Best of · SAFARI

Our 15 Best Whale Safaris Worldwide

34 tours  ·  from $29 a head

Whales do not read timetables, so the boat and the month do most of the work. These 15 whale safaris are priced and dated, and clear about what a blank day looks like.

Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - Leaving Puerto Los Cristianos on the Bahriyeli
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

1.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29Our pick

From Puerto Los Cristianos, you’ll spend two hours aboard the Bahriyeli, a large sailing ketch with open viewing decks and an indoor salon. Government-certified guides speak Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian, explaining pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the local sea. The boat does not chase animals, and part of your ticket supports Neptunes Pirates UK.

“We saw a lot of dolphins and whales, the guides explained a lot. It was overall a very calm and slow trip, which we enjoyed. Thanks.”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele - The long run toward Skjervøy
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

2.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Gabriele

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,937 reviews · 6 hours · from $207

Sail from Tromsø toward Skjervøy on the warm, fast MS Gabriele, searching for orcas and humpback whales that follow the herring. Guides such as Lorenzo, Raul, and Bjørnar explain the wildlife in English. Watch from heated windows or three outdoor decks, with a bar serving drinks, snacks, and light meals.

“the staff were very efficient and the day was seamless. Great informative information given throughout, highly recommend the experience”

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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise - Auckland Harbour Bridge and Waitemata Harbour
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Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

3.Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,790 reviews · from $135

Cruise Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf for 4.5 hours aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain whales, dolphins, seabirds, and conservation work as you pass Rangitoto, Motutapu, and other islands. Depart from Viaduct Harbour, bring warm layers and sunscreen, and remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Wonderful start to finish with excellent staff, more dolphins than I ever expected and endless beautiful views all around the gulf. Can’t recommend this highly enough!”

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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari - Meeting the boat in Tromsø
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From Tromsø: All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

4.All-Inclusive Whale & Orca Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,221 reviews · from $186

Join Polar Adventures at 8 AM for an eight-hour cruise from Tromsø to Skjervøy. Guides such as Juan, Raul, Pedro, and Holly share whale facts while you search for orcas, humpbacks, fin whales, seabirds, and white-tailed eagles. The heated boat includes thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, lunch, toilets, USB charging, and outdoor viewing decks.

“We saw orcas. The guide answered all our questions. It was a great experience for us. We had a hard time seeing whales. We only saw 1 or 2. The food they gave was also filling, everything was great.”

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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Meeting the crew in central Húsavík
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

5.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

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

From central Húsavík, you’ll board a modern RIB with up to 12 passengers, visit Puffin Island in season, and search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Guides such as Matteo, Carla, Jo, and Beatriz provide live commentary, while warm overalls help against Iceland’s cold, wet weather.

“It was fantastic, one of the best experiences of my life !”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Puffin Island from April through mid-August
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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

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

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

From Húsavík, you’ll spend about two hours on a small RIB speedboat searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and porpoises. During puffin season, the trip also visits Puffin Island. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Victoria, and Milo have led past departures. Warm safety overalls are supplied, but bring extra layers.

“Wonderful experience. The staff were very nice helping us dress for the trip. We were lucky to see a Humpback whale. The crew tried hard to make sure we all able to witness the whales appearance. We felt safe and had fun with this RIB boat tour. Highly recommended.”

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Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching - Pelican Rock is the water stop with the most uncertainty
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Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

7.Open Ocean Safari and Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $215

Set out from Cabo San Lucas at 9:00 am with a small group of up to 10 people and Apex Ocean Divers guides such as Nick, Rafa, Alex, or Kyla. Search the Pacific and Sea of Cortez for whales, dolphins, mobula rays, sea lions, sharks, and marlin, then snorkel near Pelican Rock and nearby reefs. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“The open ocean safari could not have been more spectacular! Nick & Rafa are an awesome team and ensured we had time in the water to snorkel with beautiful fish and see so many humpback whales, dolphins & sea lions! Nick also provided much information about the marine life in the area. Great drone and underwater photography to remember it too! Highly recommend this excursion! One note: I would advise packing your patience and leaving some flexibility in your schedule. Based on our experiences with a couple excursions in Cabo, they don’t always happen as “confirmed” and there may not be much notice if any at all. Do your own…”

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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm - The long run toward the herring
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Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

8.Tromsø Whale Safari with MS Keiser Wilhelm

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 161 reviews · from $194

Sail from Tromsø’s Nerstranda Quay aboard the white catamaran MS Keiser Wilhelm for a 6 to 8 hour whale safari. English-speaking guides, including guides such as Mario on some departures, explain whale behavior as you search for orcas and humpbacks. Watch from large cabin windows or the open deck, with drinks and snacks sold onboard.

“The trip was amazing, saw whale and orcas.the crew was really good and informative. There was just some noise in the cabin which could be improved.”

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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy - The early departure from Tromsø
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Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

9.Whale Watching RIB Safari at Skjervøy

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 136 reviews · 3 - 12 hours · from $251

Join a small group of up to 12 for a 2.5 to 3-hour RIB safari off Skjervøy. You may see orcas, humpbacks, or fin whales against snowy fjords. Guides such as Ina and Iver provide warm suits, boots, gloves, goggles, and careful wildlife viewing. Choose transport from Tromsø or meet the team in Skjervøy.

“Honestly the boat trip was amazing. They took such good care of us and made sure we were comfortable and warm. They were really good at getting us where we needed to be to see the orcas, and predicting where they were going to be. Amazing guides. The coach trip from Tromsø was also fairly painless. The coach was comfortable and the driver was very helpful”

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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise - What the one-hour route really includes
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Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

10.Sea Safari, Dolphins, Turtles and Waikiki Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 124 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $46

Cruise from Kewalo Basin along Waikiki’s coast aboard the 50-foot Haleiwa Queen. Captain Austin, Casey, Jason, Ford, and other crew members have been praised for friendly commentary and local insight. Look through four underwater viewing ports for reef fish and turtles, while dolphins and seasonal whales remain possible, not guaranteed.

“As most of the other comments say, this is NOT a whale watching trip. But unless you check reviews and not just stars, youre likely to be disappointed. The boat doesn't even go into deeper waters where a whale might be, unless the capt. spots something worth the detour. I absolutely would've paid more for the proper longer tour if I'd known.”

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Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales - Mobula rays are the signature encounter
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Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

11.Ocean Safari: Sea Lions, Mobula Rays, Dolphins, Orcas & Whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $179

From La Ventana, you’ll spend about five hours aboard a panga searching for mobula rays, dolphins, whales, and the occasional orca. The group is limited to six, with snorkeling equipment and lunch included. Guides such as Juan, Alejandro, and Andrea are praised for sharp wildlife spotting and careful, respectful behavior around the animals.

“I loved this excursion! Our guide, Juan, knows his stuff. Above all, they prioritized the safety of the animals. Super respectful, experienced, & ridiculously good at spotting whales.”

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Humpback Whale Safari - An early 7:30 am start in Coral Bay
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Humpback Whale Safari

12.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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Whale Safari in Tromso - A cold and bumpy crossing
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Whale Safari in Tromso

13.Whale Safari in Tromso

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 63 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $182

Sail from Tromsø at 9:00 a.m. on a 6 to 8-hour catamaran trip through the fjords and toward the whale grounds. English-speaking guides such as Lorenzo, Raul, Eide, and Mario share facts about orcas and humpbacks. The boat has restrooms, WiFi, indoor seating, decks, and a café, but bring warm layers and motion-sickness medicine.

“It was exciting and fun and we met some great people, but the boat was very crowded and some shorter people got stuck behind taller people in the front and were not able to see the whales very well. Couldn't they install some risers with railings on the deck so that people in the back can see over those in the front?”

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Trincomalee: Whale & Dolphin Safari Tour with Expert Guides - Leaving Trincomalee harbor on a small speedboat
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Trincomalee: Whale & Dolphin Safari Tour with Expert Guides

14.Whale & Dolphin Safari Tour with Expert Guides

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 53 reviews · 1 day · from $71

Set out early from Trincomalee harbor on a small speedboat with an English, German, French, Russian, or Chinese-speaking guide. Search for blue and fin whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and seabirds, while the crew follows responsible whale-watching rules. The 2 to 3 hour trip includes water, biscuits, life jackets, and scenic views of the Hindu temple.

“Amazing Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour in Trincomalee! I had an incredible experience on this whale and dolphin watching tour in Trincomalee! The boat was small and not crowded, which made it feel really safe and personal. The crew was so friendly and knowledgeable.they made the whole trip enjoyable from start to finish. We were lucky to see a huge group of dolphins up close, and even spotted a fin whale in the distance! What I appreciated most was how respectful they were to the animals no chasing, no loud engines, just a calm and responsible approach. This was honestly the highlight of my trip to Sri Lanka. If you’re…”

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SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR - A cove for swimming and snorkeling
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SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

15.SEA SAFARI Dolphins, Whales, 3h speedboat DISCOVERY-TOUR

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78

From Puerto Colón, join a maximum of 11 people for a three-hour Sea Safari along Tenerife’s south coast. Captain Eric may take you near dolphins and pilot whales, then to a sheltered cove for swimming and snorkeling. Masks, drinks, sandwiches and a BladeFish underwater scooter are included.

“Lovely 3 hours. Saw dolphins, whales, turtles and crabs. Different way to see Tenerife. No pressure to leave boat and swim. I was with my 71 year old mother and she thoroughly enjoyed the trip.”

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New in Safari

★ 5.0SEA SAFARI Dolphins,Whales, snorkeling, snack, drink, 3h private7 reviews
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★ 5.0Private Whale Watching Safari from North Shore Oahu3 reviews
★ 5.0AAA Noosa National Park Tour and Dolphin Safari WhalesongsnoosaFrom $685 reviews
★ 4.53 Hour Ocean Safari by Zodiac Boat -Whales & Icebergs seasonallyFrom $933 reviews
★ 5.0Majestic Mammals Of Sri Lanka: Whale & Elephant Safari TourFrom $4292 reviews
★ 3.5Summer Whale Safari in Andenes (Andøy, Vesterålen)From $1942 reviews
★ 4.0Whale safari with Puffins and Muffins (Andøy, Vesterålen)From $2056 reviews
★ 4.5Alta Fjord: Whale Safari ExperienceFrom $2642 reviews
★ 3.3Whale Watching Photo SafariFrom $893 reviews
★ 4.5Pasikuda to Trincomalee: Whale & Dolphin Safari + TransportFrom $1184 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury EcoMarine Safari – Whale & Dolphin Watching AdventureFrom $1124 reviews
★ 5.0Los Cabos: Whale Watching Safari & Free time at Lovers BeachFrom $586 reviews

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