15 Private Whale Watching Trips to Build a Morning Around

1.Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 539 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Sail privately from Calheta for 2.5 hours with space for up to five people. On Tales provides snorkeling gear, towels, drinks, sparkling wine, and a crew that may include Emanuel or Beatrice. Expect coastal views, a swim stop, and a chance to see dolphins or whales, but no wildlife guarantee.

“We had a great time on board. The whole crew took perfect care of us. Thank you very much for this experience.”

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2.Lydia Boat Mauritius :Private boat tour:Whales&Dolphins encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 409 reviews · from $225

Set out early from Le Morne with Lydia Boat’s private crew, including guides such as Miguel, Navy, Owen, and Rino. Look for wild dolphins and whales, snorkel near Crystal Rock, and enjoy oysters, sea urchin, lobster, fish, drinks, and a seafood barbecue, now served on the boat while Benitier Island is closed.

“Our trip to Bénetier Island was a breathtaking experience. We were able to swim with dolphins and snorkel in the lagoon with turtles and many beautiful fishes. The barbecue at Bénetier was excellent and couldn't have been better. Many, many thanks to our great guides Navy and Ivan, who did everything to give us a perfect day :)”

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3.Private Whale Shark All Inclusive Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $1,095

Start early with private pickup, then cruise about an hour to the whale shark area with guides such as Xenia, Nicholas, or Reuben. Swim in small pairs under crew supervision, snorkel a Mayan coral reef, and finish with lunch at Playa Norte. Vegetarian meals are available with advance notice.

“Rueben was the goat and lined us up to jump in the water right in front of the whale sharks. Craziest thing ever! Really fun trip overall. Enjoyed snorkeling and especially the beach at the end with beers.”

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4.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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5.Private Whale Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Vallarta Natours for a private 3.5-hour whale watch in Banderas Bay. Guides such as Victor, Thalia, Carlos, or Talia explain humpbacks, play underwater whale calls, and look for dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Lunch, soft drinks, and a boat with a bathroom are included.

“We traveled with 6 adults and 4 kids from ages 4-11. They all loved it! Some good information at the beginning, answered any and all questions throughout and the provided sandwiches and snacks were great even for the adults! The kids liked the cookies the best of course! Boat had a bathroom, clean, and felt safe entire time. Would highly recommend!”

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6.Private Whale Watching in San José del Cabo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $200

Join Salty Cabo for a private whale watching trip from San José del Cabo. Your guide and captain tailor the outing for your group, with free photos, comfortable boats, and a hydrophone for listening to whale songs. Guides such as Sophie and Paola add useful insight into local marine life.

“From arrival at the office, the short walk to the boat, and on the water everyone was friendly knowledgeable and professional. Once we were out on the water it wasn't long until there were humpback whales spotted. Sophia set up the hydrophone and we were able to listen to the singing. There were several breaches and quite a few tails in the air as they made their deep dives. We found the marina at San Jose del Cabo to be a welcome change from Cabo. The 25' boat was roomy and comfortable with excellent viewing and canvas sun shades. Doing the private tour was well worth it. You will have…”

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7.Sports Boat- Private Whale Watching Trip( free breakfast & paid pick-up)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews

Set out from Mirissa at 7 a.m. on a private 10-meter sports boat for up to eight people. A naturalist gives live commentary as you search for blue whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life. Breakfast, drinks, snacks, WiFi, and an onboard restroom are included. Pickup costs extra.

“Great whale, dolphin and turtle spotting experience. Wonderful staff and an excellent, clean boat. We had a whale of a time :)”

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8.Private Ketchikan Fishing Combo & Whale Watching/ Wildlife 5 HR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $700

Spend five private hours fishing Ketchikan’s calm waters for salmon, halibut, cod, and rockfish, with whale and wildlife viewing along the way. Captains Tony, Lukas, and Grayson are praised for helping beginners. Gear, bait, snacks, and water are included, but you’ll need a fishing license.

“Capt. Luke took my family out for a fantastic day of fishing..we tagged out in less than 2 hours…Great boat and equipment …I would highly recommend this charter!”

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9.Whale shark encounter Private tour – swim with whale shark cancun

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $975

From Playa del Carmen, you’ll ride by private boat toward the whale shark area, snorkeling in small rounds of two people with one guide. Guides such as Jane, Abraham, and Nuria are praised for safety and marine knowledge. The day also includes breakfast, refreshments, Isla Mujeres, and hotel pickup.

“An unforgettable private whale shark tour! 🌊 From the moment our guide Abraham and Armando picked us up in Playa del Carmen to the smooth return ride, everything was perfect. Captain Antonio and Steven made us feel safe, cared for, and made sure our sons (3 & 8) had an amazing time—whether swimming with whale sharks or enjoying from the boat.”

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10.Tenerife: 3 &-6 Hour Private Whale & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 45 reviews · 6 hours

Spend six hours aboard the Gran Azor with a private group of up to nine. Your captain takes you from Puerto Colon to Tenerife’s whale and dolphin waters, with sonar listening, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and time for a relaxed coast cruise. Captain Maxi has earned praise for his friendly style.

“Captain Maxi was a very nice and fun Guy! We saw a lot of pilot whales very close and some dolphins from about 50 Meters away. the other half of our 6 hour Trip was more of a coast-tour, which we enjoyed a lot too. the food and drinks which were included was really a lot and very good. We felt like rich people for a day ;-P would definitely recommend it for a group of friends!”

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11.Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · from $242

Leave Cape Town early with a private guide and vehicle for Hermanus. Watch Southern Right Whales from a shared boat, visit Stony Point penguins, and stop at Benguela Cove or another wine estate. Guides such as Samson, Barnabas, Danny, and Cornelius are praised for flexibility and local insight.

“We had an incredible day, seeing the whales, penguins and wine tasting. But what really made the day was our driver/guide, Samson who was incredibly knowledgeable and kept us entertained all day and couldn't do enough for us. I would highly recommend this tour and if you are lucky you might just get Samson as your guide. Thank you for a wonderful day.”

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12.Private Whale Watching Adventure in Mo’orea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews

Meet at Plage de Tiahura at 8:00 a.m. for a private six-hour whale search with captain Julien and guide Teoni. You’ll learn about humpback whales, use the provided snorkeling gear, and may enter the water when conditions and regulations allow. Boat viewing is always an option.

“We had an unforgettable experience on our whale watching tour in Mo’orea! Our guide, Teoni, and captain, Julien, were both outstanding. Teoni was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, making sure our entire family felt safe and comfortaRead more”

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13.Tenerife Whale watching on private charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews

Charter the Abrazo catamaran privately for 3 to 8 hours with up to 12 people. Victor and Conrado lead the sailing, with whale and dolphin watching, a quiet swimming stop, snorkeling, coastal views, catered food, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

“Beautiful boat, amazing crew. We saw many dolphins and a couple of tropical whales very close. Impeccable service, great attention to details, memorable day. I would highly recommend this tour and this specific crew if you’re looking for a luxury escape away from the tourists crowd of Tenerife and a connection with nature.”

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14.Private Tour To Fayoum Oasis, Valley Of The whales & Wadi Al Rian From Cairo.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $220

Spend about 9 to 10 hours with a private guide and driver exploring Fayoum Oasis, Tunisian Village, Qarun Lake, Wadi El Rayan, Mudawara Mountain, and Valley of the Whales. Breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, Cairo transfers, and a 4WD Jeep ride are included.

“We had a first rate tour guide. His name was Emr. The site was beautiful. We enjoyed the hike as well as visiting the oasis and the waterfalls. Even got a chance to try a little sand surfing.”

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15.Tenerife: Luxury Private Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 14 reviews · 3 - 6 hours

You’ll cruise from Puerto Colon aboard a private yacht for 3 or 6 hours, with space for up to 11 people. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, then stop in a quiet bay for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, cava, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

“We had a private boat trip for 11 of us and it was amazing , the captain was fabulous let us play our own music. There was snacks and drinks included and to top it al off to got to see some whales and also have some swim time. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back. Thank you”

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