The 9 Best Humpback Whale Tours

1.Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,005 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Join Cabo Trek for a 2.5-hour whale-watching trip from central Cabo San Lucas. A marine biologist such as Andrea, Vanu, Maria, or Vanusa explains the whales and local sea life while your captain searches for breaches, calves, dolphins, and marlin. The boat also visits El Arco and its sea lion colony.

“Andrea and Freddy were a good team. We had a wonderful experience and were fortunate to have cooperative whales up close…even darting under the boat at times. It was a rather long boat ride to find the whales but well worth it. I would definitely book with this company again.”

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2.Swim with humpback whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $264

Set out from Moorea at 8:30 am with Corallina Tours for three to four hours on the lagoon and open ocean. Guides such as Francesca and Tamahere lead whale swims, then take you to rays and black-tip sharks. Snorkel gear and water are included.

“Although we saw whales, it's unfortunate that the whales were constantly moving, so we couldn't swim together with them.”

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3.Humpback whale watching and marine life in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · from $327

Spend about three hours off Moorea seeking humpback whales and other marine life with guides such as O’Neil, Doris, Mata, or Chewy. You may hear whale song, watch mothers and calves, and swim near whales when conditions and wildlife behavior allow. The whale season runs July 20 to November 20.

“Unfortunately we didn't have a good whale watching experience. This tour was supposedly operated by Pacifik Attitude per Viator but instead Moorea Moana Tours showed up. There was a large group of us who got divided into 2 groups anRead more”

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4.Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $89

Join CoastXP at Newcastle Harbour for a two-hour cruise along the Hunter Coast. A guide such as Jane explains whale behavior as you search for humpbacks, dolphins, and seals from a small eco-tourism boat. Wet-weather jackets, photos, and a same-season return promise if no whale appears are included.

“Jane was superb, the whole experience excellent. We really had to look hard to see any whales, but in the end we did and it was magical.”

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5.Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 153 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $84

You’ll cruise Hervey Bay aboard Quick Cat II, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks, open 360-degree sightlines, live English commentary, and a hydrophone for whale song. Look for humpbacks near Fraser Island, with a possible swim option subject to conditions, fees, and availability.

“We had an incredible day out. We were promised Whales and we got them . All crew members were friendly and interacting with you the whole day they feeding us with knowledge about these beautiful Mammals. Well done guys. Its worth it!!!”

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6.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71Best value

Set out from Noosa Marina with a skipper such as Christian or Mike for a two-hour cruise along the river, past Noosa National Park, and into open water. The small boat can make the ride lively, while binoculars, raincoats, and action goggles help you watch for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.

“Great fun, bit choppy though, so a bit hard to spot the whales. Saw whales, sharks and dolphins. Well worth it.”

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7.Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $1,640

Spend four hours aboard Mana’hau with guides such as Nicky, Fabien, Lolo, or Lingee, seeking humpback whales from July to November. Swim or snorkel with marine life, visit Moorea’s bays, and try the towed subwin board on a private trip for up to eight people.

“Such a wonderful experience with our guide, Nicki, and her father! Knowledgeable and personable, they geared the trip to our needs and wants. We never felt rushed as we snorkeled with stingrays, sharks, and turtles. And you cannot beat the scenery!”

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8.Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $430

Spend about eight hours with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive at Ningaloo Reef, using a spotter plane to locate humpbacks and other wildlife. Crew members including Sarah, Mel, Amy, Nos, and pilot Tif provide gear, meals, safety help, photography, and guided snorkel time.

“Excellent crew, great lunch and Awesome experience. With a double wamm of snorkelling with a whale shatk”

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9.Half-Day Humpback Whales Encounter in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · from $236

Join captain Tamatoa and a certified crew for a four-hour humpback whale trip from Coco Beach Restaurant in Moorea. After a safety briefing, you’ll search the coast by boat and may enter the water in small groups when conditions are safe. Swimming is optional.

“Wonderful experience. Very friendly and professional crew. We felt safe and comfortable throughout the whole cruise. Highly recommended service! We were very lucky to see a baby humpback from very close distance multiple times. Surpassed our expectations by far 😁”

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