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The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips Worldwide

160 tours  ·  from $17 a head

The boats that get closest without chasing, wherever in the world they sail from. These 15 are priced and timed, with the season each one runs in and the animal you are going out for.

Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester - Why Stellwagen Bank matters
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Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

1.Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,460 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $48Our pick

Cruise from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank aboard the fast Hurricane II, with a naturalist such as Jessica or Tina explaining humpbacks, fin whales, dolphins, and more. The four-hour trip includes heated indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks, and a galley, but bring layers and arrive 45 minutes early.

“We had a wonderful time ! They did a great job finding whales and then getting us over to see them! The only thing we would recommend is more speakers. The Naturalist was very knowledgeable but we couldn’t hear her. Also, maybe a little better communication on the whole process, what was going to be happening throughout the day. We really enjoyed it though and would recommend it to anyone coming to the area. Thank you for a great day.”

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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat - Boarding beside Skarven Kro in Tromsø
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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

2.Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,217 reviews · from $195

Spend up to nine hours sailing from Tromsø toward Skjervøy, where herring attract orcas, humpback, fin, and sperm whales. Brim Explorer’s hybrid-electric catamaran has heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and several viewing decks. Guides such as Connor, Bee, Adrian, and Ivan share whale facts and local stories while you search.

“Great trip in comfort in the warmth and with freedom of movement, we saw killer whales and whales top”

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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks - A catamaran that does not feel packed
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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

3.Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,653 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41

Sail from Puerto Colón with a friendly English- and Spanish-speaking crew, often including guides such as Lucy, Danny, or Tony. The catamaran carries up to 50 people, searches for resident pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southwest coast, and serves water, soft drinks, and beer. Choose three hours for a swim and snorkel stop.

“I really enjoyed this trip. The boat wasn't overcrowded and we saw pilot whales and dolphins. The information given was just enough to be interesting without an overload. Plenty of soft drinks and water available.”

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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship - Why humpback whales are the main event
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Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

4.3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,000 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Sail from Akureyri with an English-speaking naturalist guide aboard a fast, specially modified whale-watching ship. Look for humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, and minke whales in Eyjafjörður, using thermal overalls when needed. The heated cabin, viewing windows, Wi-Fi, onboard café, and crew photographs make this a practical choice in Iceland’s changeable weather.

“It was an amazing experience. I got some good footage. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see quite a few whales. Can’t wait to see the footage they send out after the tour.”

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Azores: Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist - From Vila Franca marina to open Atlantic water
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Azores: Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist

5.Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,945 reviews · 3 hours · from $73

Set out from Vila Franca do Campo in a fast zodiac with a marine biologist or wildlife guide. Look for resident sperm whales, dolphins and seasonal species, then circle volcanic Vila Franca Islet. Expect an active, sometimes bumpy ride, useful safety gear, and careful wildlife viewing. Pickup from Ponta Delgada is optional.

“Had a great time on the tour. The Biologist (Rose?) was very engaging and gave us great information about what we were seeing. I also appreciate that they want us to understand and be respectful of the ocean and the wildlife. We saw a whale multiple times and had dolphins swimming with us throughout the tour. I would highly recommend this tour”

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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide - Boarding the traditional oak ship
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Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

6.Whale Watching Tour with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,761 reviews · 3 hours · from $115

Join North Sailing in Húsavík for a three-hour whale-watching cruise on Skjálfandi Bay. Your English-speaking guide points out humpback and minke whales, dolphins, seabirds, and more from a traditional oak boat. Warm overalls, live commentary, hot chocolate, and a cinnamon bun are included.

“Great Guides, had a lot of fun and the female Guide (don’t remember her name unfortunately) did such a great job on commenting where to see the whales and gave many interesting Information.”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour - Choosing Tadoussac or Baie-Ste-Catherine
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

7.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $98

Set out from Tadoussac or Baie-Ste-Catherine in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac for a 2 to 2.5-hour whale watch. Bilingual naturalists point out minke, humpback, fin, and beluga whales when conditions cooperate. Waterproof gear is provided, and the route may include the Saguenay Fjord, Prince Shoal Light, and steep cliffs near the river mouth.

“knowledge of guide and beauty of location. seeing so many whales and so many different types of whale. fantastic afternoon.”

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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour - Searching the Atlantic for whales, dolphins, and turtles
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All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

8.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Set out from Funchal with a sparkling wine welcome, then search for whales, dolphins, and turtles aboard a spacious catamaran limited to a small group. Guides such as Liv, David, Maggie, and Nico share facts about Madeira and marine life. The tour includes local snacks, unlimited drinks, snorkeling gear, and a swim beneath Cabo Girão.

“Gre at boat, maximum of 17 people. loads of space. Great drinks and snacks. It is double the price of other trips but well worth it. Saw other boats crammed with people. This was perfect.”

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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - What happens from Front Street to the open water
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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

9.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

From Lahaina, you’ll ride a low zodiac raft for eye-level whale watching from December to April, or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. Marine naturalists explain Maui’s sea life, and a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs in season. Expect ocean spray, a small group, and no guaranteed close encounters.

“We had a great experience! The captain Jack worked very hard to give us a great experience! Highly recommend!”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide - What the route through Faxaflói Bay feels like
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

10.Whale Watching Tour with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,422 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $87

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay aboard Andrea, Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship. An English-speaking guide points out minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. You get warm overalls, indoor seating, WiFi, a café, and a free return ticket if no whales appear.

“I booked this to celebrate my 40th birthday and was trying to manage my expectations that we might not see any whale. However, we saw a minke on the way to the feeding ground, then at least 3 humpbacks. The guide was really good at sharing interesting information, then pointing us where to look. You also get access to a folder with the photos the guide took. It was really incredible - a real bucket list thing ticked off!”

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour - From Old Fisherman’s Wharf to open water
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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

11.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,300 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $75

Cruise from Old Fisherman’s Wharf into Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with Discovery Whale Watch. Expect sea lions at the harbor, feeding humpbacks in summer and fall, and migrating gray whales in winter. Biologist guides such as Isiah, Maddy, and Isaiah explain the wildlife, while the small boat gives you room to move for a better view.

“The whales of course. Getting close. It was fun bouncing in a boat again. Great guides. Funny. Knowledgeable. Price was a little steep, but still worth it.”

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Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca - The boat ride from the Los Gigantes harbor
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Los Gigantes: Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

12.Whale or Dolphin Watching Tour and Swim in Masca

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,229 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join a two-hour English or Spanish boat trip from Los Gigantes with guides such as Juan Carlos and George. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, pause for a 15-minute swim in Masca Bay, and enjoy a water, soda, or beer. The boat has shade, but bring a towel, sunscreen, goggles, and your own snorkeling gear.

“The activity was fun, interesting and worth every penny. The guide was funny and polite. He answered every question we had and made up laugh a lot of times.”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour - Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine: choose the easier start
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

13.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: 3-Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,179 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Spend three hours on the St. Lawrence with AML Cruises, looking for up to 13 whale species and seals in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. French and English naturalist guides explain the animals and fjord. Choose open decks, a glazed indoor room, Upper Deck Access, or a VIP option with food and drinks during booking.

“An excellent well organized activity. There were plenty of whales to see and the guide was quick to point out the marine life. The boat was clean and the staff were friendly and courteous. We throughly enjoyed the trip and would recommend it. Note, we dressed warmly and were fine. Hat and gloves is a must if you like to be outside on deck. Overall wonderful experience.”

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No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first - we care - Meeting Tenerife’s resident pilot whales
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No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

14.No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first – we care

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,168 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Spend two hours aboard Bahriyeli, a 23-meter, two-mast Turkish gulet sailing from Los Cristianos. Marine specialists explain pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other sea life while the crew keeps a strict no-chase policy. You’ll also get views of Mount Teide, a large salon, toilets, and a chance to support marine conservation.

“Loved the guide and comfortable boat. Staff super friendly and well-informed. Emphasis on ocean preservation is crucial”

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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

15.Eco Yacht Whale Watching Tour at Sunset

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

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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New in Tours

★ 5.0Basque Country : Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat ToursFrom $1997 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching TourFrom $749 reviews
★ 4.7Anacortes: Orca Whales Guaranteed Boat Tour near SeattleFrom $19933 reviews
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★ 5.0Anacortes: Full Day Whale/Wildlife Tour; Friday Harbor StopFrom $2795 reviews
★ 4.1Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from PortFrom $14119 reviews
★ 4.7Whales and Wildlife Boat Tour with SnacksFrom $16021 reviews
★ 5.03.5-Hour Small Group Whale Watching TourFrom $1892 reviews
★ 3.53h Whale watching Share Tour Costa Adeje Lina7 MizendohaFrom $6511 reviews
★ 4.53h Whale Watching Private tour Beneteau Oceanis 4406 reviews
★ 3.82-Day Whale Watching & Southern Sri Lanka TourFrom $2926 reviews
★ 5.03h Whale Watching Private Tour Costa Adeje Lina7 Mizendoha3 reviews
★ 4.5RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from ReykjavikFrom $208241 reviews
★ 5.0Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La PazFrom $34958 reviews
★ 4.5Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel TourFrom $23920 reviews

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