Whale Watching · TOURS

Top 15 Guided Whale Watching Trips

165 tours  ·  from $2 a head

Whales do not run to a timetable, but the boats do. These 15 guided whale watching trips are priced and timed so you can pick one in a couple of minutes and go and pack a coat.

Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester - The ride out: why speed matters
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Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

1.Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,460 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $48Our pick

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.”

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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat - Leaving Tromsø in the morning
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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

2.Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,217 reviews · from $195

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”

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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks - Leaving Puerto Colon on a catamaran
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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

3.Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,653 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41

Sail from Puerto Colon with guides such as Lucy, Dani, and Tony to find resident pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southwest coast. Choose two hours for wildlife viewing or three hours for a Playa Espagueti swim and snorkel stop. Drinks are included, and sightings are guaranteed.

“Fantastic trip. Lucy and the team were amazing and we saw bottle nosed dolphins and pilot whales. Thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone”

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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - Why Eyjafjörður is a strong whale-watching spot
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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

4.Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,000 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður aboard Iceland’s only specially modified high-speed whale-watching ship. Guides such as Gisella and Johan point out humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life while you enjoy indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, thermal overalls, Wi-Fi, and crew photos.

“It was great, the fjord is absolutely beautiful. We thought we might see nothing but once we saw the first whale, they were just everywhere. We were very lucky :) we stayed a bit longer than planned, because we were searching for whales longer than expected. The tour operator made sure we are all satisfied by staying a little longer.”

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Azores: Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist - The RIB ride and the lookout system
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Azores: Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist

5.Azores: Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,945 reviews · 3 hours · from $73

Join Terra Azul from Vila Franca do Campo for a three-hour RIB-boat trip led by a marine biologist or wildlife guide. Look for whales and dolphins, then circle Vila Franca Islet. Guides such as Matteo, Stephanie, Inês, and Claudia explain the animals, while the crew follows careful viewing rules.

“Amazing adventurous activity! We had perfect weather and we saw baleen whale, sperm whales (also a calf) and two types of dolphins - according to our guide we were really lucky :). The organization of the trip was very professional and I have absolutely nothing to complain about.”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - Setting out on the traditional oak ship
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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

6.Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,761 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Join North Sailing for a three-hour whale-watching cruise from Húsavík aboard a traditional oak boat. An English-speaking guide such as Laura, Sophie, Alice, or Christian explains whale behavior as you search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, puffins, and other seabirds. Warm overalls, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included.

“We booked the tour from Húsavík and the day before the tour we got an email that the weather conditions aren't good. But we could reschedule our tour to Árskógssandur without any issue. The customer service was great. The tour guide was also great and we were able to see a whale even though it wasn't the best season to go whale watching. The humpback whale didn't have a name yet and my girlfriend got to name him because she came up with a funny name - Forest Hump. Overall I would highly recommend this tour!”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour - Two Zodiac sizes, one close-to-the-water view
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

7.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $98

Spend 2 to 2.5 hours on a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Bilingual naturalists point out whales, belugas, seals, and porpoises, while the captain searches for the best views. Bring warm layers, gloves, and a hat.

“The experience was fantastic, we saw some whales and seals and penguins. It was a brilliant experience to see the whales so close up. If you are considering the boat vs zodiac don’t, The zodiac is the only option to choose as the boat is completely packed moves slowly and the experience can not be anywhere close to the fantastic zodiac experience that we had. Be aware that it gets really cold so bring warm cloths or layers of cloths to wear one might think it is not necessary but it really means the difference to be warm.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - The first 45 minutes: heading offshore for wildlife
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

8.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Sail from Funchal with guides such as Liv, David, Nico, and Maggie, keeping watch for whales, dolphins, and turtles. You get a welcome glass of sparkling wine, unlimited drinks, Madeira snacks, a 30-minute swim near Cabo Girão, and room to move on a small luxury catamaran.

“Gre at boat, maximum of 17 people. loads of space. Great drinks and snacks. It is double the price of other trips but well worth it. Saw other boats crammed with people. This was perfect.”

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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - December through April: searching for humpbacks
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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

9.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Board a small zodiac raft at 1223 Front Street in Lahaina for a 2.5-hour wildlife trip. From December to April, search for humpback whales and hear their songs through a hydrophone. In summer, the focus shifts to dolphins and coastal views. Expect spray, sun, and a close-to-the-water ride.

“We had a great experience! The captain Jack worked very hard to give us a great experience! Highly recommend!”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - What the 2 to 3 hour cruise feels like
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

10.Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,422 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $87

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay aboard Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship. An English-speaking guide helps you spot minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes orcas. Choose the roomy Classic cruise or the faster summer Express boat, with a free return ticket if wildlife stays hidden.

“Ania was an excellent guide. She was determined for us to see the Northern Lights, unfortunately they did not come out for us. Ania was very knowledgeable about the tour and you could tell she was unhappy that we didn’t get a chance to see them, but we do have a voucher that is good for two years if we come back.”

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour - From Discovery Whale Watch to Old Fisherman’s Wharf
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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

11.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,300 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $75

Cruise from Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with a marine biologist. Guides such as Isaiah and Maddy explain the wildlife while you look for humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and otters. Bring layers and motion-sickness medicine.

“Excellent, guide (Isiah) was very good/knowledgeable, (also very good at singing sea shanty’s!); sightings very good, 90 minutes sailing alongside a family of 5 Orca, then lots of White Sided Dolphin bow riding the boat. Fabulous.”

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Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca - The 30-minute speedboat ride out from Los Gigantes
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Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

12.Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,229 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

From Los Gigantes, you’ll ride a speedboat to search for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop for a 15-minute swim in Masca Bay beneath the cliffs. English and Spanish guides, a drink, insurance, and whale watching are included. Guides may include Juan Carlos and George.

“A fantastic experience. We observed many pilot whales from just a few meters distance. The crew was very friendly and accommodating. If you want to go and observe whales in Tenerife, this is the company to do it with.”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour - Choosing Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

13.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,179 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Cruise the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park for three hours aboard AML Cruises’ whale-watching boat. Bilingual naturalist guides, including guides such as Cedric and Chantelle on past departures, explain the wildlife in French and English. Expect belugas, fin whales, minkes, seals, and sweeping fjord views.

“We enjoyed with kids a lot! Beautiful surroundings and we spotted fin whale, belugas and seals. We loved the trip, great views from outside as well as inside. The ship was very comfortable and not over populated, good experience”

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No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first - we care - Looking for pilot whales and dolphins without chasing
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No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

14.No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Join the 23-meter, two-mast Bahriyeli gulet from Los Cristianos for a two-hour wildlife sail. Marine-life specialists explain pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, birds, and other sightings while the crew keeps a strict no-chase policy. You’ll also see Mount Teide and Tenerife’s south coast.

“Very good trip, well worth going, saw plenty of dolphins and whales, very informative and helpful staff 👍”

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Los Cristianos: Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset - The Travelin Lady: a boat made for the job
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Los Cristianos: Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset

15.Los Cristianos: Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,130 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $17Best value

Join Travelin Lady for a 90-minute sunset cruise from Los Cristianos. Guides such as Ines, Sergio, Cintia, and Fede explain the marine life in several languages while you look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and more from a low, stable eco-yacht.

“It was an amazing trip, we got to see multiple dolphins, a sea turtle and even a hammer shark. Ines was an amazig guide, with her great sense of humor and her multy lenguage skills I am sure people got value for money, I know I did.”

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