The 15 Best Whale Photography Trips Worldwide

1.Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,000 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193Our pick

Cruise from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger catamaran with heated cabins, outdoor decks, hot drinks, and wildlife photographers. Guides such as Petra, Ashley, Wilma, and Megan share facts about whales, seabirds, geology, and local ecosystems. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and porpoises.

“Amazing experience! Friendly and knowledgeable guides, we were amazed they could identify the whales we saw withina few minutes and give us some of their family history. It was great that there was a warm inside space and free tea, coffee and hot chocolate as it was a little drizzly and cold. Our 7 year-old loved everything about the trip as well!”

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2.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,260 reviews · 5 hours · from $188

Set out from Granville Island aboard a fast, covered catamaran for a 3 to 5-hour search for orcas, humpbacks, seals and seabirds. Guides such as Ashley, Wilma and Victor share marine facts while the crew photographs the action and emails high-resolution images. Choose a half-day or sunset departure, with heated indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks.

“Very knowledgeable & excellent idea giving us their photos via email.”

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3.Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,259 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $154

Set out from Victoria’s Inner Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with open decks, a heated cabin, washrooms, and complimentary drinks. Naturalists such as Megan, Reid, Jessy, and Janae explain the Salish Sea as you search for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and eagles. Free wildlife photos arrive after the trip.

“This was a fabulous way to spend an afternoon. I was hoping to see Humpback Whales and Prince of Whales did not disappoint. We saw many Humpbacks and then an Orca (Janet Nielson) showed up and it was like a Christmas miracle (he's rarely seen). The crew (Megan and Janae) were informative and knowledgable and Michael provided fabulous pictures afterward (included with the price of the trip). A must see and do when visiting Victoria. PS Captain Richard and First Mate Sandy did a great job too.”

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4.Whale Watching Cabo-Women crew-Sightings Guaranteed & Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,743 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $100

Join Cabo Nature in Cabo San Lucas for a two-hour whale search led by a women crew of marine biologists. Ride with up to 10 people, listen to whale songs through a hydrophone, stop at El Arco, and receive digital photos. If no whales appear, you can return on a second tour at no extra charge.

“It was amazing. Boat captain was great and guide was knowledgeable! The whale sounds from the underwater microphone were other worldly. We saw several mother whales with their babies. Overall, it was well worth it.”

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5.Vancouver Sunset Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 454 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $193

Cruise from Granville Island aboard a 95-passenger Salish Sea Catamaran with naturalists such as Jill, Ashley, Jake, and Victor. Look for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles while guides explain local wildlife and geology. The boat has heated indoor seating, open decks, washrooms, hot drinks, and free wildlife photos sent by email.

“The reviews were glowing which made me suspicious. But the reviews were spot on and I’ll echo the compliments. Being out on the water in the late day sun was gloriously beautiful. Seeing humpback whales nearby in the open waters felt so sublime. Then seeing the pod of Orcas near Gambier Island was the ultimate. Jill provided very informative narration throughout the trip. She knew so much, even the names, ages and personalities of the Orcas. In addition, the fast catamaran ride was thrilling on its own. To top it off, they sent us the closeup photos of the whales just a few hours after the ride was done. I…”

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6.Covered Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 387 reviews · 4 hours · from $149

From Victoria’s Wharf Street, you’ll spend about four hours aboard a purpose-built Salish Sea catamaran, guided by marine naturalists such as Algebra, Michael, and Reid. Search for orcas and humpbacks in Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with heated indoor seating, open decks, hot drinks, and free high-resolution photos included.

“Seating wasn’t comfortable but expected for a tour boat. Crew was fantastic”

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7.Los Cabos Whale Watching (Transportation and Pictures Included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 290 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Set out from Cabo San Lucas Marina with a small group, stopping at El Arco and its sea lions before searching the Gulf of California for humpback whales. Guides such as Leonardo, Lorenzo, Pablo, and Alejandro explain whale behavior and local wildlife. Hotel pickup, snacks, water, and tour photos are included.

“The transportation is terrible. They couldn’t even pick us up at our hotel because they weren’t allowed to get through, and we had to take a taxi to get there, and my wife who can’t walk far I had to walk about 400 yards to get to the fear.”

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8.Cabo: Whale-Whatching Boat Trip w/ All-Women Crew and Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 202 reviews · from $91

Join Cabo Nature for a two-hour whale watch aboard an 8-meter boat with up to 12 passengers. A marine biologist such as Aurora, Mariana, or Nina explains humpback and gray whales, while the crew photographs the trip and may use a hydrophone so you can hear whales sing. Morning departures usually offer calmer water.

“This trip was outstanding!!!!! Mariana the Marine Biologist was so informative and interesting. Oscar the captain was excellent as well. We absolutely loved everything about this tour. We got up close to sea lions and over 10 whales. She also took photos! Do not miss the opportunity to take this tour!”

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9.Los Cabos: Whale Watching (Transport and Pictures Included)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 138 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $94

From Cabo San Lucas, you’ll cruise past the Arch and sea lion colony before spending about two hours seeking whales in the Gulf of California. Guides such as Pablo, Paulo, Leonardo, and Fernando explain whale behavior in English or Spanish while a photographer takes pictures. Hotel transfers, water, snacks, and a sighting guarantee are included.

“Everyone was so accommodating, very much recommend going on this whale watching adventure, so much fun. Saw a jumping marlin also.”

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10.Telegraph Cove: Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 130 reviews · 3 hours · from $149

From Telegraph Cove, ride the semi-covered Ocean Magic II into Johnstone Strait with three naturalists, live commentary, warm drinks, and free wildlife photos. Look for orcas, humpbacks, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Guides such as Val, Scott, Luke, Abi, Kennedy, and Captain Connor have led recent trips.

“We had a beautiful day, we saw orca’s, humpback whale, sealions and a lot of dolphins. It was amazing.”

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11.Whale Watching by Zodiac in Cabo San Lucas with Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 119 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Best value

Set out from Cabo San Lucas on a 28-foot Apex Zodiac for a 2.5-hour whale watch during the December to April season. Guides such as Pepe, Mario, Razz, and Pedro share whale facts, use a hydrophone for underwater songs, and provide photos and videos after the trip. Expect humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and the occasional breach.

“What a great experience. The tour guides were amazing and shared information about Cabo history as well as whale and marine behavior. This group is very conscious of whale safety and respectful to their environment and surroundings. We followed a trio of whales for many miles which was beautiful and tranquil. Would definitely do it again!”

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12.Whale Watching & Snorkeling Combo in Los Cabos with Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $125

Spend about two hours looking for gray and humpback whales around Cabo with guides such as Mario, Fernando, or Alex, then snorkel for about an hour at a reef filled with fish, rays, sea lions, and perhaps turtles. The small group, included gear, snacks, water, sunscreen, photos, and videos make this a practical half-day outing.

“We had a wonderful morning outing with Fernando and Fergus. Our trip was scheduled for the last week of whale watching season. The experience began with Fernando describing the geology and history of Land’s End as Fergus positioned us at perfect vantage points. Then we headed out into the sea for whale watching. Stretches of serene motoring were occasionally punctuated by whale sightings. Fergus took us to a reef where we snorkeled to our hearts’ content. The sea life was amazing, the water was the perfect temperature. After snorkeling and being offered snacks we were ready for more whale watching. We were thrilled to see a mother, baby and nurse…”

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13.Educational Sunrise Whale Watching with Photos Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Meet Angelika and the Proyecto Cetáceo team at 6:00 am for a small-group boat trip from Cabo San Lucas Marina. Hear whale sounds through a hydrophone, spend about two hours searching the open ocean, then visit Lover’s Beach, the sea lion colony, and the Arch. Photos are included.

“The sunrise cruise was worth getting up early. Angelica was an amazing guide. She was so knowledgable and pleasant. The boat Captain did a great job in getting us to see the whales. The whale songs were captivating.”

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14.Whale Tour, Arch, Professional Photos & Hydrophone

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $142

Set out from Cabo San Lucas Marina with a certified nature guide and captain for a two-hour whale search along the peninsula. You’ll visit the Arch and nearby rock formations, hear whale songs through a hydrophone, receive professional photos, and take home a handmade souvenir. Groups are limited to 12 people.

“We had a great time and saw many whales. Tour guide and captain were awesome! We saw a bunch of amazing sites along the way also.”

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15.Whale Watch Cabo: Zodiac Whale Adventure – FREE Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $122

Join Whale Watch Cabo for a 2.5-hour zodiac trip from Cabo San Lucas, led in English or Spanish by a marine biologist guide. Groups are capped at 10, with free tour photos sent by Dropbox. You’ll pass the Arch, search for humpback whales, and may hear their songs through a hydrophone.

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