15 Kayak Whale Watching in the USA Worth the Early Start

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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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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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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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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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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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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7.Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town

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

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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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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9.2 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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10.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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11.Poipu Sea Kayak Tour: Turtle, Dolphins and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $269

Paddle from Poipu along Kauai’s rugged south coast with guides Web and Dan, watching for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, seals, seabirds, and flying fish. You’ll kayak for three to four intermittent hours, stop for a deli lunch, and have optional snorkeling time. Strong fitness and comfort in open water are essential.

“Excellent guides (Web and Dan) who were professional yet very fun and dynamic. The primary tour guide was insanely knowledgeable and has been at this for a long time. As described in the details this is an active paddle. Conditions change quickly but you're rewarded with great views, an awesome private beach lunch spot and what feels like an ocean to yourself. In the winter the conditions are a bit different and they launch at Poipo and end at Port Allen. I would trust them any time of year and anywhere they told us to go.”

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12.Kayak, Whale Watch and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $125

Paddle from Olowalu Beach with Maui Adventure Tours, then snorkel in clear reef water and watch for humpback whales in season. Guides Wes and Roger Red are known for warm service. The 3-hour-30-minute outing costs $125 and is limited to 10 people.

“This tour was absolutely amazing! Wes and Roger “Red” gave above and beyond, great customer service. This was my wife and I first time kayaking and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The snorkeling was life changing! We saw turtles swim by us, a baby shark, and schools of fish. Please book this tour!!!”

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13.Orcas Island Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $109

Launch from Rosario Resort with a certified guide and paddle along Orcas Island after dark. Around the mansion, each stroke can stir glowing plankton in the water. Departures follow the new moon, so expect late starts, shifting times, and a two-hour outing for up to 12 people.

“This was such a cool experience and Tyler was a great guide! We saw so many amazing things and it really was an unforgettable experience.”

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14.Eastsound: Orcas Island Bioluminescent Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $109

Meet your English-speaking guide at Rosario Marina Dock for a two-hour night paddle timed near the new moon. Local guides such as Toby, Tyler, Dom, and Jinny share facts about marine life and the stars while plankton glows around your kayak. Kayak, paddle, vest, and headlamp are included.

“Toby and Tyler were amazing tour guides! highly recommend the activity!”

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15.Cafes and Kayaks: Full Day Kayaking Adventure on Orcas Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $149

Spend about six hours kayaking from Rosario Marina along Orcas Island’s Cascade Bay coast, with wildlife viewing, a stop in Olga for cafe food and local art, and a guided paddle back. Kayak gear is included, but lunch and bottled water cost extra.

“Big thanks to Jake for a beautiful kayak excursion to Sucia Island. We circumnavigated the entire island, had a lovely lunch+hiking break. Beautiful scenery and soaring bald eagles everywhere!”

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