Top 8 Whale and Dolphin Safaris

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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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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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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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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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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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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7.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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8.SEA SAFARI, Dolphins, Whales, snorkeling, snack and drink, 2 h speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $54

Set out from Costa Adeje with captain Marco on a small speedboat limited to 11 people. Cruise Tenerife’s Atlantic coast looking for whales and dolphins, then stop for swimming or snorkeling. A snack and drink are included, and the trip returns to Av. de Colón.

“One of the best experiences of our life! We were very lucky with the guide, the weather, the animals we saw... out of 10!Auto-translated”

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