Whale Watching · SMALL-GROUP

The 15 Best Small-Group Whale Watching Tours

34 tours  ·  from $45 a head

Twelve people on a boat is a different day from two hundred: one side of the rail each, and a skipper who can hear you. These 15 cap their numbers and say so, priced with the group size for each.

SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics - The Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock
Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist, Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist in Mexico

SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

1.SMALL GROUP Whale Watch | Cabo San Lucas | Biologist | FREE Pics

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,106 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109Our pick

Join a maximum-12-person boat in Cabo San Lucas with a marine biologist such as Oscar, Victoria, or Payo. See The Arch, Lovers Beach, and Pelican Rock before searching for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, sea lions, and other whales. Free photos and a whale sighting guarantee add value.

“It was amazing. I felt like I was experiencing a new world that I had never seen. I felt a quiet privilege at being able to experience it. Our guide Victoria was knowledgeable and fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya - Hotel pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya
Cancun Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

2.Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 916 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $160

Set out from Puerto Xtabay with a bilingual naturalist guide and a small boat group of up to 10 participants. Watch for whale sharks, swim beside them in pairs, then stop near Playa Norte for ceviche, sandwiches, and a swim. Pickup covers major Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels.

“Nice experience to swim ( very shortly) with this beautiful animal. Hotel pick up was perfectly on time, sea was quite rough and after a few days of rain in that area, it was extremely hard to find whale shark due to fact that plankton was not at surface, so whale sharks also not at surface, but finally, after long cruising, they found one and we were happy to have chance to swim with one, even it was very short due to presence of many other boats”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina - At a glance
2-Hour Experiences, Half-Day Whale Watching Tours, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

3.Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

From Lahaina, you’ll spend two hours in Maui Nui’s humpback whale sanctuary aboard a small inflatable raft. Captains such as Will and Joe work with naturalists including Renee and Brian to find whales, explain their behavior, and play their songs through a hydrophone. Bottled water and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

“We loved the crew and the boat. Was very happy to only have 8 guests onboard. Wasn’t crowded like other tours we saw leave the dock.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife South - Heading offshore for pilot whales
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing & Whale Watching, Sailing Whale Watching Trips in Spain, Sailing Whale Watching Trips in Tenerife, Small-Group Whale Watching, Spain Whale Watching Tours, Tenerife Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Tours in Spain, Whale and Dolphin Tours in Tenerife, Whale Watching Tours

Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife South

4.Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife South

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60

Join Galatea Sailing at Puerto Colón for a three-hour, small-group trip led by Patrick and an experienced multilingual crew. Search for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop near shore for swimming, snorkeling, breakfast, snacks, and drinks. The boat holds no more than seven people.

“It was a Good experience, however I feel like the boat could of been bigger. Would Do again if less windy”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta - A comfortable boat with room to see
Half-Day, Half-Day Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

5.Small-Group Half-Day Whale-Watching Tour in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Cruise Banderas Bay from Marina Vallarta in a boat limited to 12 people. Guides such as Thalia and Pilar explain humpback behavior, help spot whales, and may use an underwater microphone so you can hear their songs. Lunch, soft drinks, and a return to the marina are included.

“This was the highlight of our trip! Thalia is an amazingly knowledgable guide. Angel is a great boat captain. Within 9 minutes of leaving the marina, we were watching whales in the bay! Thalia has a masters degree in marine biology and is great at spotting the whales and explaining their behavior. We learned so much about the beautiful animals. Thalia and Angel are also very responsible and respectful of the whales. If there were a lot of boats around a pod of whales, we would move on to find another pod, so the whales would not be distressed by all the boats. We saw two different calves, one as…”

Check availability →Read our full review

RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik - The puffin islands from early May through August
Cruises & Boat Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

6.RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 241 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $208

Join a marine biologist-led RIB tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for about two hours. You’ll visit puffin islands in season, search Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins, and return past the Sun Voyager and Harpa. The boat holds no more than 12 people.

“This was one of the highlights of our trip! Being near water level and not sharing space with a lot of other people trying to see the same things made a tremendous difference when compared to whale watches we have done in other places. Watching whales breach from the 12 person boat is magical! And as a bonus, the RIB boat ride is fun on its own!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik - Searching Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins
Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Reykjavik Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac & RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac Whale Watching in Iceland, Zodiac Whale Watching in Reykjavik

Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

7.Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 223 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $164

Join Katla Whale Watching for a two-hour RIB ride from Reykjavik with up to 12 people. Guides such as Rebekah, Anika, Joe, and Joel explain whales, dolphins, puffins, and city sights while the fast boat searches Faxaflói Bay. Warm gear, gloves, goggles, and a life-jacket are supplied.

“Truly awful weather, but what an experience! So very very lucky to see the humpbacks leaping from the water and slapping their fins on the sea from mere feet away! Rebecca was such a great guide”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small-Group Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Cruise in Cabo San Lucas - Leaving Cabo Marina for Land’s End
Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac & RIB Whale Watching

Small-Group Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Cruise in Cabo San Lucas

8.Small-Group Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Cruise in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 143 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Set out from Cabo San Lucas in a fast Zodiac with a marine biologist and captain. Look for humpback, gray, sperm, and other whales, dolphins, and orcas, then pause at El Arco for photos. The boat carries up to 15 guests, with private upgrades available.

“Jose and Luis were excellent Captain and Skipper for our adventure. Jose obviously has much experience observing the habits of the amazing humpback whales, because when he said keeping watching, we were rewarded by an amazing acrobatic whale breach! Maintained the boat at a respectful distance of mom & calf, which as whale watching enthusiasts is important to us. We didn’t miss any of the action and highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Boat Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour - Meeting at Valle Gran Rey port
Cruises & Boat Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Spain Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Tours in Spain, Whale Watching Tours

Small Group Boat Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

9.Small Group Boat Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $58

Meet the Pura Vida crew at Valle Gran Rey port for a four-hour small-group trip aboard a traditional Menorquin fishing boat. Search for whales and dolphins, hear about marine life in English, enjoy a picnic and drink, then swim and snorkel at Las Salinas beach.

“Well structured, lots of info, pleasant Mood,, very nice handling of the animals-an all-round successful and beautiful tour ...😊👍🙏Auto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half Day Small Group Whale Watching - Meeting humpback whales between August and November
French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Half-Day Whale Watching in French Polynesia, Half-Day Whale Watching in Moorea, Half-Day Whale Watching Tours, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Half Day Small Group Whale Watching

10.Half Day Small Group Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $267

Join Moorea Sea Experience for a four-hour whale-watching trip from Coco Beach Restaurant. With a maximum of six people, guides such as Mana or Johnny can give close attention on board and in the water. Humpback season runs August to November, with snorkeling gear, fruit, and drinks included.

“Magnifique journée le bateau au top l’équipe au top nous avons eu la chance de voir une maman baleine et son bébé après à peine 20 minutes sur le bateau puis tout le long de notre trajet jusqu’a la fin de l’excursion 🐳🫶🏼🌺”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching in Cabo: 2-Hour Small Group Tour to The Arch - What the small boat means for your day
2-Hour Experiences, Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tours, Half-Day Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching in Cabo: 2-Hour Small Group Tour to The Arch

11.Whale Watching in Cabo: 2-Hour Small Group Tour to The Arch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Cruise Cabo’s coast in a small boat with an English-speaking guide, stopping near The Arch, Lover’s Beach, and Land’s End before watching for whales in the Sea of Cortez. The tour lasts about two hours, costs $45 plus a $5 dock fee, and may include guide Jorge.

“Our timing that Viator booked was 1 hour prior and so we had to wait for the next boat to take us. However once we were in the ocean it was too good experience.. our boat driver was making sure he chases the whales once they were sighted and we had some good pictures for our memories 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cabo San Lucas: Up-Close Whale Watching Small-Group Tour - Starting at La Terminal de Cabo Marina
Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Cabo San Lucas: Up-Close Whale Watching Small-Group Tour

12.Cabo San Lucas: Up-Close Whale Watching Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 57 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $115

Join Cabo Expeditions at La Terminal de Cabo for a 2.5-hour Zodiac trip led in English or Spanish. Guides such as Soxcil, Jose, and Jaime have helped guests find humpbacks, mothers with calves, dolphins, and sea lions while explaining whale behavior and safe viewing.

“We saw many whales and our guide went above and beyond taking us places no other boats were. Both the captain and his crew mate were excellent!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Guided Small Group Whale Watching and Swim Tour Tahiti - Starting at 8 a.m. from the Papeete area
French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Guided, Small-Group Whale Watching, Tahiti Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Guided Small Group Whale Watching and Swim Tour Tahiti

13.Guided Small Group Whale Watching and Swim Tour Tahiti

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $238

Join Wild Explorer Tahiti from Papeete Marina for a four-and-a-half-hour whale-watching trip limited to six people. Guide Teiki and the captain search for humpback whales from July to November, with swimming offered only when whale behavior and sea conditions are safe. Turtles, rays, coral gardens, and wreck sites add value.

“What can we say but WOW, INCREDIBLE, AMAZING EXPERIENCE! Teiki and captain Michael went way above beyond to insure we had the best adventure! We did three dives to see a mama humpback and her baby. Once in a lifetime memorRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist - The boat ride and briefing in the protected area
La Paz Whale Watching Tours, Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark Snorkeling, Whale Shark Snorkeling in Mexico, Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist, Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist in Mexico

Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist

14.Whale Shark Swimming Adventure: Small Group with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 50 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $208

Meet Eco Migrations at 11:00 am in central La Paz, gear up, and ride by boat to the protected whale shark area. Marine biologists such as Erin, Tomas, and JJ explain the animals and guide short swims alongside them. The outing lasts about four hours and returns to the shop.

“There are many options to swim with whale sharks in La Paz, but I feel that these guys were the safest, most professional group! They put us right in with the whale sharks and kept looking for a cooperative whale shark that we could swim with for 15-20 minutes. Not all whale sharks will stay around and let you swim with them. These guys were knowledgeable and respectful to us and the wildlife! We will book with them again next time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Jose del Cabo Small-Group Sunrise Whale Watching - Why a group of 10 makes a difference
Mexico Whale Watching Tours, Morning, San Jose del Cabo Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Small-Group Whale Watching in Mexico, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

San Jose del Cabo Small-Group Sunrise Whale Watching

15.San Jose del Cabo Small-Group Sunrise Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $99

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Small-Group Whale Watching

★ 5.0Whale and wildlife watching Private and Semi-Private toursFrom $1992 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Monterey Bay semi-private limited to 6 people maxFrom $19915 reviews
★ 5.0Small-group Whale Watching in the Midnight Sun from ReykjavíkFrom $2038 reviews
★ 4.5Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch – Small GroupFrom $2358 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Shark Swim Adventure SMALL GROUP from CancunFrom $2994 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Whale Shark and Snorkeling Tour from CancunFrom $2493 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Whale Watching in Kona HawaiiFrom $1405 reviews
★ 5.0Seasonal Small-Group Humpback Whale Watching in KonaFrom $1307 reviews
★ 5.0Small group Whale watchingFrom $2858 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Whale Watching by RIBFrom $30112 reviews
★ 5.0Maalaea: Small Group 2-Hour Whale Watch ExperienceFrom $2795 reviews
★ 4.9Alta: Small group Whale watchingFrom $25114 reviews
★ 5.0Juneau: 3.5-Hour Small Group Whale Watching TourFrom $1892 reviews

Keep browsing

Whale Watching Cruises135Zodiac & RIB Whale Watching67Catamaran Whale Watching50Sailing & Whale Watching51Kayak Whale Watching24Private Whale Watching Charters63Luxury Whale Watching Tours48
Scroll to Top

Explore whale watching

Pick an animal, a boat or a season.

By animal

HumpbacksOrcaGray WhalesWhale SharksWhales and Dolphins

By boat

Zodiacs and RIBsCatamaransUnder SailKayaksCruisers

By length

Half DaysFull DaysSunset SailingsSmall GroupsPrivate Charters

In the water

Swim with WhalesWith SnorkellingWith a Marine BiologistWildlife CruisesLuxury Boats