Whale Watching · WHALE AND DOLPHIN TOURS IN THE USA

The 15 Best Whale and Dolphin Tours in the USA

43 tours  ·  from $29 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 whale and dolphin tours in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

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

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

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

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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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour - The first wildlife: otters, seals, and seabirds
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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

2.Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

Cruise from Old Fisherman’s Wharf with Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching for three hours of wildlife spotting. Guides such as Kevin explain whale behavior, migration, and Monterey Bay’s ecology while the captain searches for humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds, and, sometimes, orcas.

“Was able to see whales, sea lions and migrant birds it was worth it”

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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - Searching the Open Pacific for Whales
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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

3.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Cruise from Mission Bay into the Pacific in about 10 minutes, with naturalists and crew pointing out whales, dolphins, sea lions, and landmarks. Allison and Jennifer have earned special praise for clear, engaging commentary. Expect a scenic, sometimes chilly boat ride with wildlife sightings that can never be guaranteed.

“What an amazing experience. We saw 2 Grey Whales and several pods of dolphins throughout our cruise. The weather was perfect and the staff were very accommodating. I highly recommend this cruise.”

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Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing - Looking for whales, from blue whales to humpbacks
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Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

4.Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 788 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Board a small catamaran at Dana Point Harbor for a 2.5-hour search for dolphins, whales, sea lions, and marine birds. A naturalist explains the animals and their habitat, while the Manute’a offers underwater viewing pods. Crew members including Marie, Hannah, Daelyn, and Alex have received warm praise for their care and expertise.

“We loved watching the bottlenose dolphins under water. Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly crew. They found the fin whales and gave plenty of time to watch.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May - What the three-hour route feels like
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

5.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 693 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Set out from Miss Chris Marina with a captain and certified naturalist for up to three hours along Cape May’s coast. Look for dolphins, porpoises, whales, seabirds, and other marine life while hearing live commentary. The large boat has restrooms, indoor seating, and a snack bar.

“2 time with no luck on whale sighting , they should stop advertising guaranteed sighting , dolphins can be spotted from the beach as well.”

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Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise - What the Aquarium Educators Add
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Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

6.Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45

Set out from Long Beach or San Pedro for a 150-minute Harbor Breeze cruise led by Aquarium of the Pacific educators. Watch for humpback, fin, Minke, and other whales, plus dolphins, seals, sea lions, and seabirds from a stable catamaran with indoor seating, restrooms, and large windows.

“We got to see dolphins, humpback whales and even a rare sighting of a family of orcas”

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Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise - From Palm Street to the Balboa Pavilion
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Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

7.Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 415 reviews · 2h 30m · from $30

Spend 150 minutes aboard a marine-life viewing boat from Newport Beach, guided in English by the captain and crew. Watch for blue, gray, fin, humpback, and minke whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, and seals. The route passes Balboa Island, Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, and The Wedge.

“Me and my son absolutely loved this activity. Both the captain and his mate went out of their way to make this a memorable experience. We were fortunate enough to see a blue whale, some dolphins and a gorgeous sunset but if we hadn’t, the tour would have still been worth it. Everything was beautiful to see!”

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Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point - What the Zodiac ride feels like
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Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point

8.Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Set out from Dana Point Harbor aboard a Coast Guard inspected Zodiac for about two hours. A captain and marine naturalist, including guides such as Marie, Caitlin, Gary, and Matt, search for dolphins and whales while explaining what you see. The boat carries no more than 20 people.

“An amazing experience! Captain Marie and first mate Amanda were fun and informative. The company was thoughtful and celebrated special occasions and return guests which made for a personalized experience. I get seasick very easily but this boat was perfect. Never felt ill and it was so fun speeding over the water. We were so close to all the animals we saw. If you are on the fence, just book it. You will not be disappointed.”

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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise - Searching for dolphins and whales
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Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

9.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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Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise - From the red ticket booth to Cape May’s waterfront
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Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

10.Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 230 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Cruise from Cape May along the Victorian waterfront, Delaware Bay, and Atlantic Ocean while Captain Jeff and the narrator explain local history and search for dolphins, whales, and other marine life. The 110-foot ship has indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, free parking, and an accessible lower deck.

“Beautiful day. Crew and staff for prettiest and helpful captain/guide was very informative. Unfortunately we did not see anywhere else but many dolphins.”

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Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise - From Palm Street to the Balboa Pavilion
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Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

11.Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $28Best value

Spend about two hours aboard a two-deck catamaran from Newport Beach, watching for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and coastal birds. Daily departures, indoor seating, a bar, and an informative crew make this a flexible family outing, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Knowledgeable and informative staff/ crew. Didn't complain with crying toddler. Lots of dolphins but no whales.”

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San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise - The winter gray whale route
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San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

12.San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · from $77

Cruise from Pier 2 into the Pacific with naturalists connected to the San Diego Natural History Museum. Look for gray whales in winter, blue whales in summer, dolphins year-round, sea lions, sunfish, and seabirds. The four-hour trip includes indoor and outdoor seating, live English narration, and a return pass if no whale or dolphin appears.

“Such a fun morning- not only did we learn about the wildlife, they told us so much about the port, the environment and all the ships and military equipment around the port. Very knowledgeable, so nice to have experts on board. A great trip all around!!!”

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Kauai's South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure - Searching the winter waters for humpbacks
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Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure

13.Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 163 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $158

Ride a fast 25-foot Zodiac from Kukuiʻula Harbor with a Coast Guard certified crew, searching for humpback whales, spinner dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. With up to 14 people, guides such as Justin, Jane, Brandon, and Lindsay can offer close-up wildlife viewing from December through May.

“There's luck involved in whether you'll see whales while whale watching. We were VERY lucky and saw many breaching whales. Whale watching in a Zodiac is a wet, spine-jarring experience, so it's best to wear clothing/secure hair covering based on your desired level of getting wet. If you sit on the sides you need a good grip. Brandon was our Captain- I felt safe with him and he handled the vessel with ease. He quickly maneuvered the zodiac for best viewing.Lindsay was our Crew. She was helpful and informative. Really good experience.”

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Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA - Leaving from 508 S Bay Front
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Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

14.Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews

Join Captain Nick or another USCG-licensed certified naturalist for a private two-hour Newport Beach cruise for up to six people. Search Newport Harbor and nearby waters for dolphins and whales aboard a quick, compact boat, then finish with a Balboa Island treat.

“Captain Nick was fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable. Laid back and lots of fun. Also determined to find those whales!”

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City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure - From Navy Pier to the open Pacific
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City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

15.City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $56

Cruise from Navy Pier with City Cruises San Diego and look for migrating gray whales, fin whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds. Captains and San Diego Natural History Museum volunteers explain what you see. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, with indoor and outdoor seating.

“I bought the tickets online, and it was easy. I couldn't communicate by phone to confirm my reservation. I got there 30 minutes before, and I did not have any problem with my booking. The ferry is well equipped: tables, chairs, restrooms, a small bar that sells snacks, beverages (alcohol), Dramamine. You can pay with cards and cash. You can do the tour indoors and watch through the windows or being on the deck and enjoy the sun and the heavy and cool wind because they have chairs and tables there too. I highly recommended taking one Dramamine before departs because the ferry moves a lot during the three hours.…”

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New in Whale and Dolphin Tours in the USA

★ 4.53-Hour Guided Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience in San DiegoFrom $14939 reviews
★ 5.0San Diego Whale/Dolphin Watching Cruise Aboard Luxury VesselFrom $7664 reviews
★ 3.5Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego Speedboat TourFrom $1993 reviews
★ 4.5Whale & Dolphin Watching, Turtle SnorkelingFrom $16626 reviews
★ 3.5Private Whale Watching and Dolphin ExcursionFrom $2654 reviews
★ 5.0Supreme 2hr Whale/Dolphin Watching Newport Beach, 6 person maxFrom $11940 reviews
★ 5.0Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach65 reviews
★ 4.5Los Angeles Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from West HarborFrom $4545 reviews
★ 5.0Poipu Sea Kayak Tour: Turtle, Dolphins and SnorkelFrom $2696 reviews
★ 5.0Family and Private Group Whale and Dolphin WatchingFrom $15017 reviews
★ 5.0Experience Oceanside Sailing with Whales and dolphins!From $13014 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour CruiseFrom $5039 reviews
★ 4.5Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in KonaFrom $10962 reviews
★ 5.0Superior 2hr Private Whale & Dolphin Watching Newport Beach10 reviews
★ 4.3San Pedro: West Harbor LA Dolphin & Whale Watching CruiseFrom $4524 reviews

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