Best of · SAILING AND YACHT WHALE WATCHING

Where to Watch Whales Under Sail: the 15 Best Trips Worldwide

23 tours  ·  from $13 a head

Engines off, canvas up, and an approach quiet enough that the animals stay. These 15 yacht and sailing trips carry the smallest groups on the site, and several are the cheapest way out of their harbour.

Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming - Travelin Lady and the eco-yacht design
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Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

1.Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15,619 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Join Ines and the Travelin Lady crew for a 90-minute whale and dolphin trip from Los Cristianos. The purpose-built eco-yacht keeps animals away from its propellers, cruises without chasing, visits the Cave of Love, and ends with swimming or snorkeling if sea conditions and time allow.

“Great experience! The tour guides were really nice and courteous! I would definitely recommend this tour!”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht - Amelia Rose makes the three hours easier
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

2.Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor aboard the Amelia Rose, an offshore yacht with three panoramic decks, a cozy bar, WiFi, blankets, and a smoother ride than many smaller boats. Guides such as Lucky and Roman explain whale behavior as you search Faxaflói Bay for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and perhaps orcas.

“The yacht is very nice and sails smooth. We saw several humpback and minke whales along with dolphins. The guide was great and very helpful to point out where to look and also gave a lot of information on each species.”

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Los Cristianos: Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset - A boat built for wildlife, not just adapted for it
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Los Cristianos: Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset

3.Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,130 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $17

Set out from Los Cristianos aboard Travelin Lady, a low, stable eco-yacht built for whale watching. Guides such as Ines, Sergio, and Fede explain the wildlife in English and Spanish, with audio support in four more languages. Expect pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, sunset views, and possibly a swim stop if the animals are found early.

“Wonderful! The best value for the money! Saw a lot of dolphins and whales in 1,5 hours… amazing! Good stuff and very prepared about the whales!”

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Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat - Two hours in the Atlantic with pilot whales
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Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

4.Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,040 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

Sail from Los Gigantes with David, Jamie, Eileen, or another multilingual crew member on a three-hour cruise for up to 10 people. Look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stop to swim and snorkel below the cliffs. Fresh fruit, sandwiches, wine, beer, cava, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.

“This was an unforgettable experience.The crew were amazing , could speak many languages and took the time to explain what was happening and what we were seeing .They clearly care about the environment and the creatures in the sea, it shines through .I am not a confident person in the water but they looked after me very well on the boat . We saw many whales and dolphins along the way .Would give this experience 6 stars if I could”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour - Searching for dolphins and whales off Madeira
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

5.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,642 reviews · from $63

Sail from Funchal with a small group of up to 20 people, looking for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles within 3 miles of Madeira. The crew, including guides such as Bruno, Roberto, José, and Marco, offers drinks, snorkeling gear, and a stop near 580-meter Cabo Girão for swimming before sunset.

“Lovely tour guides and beautiful sunset views. Drinks included which was very nice. Opportunity to go for a swim”

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Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop - Looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles
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Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop

6.Tenerife Los Cristianos: Whale and Dolphin Eco-Yacht and Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,375 reviews · 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.) · from $18

You’ll cruise from Los Cristianos along the Palm Mar coast aboard a Blue Boat-certified yacht, looking for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The crew explains the wildlife, passes the cave of love, and stops for about 20 minutes of swimming when sea conditions allow. Bring your own snorkel gear and arrive 20 minutes early.

“this tour was overall great. we didn’t at 5pm to also see the sunset. it must be noted that we didn’t see any whales, only dolphins but i understand that is subject to change. also there was no swim spot, little bit of a let down on that.”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip - Searching up to three miles offshore for marine life
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

7.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Set out from Funchal Marina on a three-hour yacht trip with a captain, crew, and live guide in English or Portuguese. Watch for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles offshore, then swim or snorkel near Cabo Girão. Bruno and Joseph have been praised for their warm, lively hosting, while the small group keeps the boat comfortable.

“This tour was absolutely amazing! We had so much fun on board and also saw some Dolphins. It was just magical! It is a smaller group of people which we really appreciated, also in comparison to other tours with catamarans. The tour guide Bruno was so nice, he took time to talk to every group of people individually and overall made the vibe on the boat fun and lighthearted by making jokes. I would really recommend this tour to everyone!”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise - Searching the bay for whales and dolphins
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

8.Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 707 reviews · 3 hours · from $106

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard MY Harpa or MY Amelia Rose for three hours of wildlife watching in Faxafloi Bay. English and Icelandic guides, warm blankets, WiFi, a bar, and indoor and outdoor viewing areas make this a comfortable choice. Guides such as Lucky and Rebecca have helped guests spot humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and summer puffins.

“Even though the weather was really unpredictable we were able to see whales and puffins Due to choppy seas one of our party was feeling quite queasy and they had sickness tablets available for free Friendly staff who were very informative”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H) - Searching for whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

9.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 691 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Sail from Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter El Mojo Picón with captain Antonio or another multilingual guide. The three-hour trip combines whale and dolphin watching in the Teno-Rasca Marine Reserve, a swim or snorkel stop, views of the 600-meter cliffs, and cold tapas-style snacks with drinks. Shared trips take up to 9 guests, or you can book privately for up to 10.

“Antonio’s boat journey was amazing! The boat was comfortable, the views stunning, and Antonio’s passion and knowledge made it unforgettable. Highly recommend!”

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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik - Engey, Lundey, and Viðey from the water
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Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

10.Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 684 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $102

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for about three hours. An onboard guide explains whale behavior while the crew searches for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sometimes orcas. You’ll also pass Harpa, Engey, Lundey, and Viðey. Dress warmly, since the viewing decks are cold.

“Tour was very good, staff were very friendly and good at spotting the whales and ensuring we got a good view of them. Guide was very informative as well! We got to see Humpback whales and Minke Whales and a lot closer than I thought we would get! Only small drawback for our experience was that we were told to arrive for 08:30, but boarding wasn't until 9am and the boat didn't set off until almost half past. Which obviously wasn't the case for others on the tour as we were the only ones to arrive at this time...”

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Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling - Meeting the Roulette at Puerto Colón
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Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

11.Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 652 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Join Roulette Charters at Puerto Colón for a three-hour sail along Tenerife’s south coast. A crew led by captains such as Salvador looks for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stops for swimming and snorkeling. The 12-meter yacht carries no more than 10 passengers and includes sandwiches, cake, snacks, drinks, and equipment.

“We had a great time! A beautiful trip with a warm and caring crew who knew a lot about the animals living in and around the sea of Tenerife. Also respected the animals and the area they live in. We saw pilot whales, red fin tuna, dolphins and tried to find a big whale that was seen in the area the day before. We didn’t spot the last one, but the rest of the animals that we have seen during the trip were more than enough to make it an unforgettable one!”

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Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat - Looking for pilot whales and dolphins
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Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

12.Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 608 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $90Top rated

Sail from Los Gigantes on a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser with a maximum of 10 people. Guides such as Jaime, Eileen, and David explain the marine life and cliffs while you look for pilot whales and dolphins, then stop to swim and snorkel. Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, water, and drinks are included.

“The staff on board were great. They were really knowledgeable about the wildlife, the water and gave some great recommendations for places to visit in the local area. I'd recommend another visit for them alone.”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time - Meeting Captain Guy and the other possible guides
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

13.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 511 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78

Cruise from Puerto Colón with a small group of up to 11 people, looking for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles. Captains such as Guy, Alex, Dani, or Maximilian share facts about the sea, then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Champagne, sandwiches, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are included.

“We saw several sets of whales, the food/drink was fun. The guide was great, Guy has a great personality and really wants to share his knowledge of the ocean and marine life.”

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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta - What happens on the water in Banderas Bay
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Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

14.Sunsets and Whales Mega Yachts ALL INCLUSIVE: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 509 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard a comfortable yacht with Chica Locca Tours, searching for humpback whales and dolphins before sunset. Guides such as Isaiah and Luis add lively commentary, while the crew serves drinks, guacamole, blue corn chips, and sometimes ceviche. Expect music, dancing, port security, and a possible delay at departure.

“It was better than expected. The waiting was marginally tense but when we boarded, we found a very comfortable space and welcoming crew. We were immediately asked if we wish any type of beverage as we sat with anticipation. Instructions were explained as well as expectations. This was important since the whale watching season was ending and the chance of seeing whales might be limited. We had many moments where we saw many whales. Food was brought to guests on the ship to avoid mishaps. Food was sufficient to satisfy. If food is your priority you may want to consider a cruise. Kudos to the crew for doing a marvelous…”

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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise - Searching for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and puffins
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Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

15.Whale Watching & Dolphin Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor aboard Harpa or Amelia Rose for roughly three hours on Faxafloi Bay. Watch for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and summer puffins while guides explain the wildlife. You’ll have outdoor viewing decks, warm indoor areas, blankets, Wi-Fi, a bar, and a free second tour if no wildlife appears.

“Highly informative and well- organized whale watching ride. Our guide was passionate about sharing the types and habits of whales and dolphins. And was just as passionate about the science of finding the sight of them. You have to be quick, however to not only be where you need to be to view the latest sighting but be mindful of the overzealous who will cut in front of you. Nice boat with inside and outside options.”

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Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife South - A Quiet Bay for Swimming and Snorkeling
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Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife South

19★ 5.0Whale and Dolphin Small Group Sailing from Tenerife SouthFrom $60342 reviews

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