15 Snorkelling Trips with Whales and Dolphins Worth the Early Start

1.Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,687 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $61Our pick

Join guides such as Maurizio, Cesar, or Cristina at Morro Jable for a fast Atlantic cruise, marine-life search, and 30-minute snorkel stop. Expect music, sea spray, and expert spotting, but no guaranteed dolphin or whale sightings. South-island transfers and equipment are included.

“Cannot recommend this activity enough our guide was outstanding great comedy throughout the tour with good knowledge of the animals we saw we had our 5 year old daughter with us and he made an incredible fuss over her allowing her the steer the boat amongst other things”

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2.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259Top rated

Ride from Los Cabos to La Paz, board a panga, and snorkel beside migrating whale sharks with guides such as Mario and Joe. Your $259 includes hotel transport, wetsuit, gear, drinks, and Baja-style fish tacos. Plan for an early, active day and possible weather or wildlife cancellations.

“Should be aware there is a good chance this will be canceled due to low whale shark activity. We had the misfortune of being up for a 6am pick up, register and wait in Cabo marina for an hour to find out it was canceled. Still haven't received my refund. Not ideal 😕”

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3.2h Dolphin and Whale Viewing + Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 940 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

Join a small speedboat from Morro Jable for roughly two hours of dolphin and whale watching, wave rides, and a 30-minute snorkeling stop. Guides including Maurizio keep the outing lively, with hotel pickup, equipment, and a cold drink included. Expect spray, bare feet, and an exciting ride.

“Fantastic crew very happy friendly so much fun! You have to keep your eyes peeled my daughter spotted the Turtles! Saw family of Dolphins just amazing experience!!! Thank you so much”

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4.Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 652 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Join Salvador and the Roulette Charters crew for a three-hour sail from Puerto Colón. With only 10 passengers, you can watch pilot whales and dolphins from a quiet 12-meter sailboat, swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, and enjoy sandwiches, cake, snacks, and drinks.

“Salvador was an excellent captain and very knowledgeable. Great time on the boat”

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5.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

Meet in central La Paz for a roughly three-hour whale shark trip with no more than eight people. A marine biologist such as Angel, Carla, or Karen explains the rules, then guides small groups through several surface swims. Wetsuits, gear, refreshments, permits, insurance, and GoPro footage are included.

“Angel was a fantastic guide, providing us with a fantastic encounter with the whale sharks. Alejandro was a great captain, putting is in perfect position for multiple chances to see the whale sharks. It was a once in a lifetime experience, an absolute must do!”

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6.Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 443 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Join Michael and the Royal Ocean crew for a three-hour yacht trip from Marina del Sur. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, enjoy Spanish tapas and unlimited drinks, then swim or snorkel in a sheltered bay. The yacht carries up to 10 people, with pickup available from Costa Adeje.

“We had such a great time. The 4 hour tour was allowing us to see de whales as well jumping off the boat and swimming. Our guide Michael was so nice and fun. Highly recommended.”

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7.Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 343 reviews · 10 hours · from $106

Leave Cebu around 2:00 to 3:00 AM for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and turtle snorkeling. Breakfast, lunch, gear, entrance fees, and hotel transfers are included. Private tours make good sense for groups of four or more.

“The best tour guide ever. Rudeal Yab is kind, patient and went out of his way for us. We did the whale shark, Waterfall and sardine run tour he was on time to pick us up at 2 am and we were dropped off at 8:30 pm.. he was happy for us to take our time and guided us where we needed to go throughout the day. He’s a great communicator and was quick to respond when I messaged him on WhatsApp. I highly recommend Rudeal for your Philippines excursions.”

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8.Tenerife Whale Watching and Snorkeling Yacht Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 162 reviews · from $62

Sail from Puerto Colón with a crew led by captains such as Dani, Salvatore, or Marco. Spend most of the trip looking for wild pilot whales and dolphins, then stop at Playa del Puertito for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and a chance to spot turtles.

“It was my mum’s 60’s birthday and it was her dream to see dolphins. Captain and the team were incredible, they made our day truly unforgettable, we saw so many dolphins up close. Huge thank you to Jenny for arranging the cake, it was a such a sweet touch. We had absolutely fantastic time onboard! Captain and chief stew were so attentive, we were offered lunch and drinks, and they made sure everyone were comfortable during the trip. Beautiful, luxurious sailing yacht and can’t recommend enough, would definitely come back again next year! Definitely one of the best captains, he is good in finding dolphins and whales. 5 star experience!!!!!…”

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9.Naha:Kerama Island Experience Dive/Snorkeling/Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 71 reviews · from $104

From Naha, you’ll take a speedboat to Kerama National Park for snorkeling at three sites, one beginner scuba session, and, from January 12 through March, whale watching. A small group, hotel pickup, equipment, towels, motion-sickness medicine, and a few underwater photos are included.

“Amazing experience! On this day we went snorkelling in two different spots + one introductory dive! The staff picked us up at our hotel. They were skilled and friendly. They made also a bunch of photos, so we can remember this experience!”

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10.Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling & Pescador & Sardine Run & Turtle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · from $150

Start around 3:30 a.m. for a private drive from Cebu City or Mactan to Oslob, then continue to Tumalog Falls and Moalboal. Swim near whale sharks, sardines, and turtles with local guides such as Abam, Robbie, Ray, and Noel. Breakfast, lunch, gear, boat trips, and hotel pickup are included.

“We had an amazing time on this tour. All staff were attentive and helpful. Joesifpus, our driver, was the best; super informative and friendly. It was incredible swimming with all the different sea creatures and the whale sharks were so surreal to be with. Thanks so much for a great day! Side note: we hired GoPros at the two locations and it was the best decision as the crew made amazing videos for us.”

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11.Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $349

Leave Cabo at 6:00 am for La Paz, where a marine biologist guides a supervised swim near whale sharks in their natural habitat. The small group is limited to eight people, with equipment, snacks, lunch, and a Todos Santos stop included. Hotel pickup is not provided.

“Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Loads of whale sharks, rays, and whales! The guides were incredible and provided great conversation, education and awareness of marine life! Sooo highly recommend Cabo Trek!”

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12.Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Join Baja Vikings Ecoventures in Cabo San Lucas for about two hours of whale watching and one hour of snorkeling. Guides including Mario, Pedro, Louis, Fernando, and Fergus have helped guests spot humpbacks, gray whales, sea lions, rays, and reef fish. Photos, videos, gear, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

“It was a wonderful adventure, made extra special by Dee and Captain Alex!! We saw many whales and Captain Alex took us places that were not mobbed by other boats. The highlight? Watching a mother and her calf enjoy the surface as we listened to them sing to each other on the hydrophone. Dee was a wealth of knowledge and it was fun to learn more about these magnificent creatures. Also saw a couple of marlins and sea lions.”

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13.Cebu: Oslob Whale Shark and Moalboal Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 1 day · from $117

Start early with private pickup, a safety briefing, and a boat ride to see Oslob whale sharks. After breakfast, continue to Moalboal for sardines, coral, and possible turtles. English-speaking guides, gear, transfers, and underwater photo help are included.

“The trip on the whole felt very disorganised. We had no idea what was happening next or who we were supposed to ask. We also didn’t get snorkels or flippers for the Moalboal activity, just goggles, which was disappointing as it was advertised as a snorkel tour. Saying this, it was great to see the sardines, whale sharks and the turtles, a very rare experience. We also appreciated how early the tour started giving us a lower wait time for the whale sharks. I would highly recommend renting the Go-Pro for 550 pesos, the videos are great!”

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14.Cebu: Whale Shark Oslob and Moalboal Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 16 reviews · from $119

You’ll leave Cebu around 2 a.m. with a private car and driver, reach Oslob for a regulated whale shark encounter, then continue to Moalboal for sardines, turtles, reefs, and photos. Guides such as Lope, Jason, and Raymond have helped make the long day run smoothly, though the early start and road time are demanding.

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

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

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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