The 11 Best Whale and Dolphin Tours in the USA

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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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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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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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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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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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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7.Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

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

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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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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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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10.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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11.Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews · 2h 30m · from $95

Join Captain Dave’s crew, including Captain Marie, Hannah, Lauren, or Andy, for a 150-minute Dana Point cruise with live marine narration, underwater viewing pods, tram nets, and a chance to see dolphins, whales, sea lions, sharks, and seabirds.

“The best Dolphin and whale watching tour I have ever been on. Fantastic experience. Not to be missed if you are in the area. Capt Marie, Andy and Hannah were superb hosts and extremely knowledgeable.”

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