trip Devon even stopped and let us take some awesome video’s of a humpback he had spotted , recommend this trip , also lovely salmon dip made by Matt I polished off !”

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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - Paddling the West Maui coast
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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

2.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle a tandem kayak from Olowalu with a guide such as Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, or Robbie. Watch for whales, then snorkel at a turtle cleaning station with quality gear, life jackets, and optional photos and video. Groups cap at 10, and turtles are guaranteed or you get a refund.

“The excursion was prematurely canceled due to rough seas. But they calmed down by the time we would have launched. Several other excursions went forward with thier trip.”

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South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei - The safety briefing makes kayaking less intimidating
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South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

3.South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 93 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Paddle a sit-on-top kayak from Makena Landing with a guide such as Jake, Kyle, or Madison, watching for humpback whales before snorkeling among turtles, reef fish, and coral. The three-hour tour suits active beginners, with instruction, gear, snacks, water, and juice included.

“Keelan was really nice, helpful and fun. We had a lot of fun in the ocean. Def will recommend him if my friends or family come here to visit.”

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Kayak and Whale Watching Tour - Makena Landing at 7:00 am
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Kayak and Whale Watching Tour

4.Kayak and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

Start at 7:00 am at Makena Landing for about three hours of kayaking near Maui’s humpback whales. Chris or Kris guides a maximum of eight people, shares whale and island insight, and helps you enjoy close, respectful encounters. Moderate fitness is required.

“Chris was very nice and accommodating. The kayaking experience by itself was incredible. The whales were the cherry on top. Seeing whales from water level is surreal.”

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Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure - The boat ride through the Inside Passage
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Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

5.Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $494

Join Above and Beyond Alaska for a six-hour Juneau outing into the Inside Passage. Travel by boat to Channel Islands State Marine Park, then paddle double kayaks near humpback feeding grounds. Expect rain gear, snacks, permits, and a small group of up to six people.

“Amazing employees and excursions. I’ve never kayaked before but was given excellent instructions. My kayak mate and I were given the ultimate experience of having a humpback whale surface right in front of our kayak. A once in a life time experience!!!!”

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Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak - Whale season from December through April
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Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak

6.Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Olowalu Beach in a Hobie Compass Duo pedal kayak with a local guide and no more than six people. From December through April, look for humpback whales. Outside whale season, the trip becomes a scenic cruise with reef, turtles, dolphins, and West Maui views.

“This was an incredible experience. La and Andon were the best guides and made sure we had the experience of a lifetime. Loved the pedaling kayaks- it kept my hands free for taking video of the beautiful whales we came across. I would 10/10 do it again. Amazing.”

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Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town - Why the Kayak Seats Matter
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Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town

7.Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 hours · from $109

Launch from Olowalu’s sandy beach with guides such as Robbie, Alex, or John. Paddle over shallow reef channels, look for seasonal humpback whales and turtles, then snorkel among green sea turtles and tropical fish. The three-hour tour has new gear, cushioned kayak seats, and no more than 10 participants.

“Robbie is very easygoing, responsive and reliable. Had a good time try snorkelling first time ever in my life. Will definitely recommend this tour to beginners if you can (somehow) swim. This is the best tour ever I had in Hawaii to see the turtles swimming around.”

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Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau - The small boat ride to Channel Islands State Marine Park
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Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau

8.Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $494

From Juneau, you ride to Auke Bay, board a small boat, and kayak near humpback feeding grounds in Channel Islands State Marine Park. A guide such as Kristine leads the paddling while Captain Matt handles the boat. Expect rain gear, snacks, tide pools, and about two hours of paddling.

“Our tour guide, Kristine was awesome. She is very knowledgeable and just great!! Matt our captain was also knowledgeable and great!! Even though it was a cloudy, rainy day we had an excellent time both whale watching and kayaking.”

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Noosa: Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour - Meeting at The J Noosa
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Noosa: Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour

9.Noosa: Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $123

Meet at The J Noosa for a six-hour outing to Double Island Point. Ride the Noosa North Shore ferry, cross Great Sandy National Park by 4X4, then kayak with a guide near possible whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. Sightings are not guaranteed.

“Getting to the almost deserted rainbow beach , kayaking in beautiful waters with dolphins. Seeing whales further out at sea”

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Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour - Starting at Discovery Harbour Marina
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Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

10.Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $382

Start at Campbell River’s Float House with a 12-person boat, then paddle sheltered Discovery Islands waters with certified guides. After lunch, search the Salish Sea for humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and more. Guides may include Taylor, Al, Martin, or Steve.

“Well organised and nice tour. Captain Martin and Kayak Manager Steve, were very well prepared and always friendly and helpful. The lunch on board was really good as were all the snacks served. Very nice 3 hours kayaking in absolute peace! The only downside of the Tour was not seeing the sea lions and eagles fishing (and a few bears on the shore 😓), but you can't see everything. It is perhaps not a Tour I would recommend to photographers, who like us want to capture some of the Canadian wildlife, but it is still a very enjoyable and at the same time relaxing Tour. Thank you!”

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Samaná: Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour - Watching humpback whales from the catamaran
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Samaná: Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour

11.Samaná: Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 9 reviews · 20 minutes - 7 hours · from $2Best value

Start at Samaná Port with a catamaran ride through the Humpback Whale Sanctuary, then eat a Dominican buffet and swim at Cayo Levantado. Back in town, paddle calm bay waters and walk the Bridges to Nowhere with a guide in English, Spanish, or French.

“Hicimos la excursion de Ballenas y vimos dos madres con crias! El guia fue muy atento. Luego de la comida en Cayo levantado hicimos kayaks y los niños la pasaron bien. Buena excursion para familias. Gracias!”

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2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two - The beach lesson comes before the wildlife search
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2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two

12.2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Paddle from La Jolla’s beach into the Ecological Reserve with a certified guide, stopping to rest and watch marine life. The tour heads about two miles west in search of migrating gray whales. No kayaking experience is needed, and guides such as Danielle, John, and Gerardo are praised for clear instruction.

“Danielle's tour is wonderful. She gives tips for preparing that are completely accurate and helpful, right up to where to park. Then she's an amazingly clear presenter of everything from how to kayak to how to comport yourself in the water when on a tour with her. She connects with all the guests and remembers little facts about them, even while managing different abilities and personalities on the water. There are so many things I appreciated about her, from her organization loading the kayaks and her "pitstops" on the water that gave any newbies a chance to rest, to her interesting facts, her enthusiasm, and the general ease with which…”

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Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour - Starting at Discovery Harbour Marina
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Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

13.Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8 reviews · from $360

Join Campbell River Whale Watching and WILDCOAST Adventures for a full day split between remote-water kayaking and wildlife viewing aboard Wild 1. Guides including Laura and Stephen provide instruction, lunch, warm drinks, safety gear, and access to places a standard day tour cannot reach.

“The whole tour was beautiful, both the kayaking and the whale and wildlife watching tour by boat. The guides were super friendly, there was a delicious lunch and we were able to observe and learn a lot about Canada's wilderness. All in all, perfect and absolutely worth the money!!”

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Noosa: Epic Whale Watching Ocean Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4 - From Noosa Dr to the Great Sandy National Park
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Noosa: Epic Whale Watching Ocean Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4

14.Noosa: Epic Whale Watching Ocean Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7 reviews · 6 hours · from $121

Meet near The J Noosa Theatre for a 4WD beach drive to Double Island Point, then paddle with a guide for two hours of low-impact whale watching. You may also see dolphins, turtles, and rays, with time for a swim, beach rest, snacks, and K’Gari views.

“Super Möglichkeit Delfine und Wale vom Wasser aus zu beobachten ohne siebzu stören. Sehr netter und lustiger guide :)”

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Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour - Gearing Up at Orca Cove
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Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

15.Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $198

Ride 20 minutes by fast boat from Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then spend 1.5 to 1.75 hours paddling among rainforest islands and quiet coves. Your English-speaking guide leads a group of no more than six, with gear, hot drinks, smoked salmon, hummus, vegan snacks, and Alaskan beer provided.

“Everything was excellent. They were also flexible, as my cruise ship was leaving before the tour ended. They kindly finished our tour early and took us to our ship. The service was truly wonderful.”

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