Best of · USA WHALE WATCHING TOURS

The 15 Best Whale Watching Tours in the USA

98 tours  ·  from $27 a head

Four coastlines, four different animals: Alaskan humpbacks in summer, Stellwagen Bank finbacks out of Boston, the Hawaiian breeding channel in winter and the Californian grey whale commute. These 15 are grouped by month and price.

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching - What the boat is like for three hours on the water
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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

1.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,379 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177Our pick

Meet Alaska Tales near Juneau’s Mount Roberts Tramway for a port pickup, a brief Mendenhall Glacier photo stop, and a boat ride from Auke Bay. You’ll have heated cabins, outdoor decks, snacks, bottled water, and naturalist commentary. Guides such as Kacie, Genevieve, Ashley, and Nate explain whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks.

“What’s a whale watching adventure after the whales migrate out of the area? It’s a little boat ride out. It’s a little boat ride back. Fortunately for us, it was a beautiful day. And the crew was delightful.”

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Out on the water with humpback whales
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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

2.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,236 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $249

Spend about 45 to 50 minutes at Mendenhall Glacier, then cruise Juneau’s coast aboard a warm, wildlife-viewing boat. Local guides such as Michelle, Nate, Taylor, Leon, and Jay share stories about the area and its whales. Expect comfortable viewing, a small snack, and a whale sighting guarantee, but bring binoculars for distant animals.

“Loved Alaska Tours with Kacie, Justin, and Nate aboard the George Mason. Very informative and we saw 2 whales that breeched! So exciting to see Sasha and her baby Chacha! Kacie knows her stuff and you can tell she loves her work! Great time! Highly recommend!”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - The 1.5-hour search at Stellwagen Bank
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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

3.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,710 reviews · 3h 30m · from $85

Join Boston Harbor City Cruises at Long Wharf for a 3.5 to 4-hour whale watch toward Stellwagen Bank. Naturalists from the New England Aquarium explain the wildlife as you search for humpback, fin, and minke whales, plus dolphins. The high-speed boat has outdoor decks, warm indoor seating, restrooms, and snacks for purchase.

“A fantastic trip and as promised we saw whales in the wild. Lucky we had great weather but do take a jacket even if it’s a warm day.”

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

4.Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

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

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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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - Why Stellwagen Bank matters
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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

5.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Board a high-speed catamaran at Boston’s Long Wharf for about 3.5 hours on the water. A naturalist, including guides such as Colin on some sailings, explains whale behavior and conservation as you search Stellwagen Bank for humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, dolphins, and seabirds. The boat has outdoor decks, an indoor cabin, restrooms, and a snack bar.

“OMG, what am amazing experience! Colin was a great guide with lots of fun facts, and the captain was able to find great spots for sightings of the humpback whales. AH-MAZING. So, so glad we diid this excursion.”

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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

6.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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San Diego: Whale Watching Cruise - What you might see during the 2.5-hour to 3-hour cruise
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

7.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,317 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Board the sailing schooner America at Shelter Island for a 4 to 4.5-hour whale-watching cruise. Guides such as Fathom share facts about gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and San Diego’s waterfront. The trip includes snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, free parking, a whale sighting guarantee, and a no-seasickness promise.

“I was a little skeptical when there weren’t many traditional seats and we sat on deck boxes. However we had a great experience. The ride was smooth and we had a great view. We were able to find 2 groups of gray whales and a pod of 150 dolphins. We even got to see them stampede. A bucket list event for sure! The crew was knowledgeable and very helpful. Highly recommend this tour. (And we were glad we brought coats!)”

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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

8.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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Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings! - Why the Crew Makes a Difference
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Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!

9.Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,135 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $45

From Gloucester, 7 Seas Whale Watch takes you out for three and a half to four hours toward Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. A naturalist explains whale behavior while the captain searches for feeding pods. Expect open decks, indoor seating, a restroom, snacks for sale, and possible sightings of humpbacks, dolphins, spouts, breaches, and tail slaps.

“Spectacular! Boat doesn't get crowded even if sold out so you can move around and see everything (get in line early to be sure to get a seat). Naturalist was very knowledgeable”

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2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - Humpbacks arrive from Alaska each winter
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2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

10.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Set out from Ala Wai Harbor with Captain Logan and crew for a two-hour whale watch along Oahu’s coast. From December to May, look for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and flying fish while guides explain whale behavior. Use the open upper deck, shaded cabin, or onboard hydrophone, and bring your own snacks and drinks.

“The captain and crew were super knowledgeable about whales and whale watching. They took us to several different locations and while we were unable to see any wheels near Oahu, we did receive a free pass to go well watching in Maui… Where we saw many, many whales! It was phenomenal and we were happy that we did try again in Maui.”

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

11.Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

Sail from Old Fisherman’s Wharf with Chris’s Fishing and Whale Watching for three hours of wildlife spotting. Guides such as Kevin, Lauren, and Tinker explain Monterey Bay’s ecology while the captain searches for humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds, and possible orcas. The smaller boat offers clear views, but choppy water and confusing parking deserve attention.

“Our whale watching adventure was spectacular!! Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always ready to answer questions. We saw several whales and he was as excited as the rest of us!! The boat itself was older and hard to move around but once the whales, sea lions, and birds started showing, no one cared about boat as we all ooohhed and aaaahed. Spectacular experience!!”

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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - Ten minutes to the Pacific
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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

12.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Leave Mission Bay and reach the open Pacific in about 10 minutes. A captain and onboard naturalists help you spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, and porpoises while explaining their behavior. Look for commentary from guides such as Allison or Jennifer, and bring layers because the ocean can feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the bay.

“It was an awesome experience! The crew was all very nice. We saw lots of whales and they got close to the boat! Highly recommended!”

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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - Leaving Maalaea Harbor on the Quicksilver
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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

13.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard the double-deck Quicksilver power catamaran for about two hours during Maui’s humpback season, December through April. You’ll hear whale songs through underwater hydrophones, listen to lively commentary, and watch for blows, flukes, fin slaps, and breaches. Juice and soda are included, with shaded seating, restrooms, and drinks for purchase.

“As a first timer.....It was amazing!! Well worth it, and Moreso if you have sea legs it's that much better lol.”

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Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour - Starting at Balboa Pavilion
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Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

14.2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,375 reviews · 2 hours · from $27Best value

Set out from Balboa Pavilion with an English-speaking crew for two hours off Newport Beach. Captain Hunter, Kayla, and other guides have helped guests spot blue, fin, gray, and humpback whales, plus huge dolphin pods, sea lions, and birds. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the Newport-Laguna coastline and low price make this an easy outing near Disneyland.

“We arrived a little before time to go, and the trip was wonderful. Although we saw no whales, we did enjoy seeing two large pods of dolphins and were able to hang with them for a while. The captain was very helpful and we even had a volunteer naturalist on board. Thanks for a great day!”

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3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska - More than whales: seals, sea lions, and bald eagles
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3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

15.3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,164 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $189

You’ll ride a heated 40-foot catamaran from Auke Bay for about 2 hours and 15 minutes of whale watching, with room to walk around the deck. Guides such as TJ, Andrew, Daisy, Alan, and Cedar have helped make these trips lively and informative. Expect humpback whales, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and possible glacier views.

“This was an outstanding small group whale tour. We saw tons of whales and had a wonderful experience! I would do this again without hesitation. Support local/small business and go with these guys, it was awesome!”

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New in USA Whale Watching Tours

★ 4.7Anacortes: Orca Whales Guaranteed Boat Tour near SeattleFrom $19933 reviews
★ 4.8Anacortes: Whale Watching Adventure Tour Near SeattleFrom $14945 reviews
★ 5.0Anacortes: Full Day Whale/Wildlife Tour; Friday Harbor StopFrom $2795 reviews
★ 5.03.5-Hour Small Group Whale Watching TourFrom $1892 reviews
★ 4.0Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu161 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The MajesticFrom $85193 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watch and Turtles SnorkelFrom $138122 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate 3.5 hour Whale Watch & SnorkelFrom $19587 reviews
★ 4.8Ka’anapali Whale Watching Cruise on Luxury SailboatFrom $10889 reviews
★ 4.9Kaanapali: Whale Watching Cruise with Open BarFrom $10383 reviews
★ 3.5Honolulu, Oahu: Waikiki Whale Watching CruiseFrom $39166 reviews
★ 4.5Amazing Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Shore ExcursionFrom $19974 reviews
★ 5.0A Comfortable Sitka Whale Watching Wildlife Shore ExcursionFrom $22524 reviews
★ 5.0Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in SitkaFrom $205103 reviews
★ 5.0Sitka Premier Whale Watching and Wildlife TourFrom $190114 reviews

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