Whale Watching · ZODIAC & RIB

The 15 Best Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching Trips

30 tours  ·  from $33 a head

A rigid inflatable is fast, low, wet and closer to the water than anything else afloat. The 15 below are compared on price, how far out they run and whether a survival suit is included, because on most of them it needs to be.

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

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

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

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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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

2.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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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Meeting the crew and getting ready
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

3.Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175

From Húsavík, you’ll ride a spacious 12-passenger RIB with a guide such as Matteo, Carla, or Jo, visiting Puffin Island in season before searching Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

“three experience was perfect from start to finish. the booking was easy, the staff were friendly and efficient the guide was very knowledgeable and appeared to be having as good a time as we were. we saw numerous wildlife and thoroughly enjoyed the boat. brilliant experience.”

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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

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

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

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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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - From Hafnarstétt 11 to the open bay
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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

5.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Join Húsavík Adventures for a fast, small-group whale tour from Húsavík. A maximum of 12 passengers, warm overalls, and guides such as Austin, Iñaki, and Ignacio make it easy to watch humpbacks, dolphins, and seasonal puffins around Lundey Island.

“Our guide, Austin, was incredibly professional and friendly. He speaks several languages (English, Italian, and Mexican Spanish) and gave engaging, informative explanations about whales, seabirds, and ocean safety. The whole trip was well organized, and you could really feel his passion for nature and marine life. It would be lovely if some hot drinks or small snacks were offered after the trip — that would make the experience even cozier and more complete. A wonderful and memorable whale-watching experience — professional, caring, and truly unforgettable. Thank you, Austin! 🐋”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - Why the Zodiac feels different
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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

6.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154Top rated

Set out from Victoria Harbour in a 12-passenger open Zodiac with a guide such as Gary, Mark, George, or Raj. Expect a fast, splashy ride, all-weather flotation suits, and chances to see orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, eagles, and more. The boat is exciting, but choppy water and cold air are part of the deal.

“It was excellent and everyone was super helpful! Easy to navigate, useful guide to information and payment. It was a spontaneous trip which was wonderful x”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - What the open Zodiac ride really feels like
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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

7.Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour with an English-speaking marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, or Liam. Your 12-passenger Zodiac brings you close to the Salish Sea, where orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, otters, and bald eagles may appear. Full flotation suits help keep you warm and dry.

“We enjoyed the tour with Alex very much. A smooth Zodiac ride, Orcas and great additional insights. Thanks a million.”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat - The ride across Faxaflói Bay
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

8.Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Join Sea Trips Reykjavík at the Old Harbour for a two-hour RIB safari among Faxaflói Bay’s islands. Guides such as Claudia, Julian, and Bianca share marine facts while the captain searches for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. The boat is fast, intimate, and weather dependent.

“Guide was awesome. We saw great whale and dolphin activity. Amazing pictures. Great value!”

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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat - The wildlife briefing sets the tone
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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

9.Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 595 reviews · 5 hours · from $129

Set out from Grande Riviere Noire on a speedboat for up to 14 passengers, with two skippers and guides. Swim with spinner and bottlenose dolphins, watch whales from the boat, then snorkel at a coral reef. The crew briefs you on safe, low-impact wildlife encounters.

“We saw everyhing we could, several sper whales and a lot of dephins! The boat crew was very kind and helpful.”

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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Meeting the crew at Funchal Marina
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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

10.Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

From Funchal Marina, you’ll ride with a small crew and marine biologist guide, using coastal spotters to find dolphins and whales. Expect fast boat travel, close-to-water views, possible splashes, and sightings of up to four species. Guides speak Portuguese and English.

“Amazing experience. The speedboat trip alone was worth the money, great fun and no sea sickness. However we also spent time with a pod of whales, which was an experience we’ll never forget. The marine biologist was very informative. Cannot rate this highly enough, not to be missed.”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - Leaving Húsavík for Skjálfandi Bay
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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

11.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203

Join a captain and expert guide on a two-hour RIB tour from Húsavík. The boat carries no more than 12 people, giving you open views as you search for humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins. Warm overalls and life jackets are supplied, but bring gloves and a hat.

“Great whale watching tour. Our guide was great. Highly recommended. Lucky day we saw a hump back whale.”

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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat - Why the RIB changes the whale-watching experience
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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

12.Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Join a 12-seat RIB boat in Akureyri for two hours of whale and bird watching in Eyjafjord. Guides such as Yoann, Agnes, Mack, and Sergio have helped guests find humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Expect fast runs, close sea-level views, cold spray, and a lively ride.

“amazing whale watching tour with a nice and funny guide, we saw many whales. The boat is comfortable”

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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure - Searching for winter humpbacks
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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

13.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 456 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113

Join Captain Zodiac from Kailua-Kona for a three-hour whale watch in a 16-passenger Zodiac. Captains such as Shelby, Marco, Ashley, and Rick share local history, geology, and marine facts while you search for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and more. A hydrophone lets you hear whales below the boat.

“We went out first with Colin and Sam, who were both very knowledgeable and passionate about whales. It was a wonderful experience, even though we didn’t see any whales (and it wasn’t for lack of trying— Colin said that this was VERY rare for January). He wanted us to have a good experience so he booked us again the morning after, and we went with Shelby and Davonte. They were a pleasure and we saw 5 whales including the first humpback baby of the season that Shelby had seen! If you’re looking for a tour that is passionate about conservation and loves to share that passion, this is the one.”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Getting ready at the Gentle Giants ticket center
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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

14.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

From Húsavík, you ride a 12-person RIB for about two hours with a guide such as Clara, Mario, Nicoletta, or Victoria. Expect fast open-water travel, warm safety overalls, whale watching, and a stop near Puffin Island from April 15 to August 15.

“This was an amazing experience. Clara was an enthusiast and knowledgeable guide. The captain was skilled in her job. It was fun to see them equally as excited about all the wildlife we encountered. We would definitely do this experience again if we returned to the area. The RIB is the way to go!”

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Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat - A Zodiac ride with real spray and speed
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Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

15.Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53

From Lajes do Pico, you’ll ride a Zodiac along Pico’s coast while guides search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Expect a short safety briefing, waterproof gear, Portuguese or English commentary, and a lively ride that can get wet when the sea turns rough.

“The tour was amazing, our guide was super friendly and did know some interesting facts about the animals. We saw blue whales and sperm whales, which was a breathtaking experience and will remain as a lifetime memory ❤️🐋 Also the ride in the zodiac along the beautiful coast with a clear view on Pico Mountain was worth the price 😍👌🏾”

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New in Zodiac & RIB Whale Watching

★ 4.5Speedboat Whale Watching Small-Group Tour in ReykjavikFrom $164223 reviews
★ 4.8Victoria: Whale Watching Tour by Zodiac BoatFrom $138233 reviews
★ 5.0SEA SAFARI, Dolphins, Whales, snorkeling, snack and drink, 2 h speedboatFrom $5415 reviews
★ 4.8Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac BoatFrom $82230 reviews
★ 4.5Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat AdventureFrom $158163 reviews
★ 4.7Campbell River: 4 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat TourFrom $216133 reviews
★ 5.0Vancouver Island Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure – Telegraph CoveFrom $169281 reviews
★ 4.7Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $200293 reviews
★ 4.9Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $70298 reviews

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