The 15 Best VIP Whale Watching Experiences

1.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Our pick

Sail from Funchal with an English or Portuguese guide, watching for dolphins, pilot whales, and other marine life before stopping to swim beneath Cabo Girão. The Atlantic Pearl carries about 20 people, with covered seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and a bar. Guides such as João help keep the trip relaxed and informative.

“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”

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2.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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3.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Cruise from Cabo San Lucas toward the Arch and Sea of Cortez aboard a double-decker catamaran. Your marine guide, such as Jacob or Marco, explains humpback behavior while a hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Drinks, snacks, and hotel pickup are available, with a 30-person maximum.

“The employees are amazing and we saw multiple whales just as promised. The boat is beautiful. But it is very challenging to walk on the boat and the rail on the luxury boat low. Older adults or anyone with disabilities should be careful. I am recovering from cancer and I almost fell over board. It’s very easy when the rail goes to your knee or lower. Be careful. Hotel said it dangerous. But we loved it!! Perfect for young adults. I’d never take kids on this one. Ever.”

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4.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. A Portuguese or English-speaking crew explains Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, sail beneath Cabo Girão, and, on eligible tours, stop for a swim. The boat has indoor seating, sun beds, shade, and over-water nets.

“It was grate and felt like we were on private catamaran, because we were only 5 people on the catamaran (except the crew). Guids were very profesional and gave us a lot of interesting facts. We were happy that we were able to have a swim in the ocean and we saw a lot of whales. Experinace was fantastic and serviss was excellent. Highly recommend it! From all the dolphin and whale watching options I believe this is the best one!”

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5.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Sail from Funchal Marina aboard a modern catamaran limited to 17 people. The crew, including Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, and others, serves drinks and local snacks while helping you spot whales and dolphins. You’ll also stop to swim and snorkel below Cabo Girao.

“We loved our boat trip! The crew was very friendly and made the entire experience amazing. The boat was not overly packed, everyone got a comfy spot. All snacks and drinks are included on board. We spotted the pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. We were able to get super close to them! We made a stop to swim, towels were provided and a small shower to wash off, a place to change after as well. Overall, highly recommend and well worth the price. Thank you for having us!”

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6.Whales and Dolphins Watching-Luxury Super Grade Cruiser(Hotel Pick up offered)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,268 reviews · from $65

Set out from Mirissa at 6:30 am on a cruiser limited to 40 passengers, searching for blue whales, fin whales, dolphins, turtles, and more. The $65 trip includes breakfast, tea, coffee, a restroom, safety crew, and hotel pickup options. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“Positives + The boat was comfortable + The facilities were good + The staff were very friendly and knowledgable + The breakfast, fruit and welcoming tea were nice + The pickup van arrived on time and was modern and comfortable Negatives - I had to chase to confirm the pick-up. When I did, I was informed that there would be a $30 each way charge, because my hotel was too far away. Apparently this is detailed on the Trip Advisor listing, although I can find no reference to it. - The notification of this $60 charge was only sent after the free cancellation deadline had passed. I can accept that…”

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7.Two-Hour Luxury Whale Watching Tour from Oceanside

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 937 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $64

Cruise from Oceanside Harbor on a 50-foot catamaran with a certified marine naturalist captain. Look for dolphins, sea lions, gray, blue, humpback, and fin whales along the San Diego coast. The boat holds up to 40 people, has covered seating, and offers a cash-only bar.

“I enjoyed the experience. The only downside for me was that it was scheduled for 9:30-11:30, but we were still boarding people at 9:30, so didn't get a full 2 hour cruise.”

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8.Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Meet at Sardine Jetty in Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour for a two-hour cruise aboard Steep Point. You will search for migrating humpback whales from five viewing decks while an onboard marine mammal expert explains their behavior. Warm indoor seating, blankets, kids’ activities, and free parking make this an easy family outing.

“Great crew, and really looked after those feeling a little unwell. Amazing experience and good value for your $!”

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9.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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10.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: VIP Lounge OR UpperDeck Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 313 reviews · 3 hours · from $160

Spend three hours in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park with bilingual naturalist guides, watching for up to 13 whale species. Choose the 360-degree Upper Deck or the glass-enclosed Saint-Laurent VIP Lounge, which adds priority boarding, drinks, local bites, and access to both levels.

“You could see many sightings of whales and it was worth every penny.”

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11.VIP (12 Guests ONLY) Ultimate Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 198 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

From Lahaina Harbor, you spend two hours on a fast, low Coast Guard-style raft with no more than 12 people. A marine naturalist explains humpback behavior, and a hydrophone lets you hear whale song. Crews including John, Casie, Emma, Jeremiah, and Sarah have helped make close encounters memorable.

“Fantastic experience with Jeremiah and Sarah. They answered all of our questions and found so many whales! Can’t recommend enough!”

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12.Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 194 reviews · 2h 30m · from $58

Join Newport Landing Cruises from Balboa Pavilion for a 150-minute whale-watching trip aboard a 50-foot catamaran. Your English-speaking captain and naturalist guide search for blue, humpback, fin, and minke whales, while dolphins often race along the twin bows. Bring a hat and expect some spray.

“larry took us out in the Catamaran. we got lucky this morning saw 3 whales at 3 different spots. kudos to Larry! also saw large school of dolphins. Wonderful time.”

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13.HIGH QUALITY Whale Watch Adventure Aboard Luxury Super Raft

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 142 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $95

Set out from Maalaea Harbor aboard Maui Reef Adventures’ custom Super Raft for 1 hour and 45 minutes of close whale watching. With space for up to 38 people, onboard hydrophones, and guides such as Captain Brad, Ryan, Jen, and Garrett, you’ll watch for humpbacks, tails, breaches, calves, dolphins, and turtles.

“Jen and ryan were very friendly and helpful. The information shared was very interesting and the whale spotting was superb!!”

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14.Luxury Opera 60 Whale & Dolphin Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 140 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $96

Cruise from Puerto Colón aboard the 60-foot Opera 60, a spacious 15-person RIB with two engines, seating, sunbeds, toilet, showers, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stop in a bay for swimming and lunch.

“Amazing experience and the hosts where sublime!! We saw dolfins, whales and turtles. Highly recommended! Don't forget your swimming gear!”

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15.Whales and Dolphins excursion on a Luxury Yacht in Canary Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $104

Set out from Las Galletas aboard Royal Ocean’s small yacht with a two-person crew, often including Michael. Search for pilot whales and dolphins, cruise beneath views of Teide, then stop for swimming, snorkeling, tapas, lunch, and drinks. Groups are limited to 10 people.

“The crew was friendly and the boat was a lot of fun. The food and drinks were great. I definitely recommend”

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