Whale Watching · TOUR REVIEWS
Every boat here has been out often enough to have a reputation. The 15 below are the ones that earn the early alarm, with what they cost, how long they stay out and which whale you are realistically going to see.
Join Travelin Lady from Los Cristianos for a 90-minute, no-chase whale and dolphin trip on Tenerife’s purpose-built eco-yacht. Guides such as Ines explain the wildlife in several languages, with time for the Cave of Love and a swim stop if conditions allow.
“It was great! We saw a group of dolphins and pilot whales, amazing!”
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!”
Sail from Reykjavík for three hours with guides such as Maria, Lucky, and Gunther, watching for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin, café, toilets, WiFi, and optional hotel pickup.
“Excellent trip with an informative friendly guide we saw humpback whales within an hour and I was impressed with the respect for the whales in not getting too close, hanging around and stressing them out. They came to us in their own time, it was beautiful to see these incredible mammals in a responsible way thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon”
From Funchal Marina, you’ll spend three hours aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin catamaran, using quiet hybrid-electric engines to search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Certified guides speak English and Portuguese, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Expect open-air viewing, Cabo Girão, Camara de Lobos, and possible swimming time.
“We had a great time and saw plenty of whales and dolphins”
Meet Alaska Tales beneath the Mt. Roberts Tramway tent, ride past Mendenhall Glacier to Auke Bay, then spend about two hours watching humpback whales from a heated boat with outdoor decks. Naturalists such as Kacie, Genevieve, Ashley, and Nate explain whale behavior, family groups, and safe viewing practices.
“Big kudos to Michelle (Captain), Ashley and Sophie. Go girl power!! This tour was amazing. Though the day was rainy and windy, these group of lady did a wonderful job making sure we were able to see some whale. This is my first time booking a tour through this company and I recommend it. Wonderful job!!!”
Spend about an hour at Mendenhall Glacier, then board a warm, windowed boat with an outdoor deck to search for humpback whales, orcas, seals, and eagles. Guides such as Captain Michelle, Nate, Taylor, and Jay add local detail, while round-trip transport keeps this cruise-friendly.
“Great tour at the Mendenhall glacier visitor center and picturesque hike around. Our bus driver was very knowledgeable about the area and gave great advice on food and shopping in Juneau. The boat trip was also manned by local experts and very fun seeing multiple whales and sea lions. Would definitely recommend this tour!”
Set out from Funchal Marina on a stable Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Search for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a seasonal swim. The boat has shaded seating, sun decks, netting, and a bar.
“The captain was amazing. Ensured we saw the dolphins. Rescued a paddle boarder and retrieved garbage from the sea! 5 stars”
Cruise from Puerto Colón into Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary on a fuel-efficient catamaran. The crew, including captains such as Carlos and Miguel, looks for pilot whales and dolphins, serves sandwiches and drinks, plays underwater sounds, and stops for swimming. Choose 3 or 5 hours.
“Superb eco-cruise experience! Few people on the boat, respect and silence when observing the whales (engine cut), which makes the moment magical. The two skippers were really friendly and passionate. I recommend it!”
Leave Granville Island on a 95-passenger catamaran with heated cabins, open decks, and naturalist guides such as Petra, Ashley, Wilma, and Megan. Search for humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, and eagles while crew photographers capture wildlife photos for you.
“It was amazing. Well worth the money. Pictures turned out great. The staff were knowledgable,and very friendly. Great memory for our trip to Vancouver.”
Cruise from Boston’s Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank aboard a high-speed whale-watching boat with outdoor decks, indoor seating, snacks, and New England Aquarium Naturalists. Expect expert commentary, changing sea conditions, and a real chance to see humpback, fin, and minke whales in the wild.
“We were very lucky to have a fine day for this activity and although I do suffer from motion sickness I felt absolutely fine for the whole trip. We were given an interesting dialogue on the way out to the whale watching area and it was wonderful to manage to see three magnificent whales.”
Set out from Los Gigantes Port aboard the Masca Express for two hours of whale and dolphin watching, cliff views, and a swim in Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco. Spanish-speaking guides such as Alejandro help spot marine life, while your ticket includes one cold drink.
“Brilliant couple of hours in the water, professional crew who know their stuff. Highly recommended.”
From Gloucester, board the 115-foot Hurricane II for a roughly 4-hour search for humpback and fin whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Naturalists such as Jessica and Tina explain the wildlife, while indoor seating, a galley, and wide viewing decks make the trip comfortable.
“Excellent trip. Captain and crew were fabulous. Loved it and will be back. Pitcher and Satchula were beautiful hump back whales.”
Leave Tromsø for the herring-rich fjords near Skjervøy on Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric catamaran. English-speaking guides, heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and onboard food make the long Arctic crossing comfortable. Expect 7 to 9 hours, cold decks, possible waves, and a whale success rate above 95 percent, though sightings are never guaranteed.
“Fantastic day out in the fjords looking for whales! We were really lucky with some great humpback sightings that were really close to our boat. The boat itself was super quiet, which was the main reason I chose Brim. The sailing out to where the whales were was very smooth with just one small rough patch for about 30 mins. The staff/guides on board were fantastic, I loved hearing all the information about the different whales we might see and it was great to hear their enthusiasm. I would definitely tour with them again if I make it back to Tromsø, this time hopefully to see some orcas!Read more”
Set out from Morro Jable on the two-hour Magic Dolphin cruise with guides speaking Spanish, English, and German. Search for wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop for a swim in Jandía. Drinks, a toilet, and optional resort pickup are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“Fantastic trip. Really knowledgeable guide, very entertaining skipper…and a load of dolphins as the stars of the show! Free drinks and a dip in Morro Jable’s crystal clear waters to round things off. Would recommend without hesitation!”
Leave Ponta Delgada with Futurismo Azores Adventures for three hours at sea, guided by a marine biologist who explains local wildlife and responsible viewing. Choose a steadier catamaran or lively Zodiac boat, with sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds possible. A second tour is offered if no animals appear.
“The whole experience was perfect, especially the tour guide! She explained everything so well and was so caring about everyone.”
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