Whale Watching · MORNING
The 15 best morning whale watching trips you can book today, with what each costs, how long it stays out and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.
Set out from Uvita at 8:00 a.m. with Martin Adventours for a 2.5 to 3-hour boat trip through Marino Ballena National Park. Look for humpback whales and four dolphin species, then snorkel or swim near Isla Ballena. Guides have included Raymond, Michael, and Jordy.
“We saw multiple whales and other wildlife. Tour well organized. Great facilities and boat. Not rushed at all.”
Spend two hours aboard the Honu Lani, a stable catamaran sailing from Kewalo Basin Harbor. Your English-speaking crew, including guides such as Joey, Sabrina, Flinn, or Julia on some departures, watches for humpback whales, dolphins, and turtles while you enjoy Diamond Head views and drinks from the premium bar.
“We got to go twice because the first time we went we didn’t get to see any whales up close, we did get to see a turtle and dolphins who were doing tricks, the second time we got to see dolphins and a whale and it’s baby, the staff were also great on both trips”
Set out at 10:30 a.m. aboard Ocean Sports’ spacious power catamaran along the Kohala Coast. A marine naturalist explains whale behavior while you watch for humpbacks, hear underwater songs through a hydrophone, and enjoy snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The cruise lasts about 90 minutes.
“We had a great whale show on this trip! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The boat was great, and it was just a short ride out to see the whales. They provided yummy drinks and snacks. I would highly recommend this company!”
Meet at Mala Boat Ramp before dawn for a two-hour whale watch with Maui Ocean Adventures. Captain James, Mindy, Emma, and other crew members guide you toward humpbacks, often including mothers and calves. The small boat has open views, a hydrophone, bottled water, and no restroom.
“This was absolutely amazing and such a great adventure. The guide and the boat guide were incredibly kind..”
Meet Big Animal Encounters at 8:00 am in Campbell River for a four-hour wildlife trip capped at 10 people. Guide Jenn may lead you toward orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, seals, eagles, or bears. Snacks, drinks, safety gear, and survival suits for high-speed Zodiacs are included.
“Fantastic tour in beautiful nature and with extremely professional guide. Jenn took us on an exciting whaling safari, where we saw squirrels, sea lions, seals, eagles, etc. Jenn shared his great knowledge about the animals and we felt completely safe on the trip.Auto-translated”
Set out at 6:00 a.m. from San Jose del Cabo for a two-hour small-group whale watch. With guides such as Paola and Sophia, you may see humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions while learning about whale behavior and habitat.
“The sunrise whale watching experience was great! It was lovely to be on the water while the sun was rising and wake up to the beautify of the Sea of Cortez. Plus, having an oceanographer on the boat made the experience so much richeRead more”
Set out from Victoria with an English-speaking naturalist guide on a purpose-built Scarab boat. You will make several wildlife stops across the Salish Sea, watching for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. Guides such as Trevor, Carol, Lily, and Chrystelle are known for careful searching and clear commentary.
“Wow, what an amazing trip! We had one thing left to tick off our bucket list from our trip to Canada - Orcas!! The trip did not disappoint. We saw two brothers and a family of 6 (including a calf), humpbacks and steller sea lions. We were very well looked after, warm suits, hats, gloves, sunglasses all provided. A fabulously trip all round and very good value for money.”
Leave Cabo San Lucas at 6:00 am with Proyecto Cetáceo and guide Angelica. Hear whales through a hydrophone, spend about two hours searching offshore, then photograph Lover’s Beach, the sea lion colony, and the Arch. The boat holds no more than 10 people.
“The sunrise cruise was worth getting up early. Angelica was an amazing guide. She was so knowledgable and pleasant. The boat Captain did a great job in getting us to see the whales. The whale songs were captivating.”
Join WeWhale Denia for four hours aboard El Som Mar, an electric sailboat limited to 10 people. Marine guide Sophia explains cetaceans and Denia’s coast, while a hydrophone lets you listen for whales and dolphins. Drinks and snacks are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“Leider war es ganz windstill und wir haben keine Wale oder Delfine beobachten können - trotzdem waren es wunderschöne sonnige Stunden - wir hatten das Glück alleine mit Sophia an Bord zu sein - Sie hat uns viel über Ihre Arbeit und Ihre Erfahrungen erzählt - großes Lob an Sophia ...”
Sail Maui takes you from Lahaina Harbor into the Au’au Channel for a 2-hour morning search for humpback whales. Expect a maximum of 49 people, front-of-boat seating, local coffee, pastries, fruit, drinks, and complimentary reef-safe sunscreen.
“Wonderful crew, clean boat and lovely snacks/drinks. We enjoyed beginning our morning on the boat looking for whales and we did! Captain was very patient and finally found some pods.”
Start at 6:30 am from Cabo’s marina for a small-group boat trip led by marine biologist Angelika and captain Dario. Look for whales and dolphins with a hydrophone, snorkel near Chileno Bay, spot reef fish and birds, then photograph the Arch and sea lions. Water, snacks, coffee, and wildlife photos are included.
“Wonderful way to start your day. Our guide, Angelika is a marine biologist. Her knowledge and sense of humour were amzing. 3 hours and only 8 of us on the boat. Highly recommend.”
Set out from 1009 Ala Moana Blvd before sunrise for a 90-minute whale and dolphin cruise with breakfast, coffee, and open-air seating when available. Captain Phil and crew have been praised for finding mother-and-calf pairs, though early departures may be canceled if demand is low.
“We had a great time. We saw a lot of whales & dolphins. The captain, server & chef were wonderful. Knowledgeable & fun.”
Set out from Reykjavík at 9:00 a.m. for a 3.5-hour whale-watching trip in Faxaflói Bay. Seasoned guides help spot whales, dolphins, and puffins, while you have flotation overalls, heated cabins, WiFi, restrooms, and free seasickness tablets. Drinks and snacks cost extra.
“It was cancelled because of the weather. I appreciate safety first! I am waiting for my refund. She told me it would be at the desk”
Join Ocean Sports at 10:30 a.m. for a 90-minute whale watch aboard Seasmoke from Waikoloa. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior while the crew searches sanctuary waters. You get snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and an underwater hydrophone for whale song.
“We saw so many whales. It was great! The crew was very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!”
Set out from Reykjavik's Old Harbour at 9:00 AM for 2.5 hours on Faxaflói Bay. An English-speaking guide helps you look for Minke and Humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm flotation overalls, heated cabins, Wi-Fi, toilets, and a second-tour ticket if no animals appear are included.
Pick an animal, a boat or a season.
