The World’s 11 Best Humpback Whale Tours

1.Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,005 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Join Cabo Trek for a 2.5-hour whale-watching trip from Cabo San Lucas, limited to 10 to 12 people per boat. A marine biologist such as Andrea, Vanu, Maria, or Vanusa explains humpback behavior while the captain searches the Pacific or Sea of Cortez. You’ll also visit El Arco and the sea lion colony.

“This excursion with Cabo Trek was amazing. Freddy and Andrea were great, and so knowledgeable. We’ve gone whale watching many times in many places, but have never had the experience of hanging out with a mama humpback and her calf for an hour and a half. Swimming alongside us was one thing, but they also swam underneath the boat and stayed there for long periods of time. The water was so clear; we could hang over the edge and see their every move. It was very cool to watch the calf interact with mama beneath the water. We were so lucky to have had this experience; thanks, Cabo Trek!”

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2.Swim with humpback whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $264

From Moorea, Corallina Tours takes you by boat to search for humpback whales between July and early November. Guides such as Francesca, Tamahere, and Maui explain how to approach the animals, then lead you to a lagoon with rays and black-tip sharks. Expect open-water swimming, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and a maximum of 12 people.

“I highly recommend this outfit. The people giving the tour make all the difference. They explained things well in both English and French so you always felt included. They were always very helpful and very fun to spend the day. It was an amRead more”

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3.Humpback whale watching and marine life in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · from $327

Spend about three hours on Moorea’s Pacific waters with Pacifik Attitude, searching for humpback whales and other marine life. Guides such as Mata, Doris, O’Neil, and Andrew explain whale behavior, lead safe swims when conditions allow, and help you spot dolphins, turtles, rays, sharks, and colorful fish. Whale watching runs July 20 through November 20.

“It was wonderful trip on the boat with Doris and Captain Chewy! They did all their best to look for the whales :) We have heard the whale singing and a whale mum with a baby humpback!”

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4.Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $89

Join CoastXP at Newcastle Harbour for a two-hour whale-watching cruise capped at 20 people. Guide Jane and the team explain humpback behavior as you search the Hunter Coast for whales, dolphins, and seals. The boat provides weatherproof jackets, a marine toilet, photos, and a free return trip in the same season if no whale appears.

“Highly recommend this to families . Everything was well organised and the tour guide was very informative and helpful”

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5.Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 153 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $84

Sail from Hervey Bay aboard Quick Cat II, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks, three levels, and open 360-degree sightlines. Your English-speaking crew shares live commentary, serves tea and light refreshments, and uses a hydrophone so you can hear whale song underwater. Optional whale swimming may be available, subject to conditions, fees, and space.

“Amazing tour on an amazing boat with amazing people. We saw a lot of whales (end of September)”

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6.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71

Join Noosa Oceanrider for a two-hour small-group cruise from Noosa Marina. The boat carries up to 12 people and heads through the river and Noosa Heads in search of humpback whales. Skippers including Mike and Christian share facts about local wildlife, while binoculars, raincoats, life jackets, and action goggles are provided.

“Fantastic experience, great guide & made sure we saw the whales! 🐋 He had excellent knowledge of the whales, their habits & what they were up to.”

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7.Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $1,640

Join Mana Moorea Tours aboard the Mana’hau for a private four-hour trip around Moorea. Guides including Nicky and Fabien tailor the route to your group, with whale watching from July to November, plus snorkeling with rays, sharks, turtles, and other marine life. Equipment and safety gear are supplied, and pickup is available.

“What an incredible experience we had with Nicky and Fabien! Not only were they knowledgeable, you could tell how passionate they were about each whale/dolphin/fish we saw. They had our safety as their top priority and were very in tuned to each whale's movementRead more”

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8.Humpback Whale Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $466

Set out from Coral Bay at 7:30 am for an 8-hour humpback whale safari along Ningaloo Reef. Between June and October, you may watch migrating whales from the boat or enter the water when guides judge conditions safe. Lunch, snacks, sparkling wine, and a photography package are included, with space for up to 14 guests.

“We would put down 6 stars if we could! A lot of the tour is up to the animals but the staff/ crew do their best to give you a wonderful experience! The humpbacks were so active on the day we went, so swimming with them was difficult but the crew did their best and wRead more”

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9.Swim in Moorea with Humpback Whales and More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $412

From July 20 to November 20, join Robert, Mareva, and a marine biologist for a four-hour Moorea boat trip focused on humpback whales. If conditions and whale behavior allow, you can enter the water with them. The small group may also spot dolphins, beaked whales, pilot whales, and pelagic sharks. Gear, wetsuits, snacks, drinks, and hotel transfers are included.

“Incredible experience with Robert and Mareva. Mareva is very experienced and we had an exceptional show, it was a dream for us. Thanks to them, I highly recommend.Auto-translated”

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10.Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Leave Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore on CoastXP’s two-hour whale cruise, limited to 20 people. Your English-speaking guide, such as Dom, Glen, Jane, or Dominic, explains whale behavior, coastal landmarks, and geology while you search for humpbacks, dolphins, and fur seals. Jackets, a marine toilet, and a free return trip if no whales appear are included.

“Absolutely fantastic day. We were travelling with a pod of 50 - 70 dolphins all around the boat.”

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11.Humpback Whale Watching Cruise and Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 30 reviews · 2h 30m · from $60Best value

NOVA Cruises takes you from Newcastle Harbour into open water on a 2.5-hour, 16-meter catamaran cruise. You’ll scan for humpback whales, hear live English commentary, enjoy harbor and outer beach views, and use indoor or upper-deck viewing areas. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and morning or afternoon tea are included.

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