15 Whale Watching and Snorkelling Trips Worth Flying For

1.From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,687 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $61Our pick

Set out from Morro Jable on a fast, small-group boat with guides such as Maurizio and Cesar. Search for dolphins and pilot whales, enjoy Fuerteventura’s coast, then stop for 30 minutes of snorkeling and a cold drink. Hotel-area transfers are included, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“Mauritio is the best! What a nice guy and super friendly staff. They we’re enjoying themselves and as a result also made our day. We were lucky to see plenty of dolphins but even without this the trip would have been an absolute pleasure. They are especially good with small kids, giving them some extra attention. And because of the (two) smaller boats (compared to other parties) it really felt like we had a private guide. All in all our best Fuerteventura experience!”

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2.2h Dolphin and Whale Viewing + Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 940 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

Set out from Puerto del Morro Jable on a small speedboat with a crew led by guides such as Maurizio and Christina. Search for dolphins, pilot whales, flying fish, turtles, and rays, then stop for 30 minutes of snorkeling. Expect music, cold drinks, close sea views, and a wet, bumpy ride.

“Very friendly service from the team, good organisation - was possible to use the public restroom before the start. Saw lots of friendly dolphins and had some time to swim as well - definitely a highlight of the trip in fuertaventura.”

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3.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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4.Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 443 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Join Michael and Sergio aboard a modern yacht for a three-hour cruise from Marina del Sur. With up to 10 people, you’ll watch for pilot whales and dolphins, enjoy tapas, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks, then swim or snorkel in a sheltered bay. Pickup from Costa Adeje is available.

“Micheal picked us from the x-sur mall right on time. The drive to the Marina was pretty short and sightfull. The boat ride was incredible and so was the food served. We saw some whales and got lucky and had the chance to see a group of small dolphins that were really playful around the boat. The snorkeling spot was also very beautiful with clear blue water and nice scenic views.”

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5.Fijian Islands and Snorkel Full-Day Whales Tale Cruise including Beach BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 408 reviews · from $117

Spend about seven hours aboard the 100-foot Whale’s Tale schooner and at a private island in Fiji’s Mamanuca group. You’ll pass Malamala, Vunavadra, Bounty, and Treasure islands, enjoy a champagne-style breakfast, snorkel with provided gear, and eat a fresh beach BBQ. Hotel pickup, drinks, and a friendly Fijian crew are included.

“Best day in Fiji- a lovely view of the islands, such a friendly crew, and a beautiful private island visit with stunning snorkeling. The food was great and cooked fresh. The crew sang and played music on the trip home.”

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6.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119Top rated

Paddle tandem kayaks from Olowalu with a guide such as Payson, Alec, Billy, Gene, Jon, or Robbie. After views of West Maui and nearby islands, snorkel at a turtle cleaning station. Whales may appear in season. Small groups, gear, life jackets, and optional photos and videos are included.

“The excursion was prematurely canceled due to rough seas. But they calmed down by the time we would have launched. Several other excursions went forward with thier trip.”

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7.Whale Watch and Turtles Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $138

Cruise from Maalaea Harbor aboard Pride of Maui for whale watching and reef snorkeling, with a whale-sighting guarantee, onboard BBQ, gear, restroom, and post-snorkel beer, wine, and mai-tais. The crew includes longtime captains such as Pat and Justin, though the captain varies by departure. Plan on about three and a half hours.

“The captain was very competent and had a vast knowledge of whale biology. The all female crew were accommodating and customer service oriented. The food was good and plentiful, as were the drinks. One thing that applies to all tour operators, they want you to arrive 1/2 hour early. We do and then we stand in line for a half hour in the sun waiting to check in. And, you don't need to download the QR coded tickets, as they have a roster with our names printed. I'd suggest getting to check-in 10 minutes prior to departure.”

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8.South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 93 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Paddle sit-on-top kayaks from Makena Landing with an English-speaking guide, searching for humpback whales before snorkeling along Maui’s reef. Guides such as Jake, Kyle, Madison, and Jon help beginners feel at ease, share island stories, and point out turtles, fish, eels, octopus, and coral. The three-hour tour includes gear, snacks, water, and juice.

“Jake was an amazing guide. He shared a lot of knowledge about the islands and marine life. Also the snorkelling was spot on. Saw a lot of turtles. Only negative point is that we didn’t see any whales. But nothing much they can do about that.”

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9.Ultimate 3.5 hour Whale Watch & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $195

Set out from Lahaina at 9 a.m. on a small rescue-style boat for about four hours of snorkeling near Lanai or Maui, plus whale watching in season. Captains Jill, Kacey, Amy, Lilly, Emma, Pat, Sarah, and Lacy have led trips praised for clear whale explanations and careful wildlife viewing. Gear, instruction, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks are included.

“Tough water/wind conditions but the captain/owner & biologist made the best of it, and got us out safely. Had fun”

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10.Kerama Island Experience Dive/Snorkeling/Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 71 reviews · from $104

Spend seven hours from Naha exploring three Kerama National Park sites by boat. You get one introductory scuba session, snorkeling, equipment, towels, hotel pickup, and underwater photos. Whale watching is added from January 12 through March. The small group is limited to 10, with Japanese, English, and Portuguese guidance.

“Fantastic day out. Easy hotel pickup. Great snorkelling, trial dive and whale watching. Recommend ordering the onboard lunch (extra)”

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11.3-Hour Whale Watching and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 62 reviews · 3 hours · from $45Best value

Spend about three hours on a small boat in Banderas Bay watching for humpback whales and dolphins, then visit a coastal swimming or snorkeling spot. English and Spanish guides provide life jackets, but recent departures have varied widely in length and snorkeling access, so bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, camera, and extra pesos.

“No pudimos ver ballenas , sabemos que no es culpa del guía , en eso no se puede saber. Sin embargo como compensación nos llevaron a otras playas , pero fue demasiado el tiempo de estar, el tour era para 4 h y se convirtió en 6 o 7 h, esto afectó nuestros demás planes.”

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12.Whale-Shark Snorkeling Excursion to La Paz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $349

Leave Cabo at 6:00 am for La Paz, where a marine biologist briefs you before a supervised whale-shark snorkel. The boat search lasts about three hours, with equipment, snacks, lunch, and transport included. The day ends back in Cabo after a stop in Todos Santos. The group is limited to eight people.

“Amazing once in a lifetime experience! Loads of whale sharks, rays, and whales! The guides were incredible and provided great conversation, education and awareness of marine life! Sooo highly recommend Cabo Trek!”

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13.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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14.Los Cabos Seasonal Whale Watch and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $239

Join Albatros Los Cabos Sailaway from December 15 to April 15 for a four-hour catamaran trip with whale watching, snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar. Guides such as Lin, Topi, Javier, and Rafael have earned praise for spotting whales and caring for guests. The boat carries no more than 16 people.

“We had a great time on this tour. We wanted to do all three of these activities: whale watching, see the arches, and snorkeling. This tour covered them all along with a fantastic lunch, tasty drinks, a clean boat with a nice bathroom, and plenty of space to sit. There was a covered indoor area when it was windy. We saw plenty of whales and were close enough to capture photos with our phone camera.”

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15.All Inclusive Mirissa Whale & Dolphin Watching + Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 3 reviews · 6 hours · from $145

Set out from Mirissa at dawn for up to four hours of whale, dolphin, and marine-life watching with snacks and a water bottle. Return for local Sri Lankan lunch, then spend 90 minutes snorkeling with turtles and reef fish. Sami and his team may adjust the plan if rough seas make sailing or swimming unsafe.

“Whale watching was incredible, we saw one whale bellyflop. Snorkelling part not so great, too crowded with 20 people fighting for one turtle. Pretty fish and corals though. I'd recommend to just do the whale watching without snorkelling and lunch.”

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