15 Sunset Whale Watching in the USA to Build a Morning Around

1.Monterey: Sunset Whale Watching Cruise with A Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 519 reviews · 3 hours · from $75Our pick

Join Discovery Whale Watch at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf for a three-hour sunset cruise led by a marine biologist or naturalist. Guides such as Isaiah, Andrew, and Kevin explain whale behavior, migration, and conservation while the crew searches for humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and more.

“The most incredible trip ever. Surrounded by whales! Super friendly and helpful team, we booked and got delayed so they moved our trip back a day for us. 10/10”

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2.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor for about three hours, combining a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, sunset views, and seasonal whale watching. A naturalist explains humpback behavior, and the route includes views toward Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, and McGregor Point Lighthouse. Whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“What an experience! Within 5 minutes we had our first whale spotting. It was a magical trip with seeing many breeches (including one right in front of the boat), fin slaps, logging and listening to a musical underwater concert. Highly recommend this trip.”

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3.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Set out from Mission Bay Park on a 2 to 3 hour sunset cruise with a certified guide and a crew focused on dolphins, whales, and coastal wildlife. You will scan the harbor and open water, then watch the sun sink over San Diego. Bring warm layers, since the boat can turn chilly and choppy.

“Was great trip! Staff very knowledgeable and saw lots of dolphins and a few whales! Would definitely go again!”

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4.West Maui Sunset Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Join Maui Ocean Adventures at 4:00 pm from Mala Boat Ramp for a two-hour sunset whale watch. You will cruise Maui’s whale sanctuary with a small group, expert crew, and open views of Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, Haleakalā, and the West Maui mountains. Guides such as Shannon, Allison, Emma, and Mindy may vary by departure.

“Friendly staff. Whale watching up close. We were very lucky as well as with wildlife you can never know what to expect. But the experienced staff could understand the behavior and pattern of the whales. Strongly recommended.”

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5.Sunset Whale Watch Tour in Monterey

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $75

Join Discovery Whale Watch at Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf for a roughly three-hour evening cruise. Naturalists such as Isaiah, Maddie, and Jessie explain the marine life as the crew searches for humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and seabirds. The boat holds up to 40 people, with coffee, tea, restrooms, and beer and wine for purchase.

“Ottimo abbiamo visto diverse balene in più punti e il tour è durato più di 2 ore. Ps. Copritevi che fa freddo”

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6.Sunset Whale Watch in Waikiki, Whales Guaranteed or Free Return

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $54

Set out from Honolulu Harbor on a 1.5 to 2-hour sunset cruise with Living Ocean Tours. Watch for humpback whales and spinner dolphins from a double-decker boat, enjoy soda, snacks, and water, and take in Diamond Head from offshore. If no whales appear, you can return on another tour.

“We did not see any whales and they refused to refund as they advertised they would if no whales were spotted.”

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7.San Diego: Dolphin and Whale-Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 83 reviews · from $70

Set out from San Diego for an English-language sunset cruise focused on whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. Your onboard naturalist explains the animals you spot as the boat follows the coast. Trips last 2 to 3 hours, with shorter winter departures, and food and drinks are available to buy.

“We had an incredible journey with humpback whales, grey whales and hundreds of dolphins! Whales and dolphins right next to our boat. Perfect trip.”

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8.Lahaina: Day or Sunset Whale Watching Tour with Naturalist

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 71 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $80

Meet at Dive Maui in Lahaina for a 90-minute to two-hour whale watch in the Auau Channel. A small custom raft, naturalists such as Rene and Joe, and an onboard hydrophone give you close views and whale song, but expect a bumpy ride.

“Amazing. The guides had so much knowledge. We even followed a competition pod! It made my stay in Maui.”

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9.Sunset Cruise & Whale Watching from Oahu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · from $61

Sail from Pink Sails Waikiki for two hours of whale and dolphin watching, island views, and sunset color. Captains Jamie and Alexio help spot wildlife, while crew members such as Alex and Big Mike add humor, photos, and practical help. The ride can be windy and rough, so dress for changing weather.

“Weather wasn't the best it was a rocking ride but the captain has no control over that! He was able to get leads on whales and we saw 4!”

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10.Ma’alaea Harbor: Sunset Whale Watch Tour Aboard the Malolo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 58 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $49Best value

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard a high-speed vessel for about two hours of Maui whale watching. You may hear whale song through an underwater hydrophone, spot breaching humpbacks, and enjoy free soda, juice, and water. Confirm the assigned boat before booking, as some departures use Quicksilver instead of Malolo.

“Captain and crew of Quicksilver were amazing! Definitely went above and beyond with service and entertainment.”

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11.Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Sailing Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $165

Set out from Anaeho'omalu Bay on a two-hour Ocean Sports catamaran cruise. A captain, crew, and naturalist guide you along the Kohala Coast while you enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, sunset views, and a chance to hear humpback whales through an underwater hydrophone.

“Our family of 6 had a wonderful experience! We sailed on the power catamaran Alala out of Kawaihae Harbor in early March, and enjoyed delicious cocktails (especially the ube coladas!) and tasty snacks, and got to see a beautiful sunset, flying fish, and at least three humpack whales including a mom, baby and chaperone. The crew was so friendly and knowledgable, and made the whole sunset cruise unforgettable.”

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12.Waikiki: Sunset Whale Watching with 2 Drinks (BYOB-Friendly)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 34 reviews · 2 hours · from $52

Join a two-hour sunset cruise from Honolulu’s Pier E for seasonal humpback whale watching, Diamond Head views, and two complimentary cocktails. Guides including Chad, Dillion, and Eve lead the English-language trip. BYOB is welcome, but whale-free sunset trips cannot be rebooked for another sunset.

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13.Oahu Whale Watch Tour & Waikiki Sunset Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $80

Cruise from Kewalo Basin Harbor for about 2.5 hours in search of humpback whales returning from Alaska. Captain Ryan and crew members Wylie, Kristen, or Amily share facts about whales and local sea life. Choose a morning outing or sunset sail, with water, tea, and hot cocoa included.

“Small group, not crowded, great sunset, a nice complementary hot drink on the ride back, knowledgeable staff & great show by the whales!”

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14.Sunset Whale Watching Shared Activity

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $157

Set out from Kawaihae aboard the 46-foot Namaka for a slow, respectful search for humpback whales and spinner dolphins. The two-hour-15-minute cruise includes shaded seating, three viewing decks, snacks, drinks, and an informed crew. A hydrophone may bring live whale sounds to the boat.

“First whale watch tour of season was AWESOME! Lots of spouts, sprays, humps and tails!! Captain Ty showed the way for us, while Mo & Jess’s were the best mates! 5 kids onboard were thoroughly entertained and in awe! Can’t wait for more! Mahalo from the Hess family!!”

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15.Sunset Cruise with the Whales on our Power Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $165

Cruise the Kohala Coast from Kawaihae for about 90 minutes of sunset whale watching. You’ll ride a power catamaran with restrooms, indoor seating, trampolines, appetizers, and an open bar. A naturalist explains whale behavior, and the crew may lower a hydrophone to play whale songs.

“My husband and myself really wanted to see some whales while staying at a Waikoloa resort. This tour was a positive experience. It was the right time of year. We say a mother whale and her calf. We followed that same group for the tour. The sunset gave us a show as well. I wouldn't recommend taking this tour just for the cocktails. I didn't want to stop watching for whales long enough to take advantage of the cocktails. I loved the trip. The crew was flexible enough to change locations when the wind picked up at the original pick up site.”

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