Whale Watching · SAFARI

Top 15 Whale and Dolphin Safaris

39 tours  ·  from $29 a head

The 15 best whale and dolphin safaris 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.

Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - Setting out from Puerto Los Cristianos
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

1.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29Our pick

Sail for two hours from Puerto Los Cristianos aboard the Bahriyeli, a spacious ketch with open decks and an inside salon. Government-certified guides explain Tenerife’s marine life in five languages while the crew searches without chasing animals. Dolphins and pilot whales are common sightings, with turtles also possible.

“the most fantastic experience, the guys are so knowledgeable and we were very lucky. they do great work, and this is very cheap, so please leave a tip!”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele - The long run toward Skjervøy
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

2.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,937 reviews · 6 hours · from $207

Sail from Tromsø to Skjervøy aboard the warm, comfortable MS Gabriele in search of orcas and humpback whales. Guides including Lorenzo, Raul, and Bjørnar explain whale behavior in English. Watch from large windows or open decks, with snacks and drinks available onboard.

“It was really cold but we managed to see the orcas”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Auckland Harbour Bridge and Waitemata Harbour
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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

3.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard a 65-foot catamaran with marine research scientists. Look for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds while learning about conservation. Depart from Viaduct Harbour, dress warmly, and keep your camera ready.

“I loved this excursion so much! We fortunately did get to spend about 30 minutes where the dolphins swam and played around the boat which was amazing! I felt that they really respected the ecosystem and wildlife, which i appreciated. Overall I really loved it and would do it again with this company for sure. There are just a few things I think they could have done to make the experience better. We went during the busy summer holiday season so it was a full 100 passengers on the boat. To me it felt a bit crowded especially when it rained and everyone tried to huddle inside or under cover.…”

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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

4.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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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Meeting the crew and getting ready
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

5.Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175

From Húsavík, you’ll ride a spacious 12-passenger RIB with a guide such as Matteo, Carla, or Jo, visiting Puffin Island in season before searching Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

“three experience was perfect from start to finish. the booking was easy, the staff were friendly and efficient the guide was very knowledgeable and appeared to be having as good a time as we were. we saw numerous wildlife and thoroughly enjoyed the boat. brilliant experience.”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Getting ready at the Gentle Giants ticket center
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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

6.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180Top rated

From Húsavík, you ride a 12-person RIB for about two hours with a guide such as Clara, Mario, Nicoletta, or Victoria. Expect fast open-water travel, warm safety overalls, whale watching, and a stop near Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15.

“This was an amazing experience. Clara was an enthusiast and knowledgeable guide. The captain was skilled in her job. It was fun to see them equally as excited about all the wildlife we encountered. We would definitely do this experience again if we returned to the area. The RIB is the way to go!”

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Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Pelican Rock brings the snorkeling option
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Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

7.Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $215

Set out from Cabo San Lucas with Apex Ocean Divers for a four-hour search for whales, dolphins, rays, sea lions, sharks, and other marine life. You’ll visit El Arco, Pelican Rock, and the Sea of Cortez in a small group of up to 10, with snorkeling gear, snacks, water, a guide, and photos and video included.

“Great experience! Would definitely recommend to others, saw multiple species, our guide was very knowledgeable and experienced.”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm - Boarding at Nerstranda Quay
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

8.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 161 reviews · from $194

Cruise from Tromsø on the white catamaran Keiser Wilhelm for a 6 to 8 hour search for orcas and humpback whales. Guides such as Mario explain whale behavior in English while you watch from large windows or the open deck. A free return ticket is offered if no whales are found.

“Our guides were both super friendly and knowledgeable and nice. They were students from Italy. They had great passion for whales. We ended up spotting orcas who swam with our boat for a good amount of time, despite poor visibility throughout the way. We are super thankful for their useful tips and tricks to avoid seasickness during the voyage. Highly recommended when on a trip to Tromsø.”

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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy - Choosing the Tromsø departure or Skjervøy meeting point
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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

9.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 136 reviews · 3 - 12 hours · from $251

Travel from Tromsø or meet in Skjervøy for a small-group RIB safari with guides such as Ina and Ivar. After gearing up in flotation suits, boots, gloves, and goggles, spend about three hours searching for orcas, humpbacks, and fin whales among Arctic fjords.

“We had such a great trip with Ivar and his entire crew in Skjervøy. They were very helpful, provided great information about the location, nature and the whales. We got to see so many whales, including humpbacks and entire orca families. The provided clothes kept us warm throughout the entire trip. We would highly recommend this tour since it’s entirely managed and fulfilled by locals. The boat was nice and fast, not too crowded and the captain always kept a safe distance to the whales to not disturb them.”

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Whale Shark Safari - The coral gardens provide a strong first stop
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Whale Shark Safari

10.Whale Shark Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 132 reviews · from $251

Set out from Coral Bay at 7:30 am for reef snorkeling, then follow a spotter plane toward whale sharks offshore. You swim in two groups of 10, with lunch, tea, Champagne, and a photo package included. The day lasts about 8 to 9 hours, weather permitting.

“Wow, is all I can say about this tour company. Everyone is amazing, they work so well together and they make sure that you have an amazing day.”

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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise - Kewalo Basin: arrive early and find Slip F21
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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

11.Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 124 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Cruise the South Shore aboard the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen, using underwater viewing ports to look for fish, turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Captain Austin, Casey, Jason, and Ford have all led recent trips. Expect a relaxed, family-friendly hour, not a dedicated deep-water whale expedition.

“No dolphins or turtles on our trip. Hadn’t seen a dolphin in 4 days. Took us out where turtles sleep. Fed some fish. Saw more people in the water than wildlife.”

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Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales - Dolphins, whales, and the thrill of a distant blow
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Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

12.Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $179

From La Ventana, join a six-person panga safari with guides such as Juan, Alejandro, or Andrea. Search for dolphins, humpback and sperm whales, blue whales, mobula rays, and possible orcas. Snorkeling is available for confident ocean swimmers, with lunch and gear included.

“I loved this excursion! Our guide, Juan, knows his stuff. Above all, they prioritized the safety of the animals. Super respectful, experienced, & ridiculously good at spotting whales.”

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Humpback Whale Safari - Watching whales from the boat
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Humpback Whale Safari

13.Humpback Whale Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $466

Join Coral Bay Ecotours for an eight-hour Ningaloo Reef whale safari from Coral Bay. Between June and October, you may watch migrating humpbacks from the boat or enter the water when conditions and whale behavior allow. Lunch, snacks, sparkling wine, and a photography package are included.

“We would put down 6 stars if we could! A lot of the tour is up to the animals but the staff/ crew do their best to give you a wonderful experience! The humpbacks were so active on the day we went, so swimming with them was difficult but the crew did their best and wRead more”

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Whale Safari in Tromso - From Nerstranda to the open sea
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Whale Safari in Tromso

14.Whale Safari in Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $182

Sail from Tromsø through the fjords toward the whale areas near Skjervøy on a fast catamaran. Guides such as Lorenzo, Mario, Raul, and Eide explain the wildlife while you watch for orcas and humpbacks. The boat has indoor seating, decks, WiFi, restrooms, and a café.

“Amazing day out, in addition to finding spots where we saw both humpback whales and orcas, the tour guide spent a lot of time answering the million questions from my children.”

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Trincomalee: Whale & Dolphin Safari Tour with Expert Guides - Searching for whales in open water
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Trincomalee: Whale & Dolphin Safari Tour with Expert Guides

15.Trincomalee: Whale & Dolphin Safari Tour with Expert Guides

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 53 reviews · 1 day · from $71

Set out early from Trincomalee on a 2 to 3 hour small-boat safari. Your guide searches for blue and fin whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds while following whale-watching rules. The boat carries life jackets, water, biscuits, and optional tour photos.

“Trincomalee Whale Watching at Its Best, Safe, Scenic, and Spectacular! From start to finish, this whale watching tour in Trincomalee was outstanding. We left early to catch the sunrise and soon after saw a pod of spinner dolphins followed by a giant fin whale! The boat was clean and comfortable, and the staff made us feel so welcome. Loved the eco-conscious approach and small group size. If you’re in Trincomalee, don’t miss this magical experience!”

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