Whale Watching · CRUISES

The 15 Best Whale Watching Cruises

59 tours  ·  from $31 a head

A proper cruiser gives you a heated cabin, a stable deck and room to move around, which matters more than you think three hours offshore. These 15 are priced, timed and clear about group size.

Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - Why Stellwagen Bank matters
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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

1.Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,710 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85Our pick

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.”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - Leaving from Los Gigantes Port
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

2.Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

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.”

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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim - Searching for dolphins and whales in open water
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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

3.Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 4,158 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

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!”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - Why Stellwagen Bank matters
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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

4.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Leave Boston’s Long Wharf aboard a high-speed catamaran for a 3.5-hour whale watch at Stellwagen Bank. An onboard naturalist points out humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds, while indoor seating, restrooms, and a snack bar make the long ride easier.

“Great time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well worth it. Very educational and interesting!!!!!!!!!!”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - From check-in to the short bus transfer
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

5.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,089 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104

Set out from Whale Watch Kaikōura for just over two hours on the water, using a quiet catamaran to seek giant sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. Expect Māori and scientific insight, outdoor viewing decks, indoor screens, and a crew that may include guides such as Caolan or Mikayla.

“Incredible. We saw 2 different whales and we saw one of them twice as well as a great dolphin show!”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - What the Amelia Rose feels like on the water
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

6.Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the spacious Amelia Rose for about three hours. Guides such as Lucky and Roman help you spot humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Three viewing decks, a warm lounge, bar, WiFi, blankets, and optional hotel pickup make this a comfortable cruise.

“So beautiful and fun! I got to see humpback whales and it was such a special encounter! highly recommend this tour!”

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Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise - Setting out from Gran Canaria’s southwest coast
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Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

7.Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,537 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Spend 150 minutes aboard a comfortable boat off Gran Canaria, searching for wild dolphins and whales with guides in English, Spanish, or German. Mario and Christian are among the friendly crew members praised for helping passengers spot pods, while the on-board bar, toilets, and open viewing areas make this a practical family outing.

“We liked most of the experience. The only thing we didn't like was the lack of clarity in timing. Based on where you are getting picked up a bus ride of 1.5-2 hours precedes the 2.5 hours boat travel. So, all future travellers, please plan your day accordingly. That being said, it was worth the wait ❤️”

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San Diego: Whale Watching Cruise - Marine biology narration that adds meaning
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

8.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,317 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Top rated

Board America, a replica of the 1851 America’s Cup winner, at Shelter Island for a 4 to 4.5-hour whale-watching sail. Your crew, including guides such as Fathom when scheduled, shares facts about marine life and Navy landmarks. Expect open decks, snacks, blankets, and cold Pacific air.

“Great experience and everyone will have a great view. The guide was very knowledgeable and we saw a couple of grey whales.”

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Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat - Two hours searching the water off Los Gigantes
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Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

9.Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,040 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

Join David, Jamie, Eileen, or another member of the Third Element crew for a three-hour sailing trip from Los Gigantes. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then swim and snorkel by the cliffs. The boat carries no more than 10 people and serves fruit, sandwiches, and drinks.

“Excellent day on the boat . Third Element is the great choice if you want to spend nice time spotting dolphins and whales . Definitely worth the money . Would choose them again .”

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São Miguel: Whale-Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist - Meeting at Ponta Delgada Marina
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São Miguel: Whale-Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist

10.São Miguel: Whale-Watching Cruise with Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,311 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Cruise from Ponta Delgada with a marine biologist and lookout team guiding you toward whales and dolphins. Expect a 20-minute safety talk, 2.5 hours at sea, island cliffs, and a choice of catamaran or fast zodiac-style boat. Guides may include Mark, Sarah, Raquel, or Bia.

“It was an incredible experience, we got to see a whale and a very large group of dolphins (hundreds of them at the same time) while listening to a general explanation about the animals. During the trip back, the biologists go around the boat explaining everything with great detail individually, and you can ask your own questions.”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat - Leaving Los Gigantes for the Teno-Rasca sanctuary
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

11.Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,063 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join Luca or Alejandro, depending on the departure, for a two-hour Spanish-language RIB trip from Los Gigantes. Search for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary, cruise beneath the 600-meter cliffs, and stop for a swim at Masca Bay or another quiet cove.

“It was to windy to see Dolphins but Luca, our guide made the day fun for us.”

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Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast - Starting at Redcliffe and boarding Eye Spy
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Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

12.Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 997 reviews · from $114

From Redcliffe, Brisbane Whale Watching takes you into Moreton Bay aboard the high-speed catamaran Eye Spy. Captain Kerry and the crew provide live commentary while you watch migrating humpback whales, often with calves, breaches, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Lunch is included, with hotel pickup available from selected areas.

“Water was clear. We saw two or three humpback whales up close. They frolicked just around the boat. Captain Kerry was wonderful--giving whale information at intervals and moving the boat often so all could get a good view. The boat was not too crowded. We had a wonderful visit.”

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Whale Watching Cruise from Newport Beach - What You Might See on the Water
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Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

13.Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 927 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $31Best value

Cruise from Newport Harbor for about 2.5 hours with marine biology trained crew. Look for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seals along Orange County’s coast. You may ride the 65-foot vessel or upgrade to a smaller luxury yacht with a 360-degree deck and more speed.

“Nature will always nature, you may not see whales and that’s perfectly fine. The crew does their absolute best to make your experience magical and memorable. We had an absolute blast sailing on the water sharing time with family and having conversations with other folks on the boat.”

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Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise - Watching humpbacks without rushing them
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Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

14.Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $125

Join Freedom Whale Watch at 9:30 am for a six-hour catamaran cruise from Urangan to Platypus Bay. Skipper Toni and the crew share whale facts, serve morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, and use a hydrophone when conditions allow. Sightings are guaranteed from 15 July to 10 October.

“One of the most amazing Whale watching experiences. The staff were friendly, informative, kind and entertaining. The food they prepared was amazing and the cruise had plenty of space to move around and watch whales. We encountered more than 20 whales and also few dolphins. It was a magical experience getting to see the whales up close. 10/10 would recommend to go with Freedom again.”

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Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast - Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the water
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Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

15.Sydney Whale-Watching Cruise Including Lunch or Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 878 reviews · from $74

Start at King Street Wharf with breakfast or BBQ lunch, then pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Manly Beach, and Sydney Heads before searching for humpback whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary, and a free return cruise is offered if no whales are found.

“Lunch was really good and plentiful. Whale watching was fabulous! David was very informative and helpful with locating the whales and helping us find/see them. Highly recommend!”

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New in Whale Watching Cruises

★ 4.52 Hour Waikiki Whale Watching Cruise from OahuFrom $40139 reviews
★ 4.0Reykjavik Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching CruiseFrom $10861 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The MajesticFrom $85193 reviews
★ 3.5Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching CruiseFrom $39166 reviews
★ 4.4Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale CruiseFrom $9548 reviews
★ 4.5Early Bird Whale Watching Cruise from WaikikiFrom $68202 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Cruise from MooloolabaFrom $71120 reviews
★ 3.1Mirissa: Whale Watching CruiseFrom $705 reviews
★ 4.8Maui: Ka’anapali Whale Watching Cruise on Luxury SailboatFrom $10889 reviews
★ 5.0Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale AdventureFrom $71144 reviews
★ 4.5Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip & Whale Watching CruiseFrom $109121 reviews
★ 4.6Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin SwimFrom $61273 reviews
★ 4.7Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big IslandFrom $115273 reviews
★ 5.0Victoria Sunset Whale-Watching CruiseFrom $138281 reviews
★ 4.8Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale-Watching CruiseFrom $84277 reviews

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