Whale Watching · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
Whales do not run to a timetable, but the boats do. These 15 whale watching boat trips are priced and timed so you can pick one in a couple of minutes and go and pack a coat.
Join Travelin Lady from Los Cristianos for a 90-minute, no-chase whale and dolphin trip on Tenerife’s purpose-built eco-yacht. Guides such as Ines explain the wildlife in several languages, with time for the Cave of Love and a swim stop if conditions allow.
“It was great! We saw a group of dolphins and pilot whales, amazing!”
Sail from Reykjavík for three hours with guides such as Maria, Lucky, and Gunther, watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin, café, toilets, WiFi, and optional hotel pickup.
“Excellent trip with an informative friendly guide we saw humpback whales within an hour and I was impressed with the respect for the whales in not getting too close, hanging around and stressing them out. They came to us in their own time, it was beautiful to see these incredible mammals in a responsible way thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin catamaran, using quiet hybrid-electric engines to search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Certified guides speak English and Portuguese, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Expect open-air viewing, Cabo Girão, Camara de Lobos, and possible swimming time.
“We had a great time and saw plenty of whales and dolphins”
Set out from Funchal Marina on a stable Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The boat has shaded seating, sun decks, netting, and a bar.
“The captain was amazing. Ensured we saw the dolphins. Rescued a paddle boarder and retrieved garbage from the sea! 5 stars”
Cruise from Puerto Colón into Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary on a fuel-efficient catamaran. The crew, including captains such as Carlos and Miguel, looks for pilot whales and dolphins, serves sandwiches and drinks, plays underwater sounds, and stops for swimming. Choose 3 or 5 hours.
“Superb eco-cruise experience! Few people on the boat, respect and silence when observing the whales (engine cut), which makes the moment magical. The two skippers were really friendly and passionate. I recommend it!”
Cruise from Boston’s Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank aboard a high-speed whale-watching boat with outdoor decks, indoor seating, snacks, and New England Aquarium Naturalists. Expect expert commentary, changing sea conditions, and a real chance to see humpback, fin, and minke whales in the wild.
“We were very lucky to have a fine day for this activity and although I do suffer from motion sickness I felt absolutely fine for the whole trip. We were given an interesting dialogue on the way out to the whale watching area and it was wonderful to manage to see three magnificent whales.”
Set out from Los Gigantes Port aboard the Masca Express for two hours of whale and dolphin watching, cliff views, and a swim in Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco. Spanish-speaking guides such as Alejandro help spot marine life, while your ticket includes one cold drink.
“Brilliant couple of hours in the water, professional crew who know their stuff. Highly recommended.”
Leave Tromsø for the herring-rich fjords near Skjervøy on Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric catamaran. English-speaking guides, heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and onboard food make the long Arctic crossing comfortable. Expect 7 to 9 hours, cold decks, possible waves, and a whale success rate above 95 percent, though sightings are never guaranteed.
“Fantastic day out in the fjords looking for whales! We were really lucky with some great humpback sightings that were really close to our boat. The boat itself was super quiet, which was the main reason I chose Brim. The sailing out to where the whales were was very smooth with just one small rough patch for about 30 mins. The staff/guides on board were fantastic, I loved hearing all the information about the different whales we might see and it was great to hear their enthusiasm. I would definitely tour with them again if I make it back to Tromsø, this time hopefully to see some orcas!Read more”
Set out from Morro Jable on the two-hour Magic Dolphin cruise with guides speaking Spanish, English, and German. Search for wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop for a swim in Jandía. Drinks, a toilet, and optional resort pickup are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“Fantastic trip. Really knowledgeable guide, very entertaining skipper…and a load of dolphins as the stars of the show! Free drinks and a dip in Morro Jable’s crystal clear waters to round things off. Would recommend without hesitation!”
Sail from Puerto Colon with guides such as Lucy, Dani, and Tony to find resident pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southwest coast. Choose two hours for wildlife viewing or three hours for a Playa Espagueti swim and snorkel stop. Drinks are included, and sightings are guaranteed.
“Fantastic trip. Lucy and the team were amazing and we saw bottle nosed dolphins and pilot whales. Thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone”
Join Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife aboard the pirate-style Peter Pan from Los Cristianos. Expect a two-hour, Blue Flag certified wildlife trip with English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish commentary, common pilot whale sightings, seabirds, and a 15 to 20-minute swim stop if sea conditions allow.
“Great activity for both adults and children ( our children were 17 14 & 7 ) Great views of the coastline whilst following Whales / Dolphins. Take the opportunity to dive / jump into the sea its not the sort of opportunity you get every day.. Great value for money..”
Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour whale and dolphin cruise. A multilingual English and Spanish crew guides you toward pilot whales and dolphins, with Viking costumes, music, shaded seating, a bar, toilets, and wheelchair access. Bring sun protection and allow extra time for traffic.
“The boat trip was very fun and we saw the dolphins and whales and it was amazing to watch those creatures in her natural habitat! The crew was amazing and very welcoming and funny. It was my baby first Bday and they sang a bday sonf for her and it was super cute!! Time was just perfect. Highly recommend it to everyone”
Leave Boston’s Long Wharf aboard a high-speed catamaran for a 3.5-hour whale watch at Stellwagen Bank. An onboard naturalist points out humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds, while indoor seating, restrooms, and a snack bar make the long ride easier.
“Great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well worth it. Very educational and interesting!!!!!!!!!!”
Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours on the water, using a quiet catamaran to seek giant sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. Expect Māori and scientific insight, outdoor viewing decks, indoor screens, and a crew that may include guides such as Caolan or Mikayla.
“Incredible. We saw 2 different whales and we saw one of them twice as well as a great dolphin show!”
Join Terra Azul from Vila Franca do Campo for a three-hour RIB-boat trip led by a marine biologist or wildlife guide. Look for whales and dolphins, then circle Vila Franca Islet. Guides such as Matteo, Stephanie, Inês, and Claudia explain the animals, while the crew follows careful viewing rules.
“Amazing adventurous activity! We had perfect weather and we saw baleen whale, sperm whales (also a calf) and two types of dolphins - according to our guide we were really lucky :). The organization of the trip was very professional and I have absolutely nothing to complain about.”
Pick an animal, a boat or a season.
