Best of · KAYAK WHALE WATCHING

15 Kayak Whale Watching Trips Worth Paddling

24 tours  Â·  from $109 a head

Sea level, no engine, and an animal that decides how close the encounter gets. These 15 paddles run in sheltered water with guides, and the listings are clear on the paddling experience each one expects.

Orca Cove Sea Kayaking - Paddling through quiet coves and island channels
Kayak Whale Watching, Ketchikan Whale Watching Tours, Orca Watching Tours, Orca Watching Tours in the USA, Tour Reviews, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

1.Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 322 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Our pick

Leave downtown Ketchikan by fast boat, then paddle 1.5 to 1.75 hours among rainforest islands and quiet coves from a 57-foot catamaran. Guides such as Lucas, David, Matt, and AJ offer instruction and wildlife insight. Expect tandem kayaks, full rain gear, a small group, and smoked salmon with hummus afterward.

“This was my first time ever kayaking. Dave was very patient and educational. There was a pod of Orca whales going through and he made sure we were able to stop and see them. Highly recommend this excursion!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - Paddling the West Maui coastline
Kayak Whale Watching, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips, Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Maui, Whale Watching Tours

Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

2.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle tandem kayaks from Olowalu with a guide such as Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, Jon, or Robbie. After views of West Maui and nearby islands, snorkel at a turtle cleaning station. Whales may appear in season. Small groups, gear, life jackets, and optional photos and videos are included.

“The excursion was prematurely canceled due to rough seas. But they calmed down by the time we would have launched. Several other excursions went forward with thier trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei - The launch and safety briefing
Kayak Whale Watching, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips, Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Maui, Whale Watching Tours

South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

3.South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 93 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Paddle sit-on-top kayaks from Makena Landing with an English-speaking guide, searching for humpback whales before snorkeling along Maui’s reef. Guides such as Jake, Kyle, Madison, and Jon help beginners feel at ease, share island stories, and point out turtles, fish, eels, octopus, and coral. The three-hour tour includes gear, snacks, water, and juice.

“Jake was an amazing guide. He shared a lot of knowledge about the islands and marine life. Also the snorkelling was spot on. Saw a lot of turtles. Only negative point is that we didn’t see any whales. But nothing much they can do about that.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak and Whale Watching Tour - Getting on the water with a small group
Kayak Whale Watching, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Kayak and Whale Watching Tour

4.Kayak and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 63 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

Start at 7:00 am at Makena Landing Park for a three-hour kayak trip with Tropical Guides & Outfitters. Guide Chris is praised for spotting whales, explaining their behavior, and keeping the group safe. From mid-December through March, you may see breaches, flukes, spouts, and even hear whale songs underwater.

“Kayaking with whales is amazing. Kris was an incredible guide - professional, skilled, and very kind. We were safe and enjoyed seeing many whales "up close".”

Check availability →Read our full review

Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure - A Small Boat Through the Inside Passage
Juneau Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Shore Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

5.Juneau Shore Excursion: Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $494

Join Above and Beyond Alaska for a six-hour Juneau excursion that combines a boat ride up the Inside Passage with guided kayaking in Channel Islands State Marine Park. You’ll paddle in double kayaks through a humpback feeding area, with rain gear, snacks, water, permits, and transport included. Whale sightings are possible but never promised.

“Amazing employees and excursions. I’ve never kayaked before but was given excellent instructions. My kayak mate and I were given the ultimate experience of having a humpback whale surface right in front of our kayak. A once in a life time experience!!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak - Pedaling a Hobie Compass Duo
Kayak Whale Watching, Maui Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak

6.Whale Watch and Scenic Tour from Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

You’ll meet guide La, Justin, Jeanbarakah, or another local guide at Olowalu Beach for a two-and-a-half-hour tour in hands-free Hobie Compass Duo kayaks. From December through April, the focus is humpback whales. Outside whale season, it becomes a scenic ocean trip with reef, turtles, dolphins, and West Maui views.

“Loved this whale watching kayak tour with La! He was personable and knew how to navigate so as not to damage the reefs, while giving us the best change of seeing whales. Despite going before whale season, we still managed to see several. Beautiful morning on the water. Will definitely use La again next time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town - Paddling over Olowalu’s shallow reef channels
Kayak Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips, Whale Watching Tours

Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town

7.Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 hours · from $109Best value

Launch from Olowalu with a small group of up to 10, then paddle over shallow reef channels while guides such as Robbie, Alex, and John point out whales and marine life. After kayaking, swim and snorkel near shore with Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, and possibly octopus. New kayaks and supportive seats add comfort.

“It was such a special and unique experience to be with the turtles. Robbie and Alex were excellent guides - knowledgeable and patient. You can tell their love of these special waters and all the marine life in them!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau - The boat ride through the Inside Passage
Juneau Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau

8.Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure Juneau

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $494

Travel from downtown Juneau to Auke Bay, then by motorboat to Channel Islands State Marine Park for a guided double-kayak outing. Kristine leads the paddling portion and Matt captains the boat. Expect rain gear, snacks, tide pools, and a chance to watch humpback whales from the water, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“It is nearly a full day experience, so worth it though. The tour group will provide for you everything that you need and a very nice stack at the end.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Noosa: Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour - Crossing by ferry and reaching Double Island Point
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Noosa and Sunshine Coast Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Noosa: Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour

9.Epic Whale Watching On Ocean Kayaks & Beach 4X4 Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $123

Meet at The J in Noosa for a six-hour guided outing to Double Island Point. Ride the Tewantin Ferry, cross Noosa North Shore by 4X4, then kayak through Great Sandy National Park waters. Look for whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds, with swimming, snacks, water, and equipment included.

“Getting to the almost deserted rainbow beach , kayaking in beautiful waters with dolphins. Seeing whales further out at sea”

Check availability →Read our full review

Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour - Starting at Discovery Harbour Marina
Canada Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Vancouver Island Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

10.Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $382

Spend about nine hours with a certified naturalist, kayaking the sheltered Discovery Islands before cruising the Salish Sea aboard the covered 12-passenger Wild 1. Lunch, snacks, hot drinks, gear, and private transportation are included. Guides such as Martin, Steve, Taylor, and Al have earned praise for their friendly, careful help.

“Well organised and nice tour. Captain Martin and Kayak Manager Steve, were very well prepared and always friendly and helpful. The lunch on board was really good as were all the snacks served. Very nice 3 hours kayaking in absolute peace! The only downside of the Tour was not seeing the sea lions and eagles fishing (and a few bears on the shore 😓), but you can't see everything. It is perhaps not a Tour I would recommend to photographers, who like us want to capture some of the Canadian wildlife, but it is still a very enjoyable and at the same time relaxing Tour. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Samaná: Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour - Cayo Levantado: beautiful, popular, and not always quiet
Dominican Republic Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Samana Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Samaná: Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour

11.Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 9 reviews · 20 minutes - 7 hours

Start at Samaná Port with seasonal whale watching, then enjoy a Dominican buffet and beach time on Cayo Levantado. Back in town, paddle calm bay waters with a guide and walk the famous bridges. English, Spanish, and French support is offered, though you should confirm your exact package and guide before booking.

“Our trip did not include half of the described activities and there was no English speaking guide. No walk on bridges or kayaking or any educational information about anything”

Check availability →Read our full review

2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two - Getting ready at Everyday California
2-Hour Experiences, Kayak Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two

12.2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch from La Jolla with Everyday California for a two-hour guided kayak trip toward migrating gray whales. You’ll get a kayak, safety lesson, and professional guide, then paddle about two miles west while watching for dolphins, sea lions, birds, and whales. No kayaking experience is needed, but expect an active ocean outing where sightings are never guaranteed.

“My husband and I really enjoyed the kayak tour - we had a great guide - Gerardo at Everday California was knowledgeable and friendly! We saw a whale and dolphins, and the two hours flew by. We would definitely do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour - Starting at Discovery Harbour Marina
Campbell River Whale Watching Tours, Canada Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

13.Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8 reviews · from $360

You’ll spend about half the day kayaking in remote wildlife areas and half aboard the covered Wild 1, whose open deck gives you a clear view of whales, dolphins, seals, bears, and more. Guides provide full kayaking instruction, gear, lunch, and warm drinks. Laura and Stephen have led trips to especially quiet, rewarding places.

“Fantastic company Laura and Stephen were great guides took us to some amazing remote locations . Saw many humpbacks and even lucky enough to see two of them breaching .very organised and delicious packed lunch onboard .”

Check availability →Read our full review

Noosa: Epic Whale Watching Ocean Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4 - The meeting point and the six-hour rhythm
Australia Whale Watching Tours, Kayak Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Noosa: Epic Whale Watching Ocean Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4

14.Epic Whale Watching Ocean Kayak Tour & Beach 4X4

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7 reviews · 6 hours · from $121

Join an English-speaking guide for a six-hour Noosa trip to Double Island Point. Ride a 4X4 along Noosa North Shore, paddle a sea kayak through Great Sandy National Park, and watch for humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays. The tour uses a gentle paddles-up approach, with free time to swim or relax and light snacks included.

“Super Möglichkeit Delfine und Wale vom Wasser aus zu beobachten ohne siebzu stören. Sehr netter und lustiger guide :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour - The 20-minute ride to Orca Cove
Kayak Whale Watching, Ketchikan Whale Watching Tours, Orca Watching Tours, Orca Watching Tours in the USA, Tour Reviews, Tours, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

15.Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $198

Take a 20-minute fast boat ride from Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then paddle rainforest islands and quiet coves for 1.5 to 1.75 hours. A guide such as Matt leads the six-person group, with warm gear, smoked salmon, hummus, hot drinks, vegan snacks, and Alaskan beer provided.

“Beautiful day on the water. Orca Cove is breathtaking. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun to explore with .”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Kayak Whale Watching

★ 5.0Cafes and Kayaks: Full Day Kayaking Adventure on Orcas IslandFrom $1493 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Spotting Kayak Adventure on Orcas IslandFrom $1092 reviews
★ 5.0Orcas Island: Wildlife Spotting Kayak TourFrom $1092 reviews

Keep browsing

Swim with Whales and Dolphins18Whale Watching and Snorkeling Trips48Whale Watching with a Marine Biologist18Small-Group Whale Watching29
Scroll to Top

Go looking for a whale

Pick a hull, a species or a month.

By boat

Cruise BoatsZodiacs and RIBsCatamaransUnder SailPrivate Charters

By species

HumpbacksOrcasGrey WhalesWhale and DolphinWildlife Cruises

Closer in

In-Water SwimsSnorkelling TripsKayak TripsWith a BiologistSmall Groups

Ways to go out

Luxury BoatsSunset SailingsPhotography TripsHalf-Day TripsGuided Trips