Whale Watching · LUXURY

The 15 Best Luxury Whale Watching Tours

27 tours  ·  from $21 a head

Fewer people, a proper galley and a boat that does not roll like a bus. The 15 below are the trips that charge for comfort and deliver it, priced, with what is actually included on board.

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - The first 45 minutes toward open water
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

1.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Our pick

Sail from Funchal with an English or Portuguese guide, watching for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life before stopping to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The Atlantic Pearl carries about 20 people, with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Guides such as João help keep the trip relaxed and informative.

“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - The first 45 minutes: heading offshore for wildlife
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

2.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Sail from Funchal with guides such as Liv, David, Nico, and Maggie, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, and turtles. You get a welcome glass of sparkling wine, unlimited drinks, Madeira snacks, a 30-minute swim near Cabo Girão, and room to move on a small luxury catamaran.

“Gre at boat, maximum of 17 people. loads of space. Great drinks and snacks. It is double the price of other trips but well worth it. Saw other boats crammed with people. This was perfect.”

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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas - The Arch, sea lions, and two famous beaches
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Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

3.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Cruise from Cabo San Lucas toward the Arch and Sea of Cortez aboard a double-decker catamaran. Your marine guide, such as Jacob or Marco, explains humpback behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Drinks, snacks, and hotel pickup are available, with a 30-person maximum.

“The employees are amazing and we saw multiple whales just as promised. The boat is beautiful. But it is very challenging to walk on the boat and the rail on the luxury boat low. Older adults or anyone with disabilities should be careful. I am recovering from cancer and I almost fell over board. It’s very easy when the rail goes to your knee or lower. Be careful. Hotel said it dangerous. But we loved it!! Perfect for young adults. I’d never take kids on this one. Ever.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran - Meeting the boat at Funchal Marina
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

4.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. A Portuguese or English-speaking crew explains Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, sail beneath Cabo Girão, and, on eligible tours, stop for a swim. The boat has indoor seating, sun beds, shade, and over-water nets.

“It was grate and felt like we were on private catamaran, because we were only 5 people on the catamaran (except the crew). Guids were very profesional and gave us a lot of interesting facts. We were happy that we were able to have a swim in the ocean and we saw a lot of whales. Experinace was fantastic and serviss was excellent. Highly recommend it! From all the dolphin and whale watching options I believe this is the best one!”

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VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching - Snacks, champagne, and Madeira treats
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VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

5.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Sail from Funchal Marina aboard a modern catamaran limited to 17 people. The crew, including Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, and others, serves drinks and local snacks while helping you spot whales and dolphins. You’ll also stop to swim and snorkel below Cabo Girao.

“We loved our boat trip! The crew was very friendly and made the entire experience amazing. The boat was not overly packed, everyone got a comfy spot. All snacks and drinks are included on board. We spotted the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. We were able to get super close to them! We made a stop to swim, towels were provided and a small shower to wash off, a place to change after as well. Overall, highly recommend and well worth the price. Thank you for having us!”

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Whales and Dolphins Watching-Luxury Super Grade Cruiser(Hotel Pick up offered) - The search offshore: expect more waiting than watching
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Whales and Dolphins Watching-Luxury Super Grade Cruiser(Hotel Pick up offered)

6.Whales and Dolphins Watching-Luxury Super Grade Cruiser(Hotel Pick up offered)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,268 reviews · from $65

Set out from Mirissa at 6:30 am on a cruiser limited to 40 passengers, searching for blue whales, fin whales, dolphins, turtles, and more. The $65 trip includes breakfast, tea, coffee, a restroom, safety crew, and hotel pickup options. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“Positives + The boat was comfortable + The facilities were good + The staff were very friendly and knowledgable + The breakfast, fruit and welcoming tea were nice + The pickup van arrived on time and was modern and comfortable Negatives - I had to chase to confirm the pick-up. When I did, I was informed that there would be a $30 each way charge, because my hotel was too far away. Apparently this is detailed on the Trip Advisor listing, although I can find no reference to it. - The notification of this $60 charge was only sent after the free cancellation deadline had passed. I can accept that…”

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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari - Reaching Skjervøy and searching for whales
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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

7.Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,221 reviews · from $186

Set out from Tromsø at 8 AM on a heated boat bound for Skjervøy. Guides such as Juan, Raul, Pedro, or Holly may share whale facts while you watch for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, eagles, and seabirds. Thermal suits, lunch, hot drinks, and outdoor viewing decks are included.

“Very excited to see the whales and listen to the crew share the knowledge of whales in a very engaging way. I got seasick so really recommend people to have medicine in advance, which I didn’t. Despite the fact that I didn’t feel well half way of the journey, the crew were super nice and caring. And I was so lucky to see orcas right in front of my eyes, very close. Definitely worth it!”

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Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside - The route from San Diego’s coast to offshore wildlife
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Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside

8.Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 937 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64

Cruise from Oceanside Harbor on a 50-foot catamaran with a certified marine naturalist captain. Look for dolphins, sea lions, gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales along the San Diego coast. The boat holds up to 40 people, has covered seating, and offers a cash-only bar.

“I enjoyed the experience. The only downside for me was that it was scheduled for 9:30-11:30, but we were still boarding people at 9:30, so didn't get a full 2 hour cruise.”

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Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise - Watching humpbacks without rushing them
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Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

9.Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $125

Join Freedom Whale Watch at 9:30 am for a six-hour catamaran cruise from Urangan to Platypus Bay. Skipper Toni and the crew share whale facts, serve morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, and use a hydrophone when conditions allow. Sightings are guaranteed from 15 July to 10 October.

“One of the most amazing Whale watching experiences. The staff were friendly, informative, kind and entertaining. The food they prepared was amazing and the cruise had plenty of space to move around and watch whales. We encountered more than 20 whales and also few dolphins. It was a magical experience getting to see the whales up close. 10/10 would recommend to go with Freedom again.”

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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya - Punta Sam and the early morning start
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Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

10.Whale Shark Encounter Full-Day all inclusive Tour from Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 519 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $170

Leave your Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotel early for a small-group boat trip to the whale shark zone. You’ll swim in 15-minute rounds, snorkel near Isla Mujeres, and eat ceviche on Playa Norte. Guides such as Jane and Dory are praised for calm help in the water.

“Our tour was rescheduled a couple of times and ultimately canceled due to a combination of weather and the fact that there had not been any recent whale shark sightings in the days leading up to the tours. I wanted to leave a positive review since the company handled it so well. I was initially apprehensive to book since I was worried we would spend all day on a boat and not see anything. Because they were keeping track of recent reports, we ended up being able to see lots of other things in Mexico and it got refunded quickly once we cancelled. I recommend booking your tour early in…”

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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta - Food and the all-inclusive bar
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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

11.Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard a comfortable yacht with guides such as Luis and Isaiah, watching for humpback whales and dolphins as the sun drops behind Puerto Vallarta. You get an open bar, guacamole, chips, music, and views from the water. Bring a sweater and expect possible check-in delays.

“Let me say this was a great experience. Although in the beginning there was a delay of 30 minutes, so expect the boat to be late but once it’s there, you have an amazing time. The drinks, snacks, service, & views were excellent. The sunset was stunning & the servers bring everything to you. We did not see any whales, but we went in April not during whale season. I recommend this experience.”

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Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch - Searching for humpbacks in Maui waters
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Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

12.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor for about three hours, combining a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, sunset views, and seasonal whale watching. A naturalist explains humpback behavior, and the route includes views toward Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and McGregor Point Lighthouse. Whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“What an experience! Within 5 minutes we had our first whale spotting. It was a magical trip with seeing many breeches (including one right in front of the boat), fin slaps, logging and listening to a musical underwater concert. Highly recommend this trip.”

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From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise - The Two-Hour Search for Whales
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From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

13.Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Meet at Sardine Jetty in Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour for a two-hour cruise aboard Steep Point. You will search for migrating humpback whales from five viewing decks while an onboard marine mammal expert explains their behavior. Warm indoor seating, blankets, kids’ activities, and free parking make this an easy family outing.

“Great crew, and really looked after those feeling a little unwell. Amazing experience and good value for your $!”

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Gold Coast: Premium Whale Watching Cruise - The short run to the Humpback Highway
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Gold Coast: Premium Whale Watching Cruise

14.Gold Coast: Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 444 reviews · 150 minutes - 1 day · from $63

Cruise from Sea World Cruise Terminal aboard Spirit of Migaloo II to the Gold Coast’s Humpback Highway. Captain Wayno and marine naturalist guides explain whale behavior while you watch for breaching humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Underwater microphones add live whale song, and wheelchair access is available.

“Absolutely great day out seeing the whales up close. The captain gave great information about the whales which was really interesting. Very organised and kind, helpful crew.”

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Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht - Meeting the crew at Marina del Sur
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Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

15.Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 443 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Join Michael and the Royal Ocean crew for a three-hour yacht trip from Marina del Sur. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, enjoy Spanish tapas and unlimited drinks, then swim or snorkel in a sheltered bay. The yacht carries up to 10 people, with pickup available from Costa Adeje.

“We had such a great time. The 4 hour tour was allowing us to see de whales as well jumping off the boat and swimming. Our guide Michael was so nice and fun. Highly recommended.”

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New in Luxury Whale Watching Tours

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