Best of · WHALE WATCHING CRUISES

The 15 Best Whale Watching Cruises Worldwide

115 tours  ·  from $25 a head

A cruise boat is the steady option: two decks, a heated cabin, somewhere to sit when the swell picks up. These 15 sail from Reykjavik, Boston, Sydney and the Canaries, priced by crossing length and honest about how far out they go.

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - What the three-hour search is really like
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 9,838 reviews · 3 hours · from $87Our pick

Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into Faxaflói Bay for a three-hour search for minke and humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. Guides such as Maria and Lucky share clear wildlife facts while you watch from outdoor decks or heated cabins. The boat has toilets, WiFi, snacks, and hot drinks for purchase.

“Amazing experience! This tour was one of the highlights of my trip and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you!!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - A catamaran made for open-water viewing
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,697 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

From Funchal Marina, you’ll cruise Madeira’s coast on the Seaborn catamaran with an English or Portuguese guide. Watch for dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a swim in clear Atlantic water during the summer season. Drinks and snacks are sold onboard, but sightings are never guaranteed.

“The boat is amazing and the crew were top! We saw dolphins and swam and the ocean. Thank you for the great experience. 🙏😊”

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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks - Watching whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca sanctuary
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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

3.Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,096 reviews · 3 - 5 hours · from $52

From Puerto Colón, you cruise Tenerife’s Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary on a fuel-efficient catamaran. The crew, including captains such as Carlos and Miguel on some departures, explains the marine life, uses underwater audio, serves drinks and sandwiches, and stops for swimming. Choose three hours or five hours with Los Gigantes and Masca Bay.

“Very professional and knowledgeable crew. We had a perfect trip and saw both pilot whales and grey spotted dolphins. I throughly recommend this small group activity .”

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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

4.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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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - The first search for dolphins and pilot whales
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

5.Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Join Flipper Uno’s Masca Express from Los Gigantes Port for a two-hour search for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Cruise beneath the Los Gigantes cliffs, stop for a swim in Masca, Juan López, or Barranco Seco, and enjoy one cold drink. Captain Alejandro and his crew may also point out turtles and flying fish.

“Everything was very well organised. The departure was on time, the guide was friendly and professional, and the whole trip felt very safe despite the big waves. We saw two large groups of whales, one of them with calves, and it was wonderful to watch the mother playing with her baby. We also enjoyed the impressive Los Gigantes cliffs and the boat trip to the Masca gorge. Overall, a very positive experience and a trip we would definitely recommend.”

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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim - Searching the water for dolphins and whales
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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

6.Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 4,158 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Set out from Morro Jable aboard the modern *Magic Dolphin* for a 2-hour search for wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. Guides such as Carmen, Karol, Nino, and Luis explain the animals and keep a respectful distance. Drinks, a swim stop in Jandía, and optional resort pickup are included.

“The fact that we were picked up/dropped back at our hotel at no extra charge was fantastic. The boat trip was really exciting and although they can't guarantee you'll see anything, we saw loads of flying fish (a first for us) and we saw pods of dolphins and the boat followed them so we had plenty of opportunities to see them. It really was a memorable afternoon.”

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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - The two-hour search for whales and dolphins
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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

7.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,227 reviews · 2 hours · from $29Best value

Join Neptuno Whale Experience Tenerife aboard the pirate ship Peter Pan from Los Cristianos. A multilingual crew explains pilot whales, dolphins, seabirds, and conservation while you watch wild animals without chasing or feeding them. The two-hour cruise ends with an optional 15 to 20 minute swim stop, weather permitting.

“A very friendly crew. The boat was lovely to travel in.”

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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - The 15-minute photo stop and Viking welcome
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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

8.Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,132 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

From Los Cristianos Harbour, you’ll board Ragnarok, a spacious Viking-themed ship for a two-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. The English and Spanish-speaking crew help spot pilot whales and dolphins, explain the marine life, and keep the trip lively without crowding the wildlife. Drinks, snacks, restrooms, shade, and wheelchair access are available onboard.

“we really enjoyed the experience saw lots of orcas and dolphins wouldn't deffo recommend the experience 10/10”

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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

9.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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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - Check-in, transfer, and the first minutes aboard
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

10.Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,089 reviews · 3h 30m · from $104

Cruise from Kaikoura for just over two hours in search of sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and wandering albatross. Your English-speaking crew uses marine science, Māori knowledge, a hydrophone, and an onboard tracker to explain what you see. The modern catamaran has outdoor viewing decks, air-conditioned seating, and space to spread out.

“Thoroughly enjoyed - great to see the Sperm Whale, but even better to encounter a pod of circa 300 dolphins who we watched for 15-20 minutes. Would happily do the trip again.”

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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

11.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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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Looking for dolphins and whales offshore
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

12.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for three hours of whale and dolphin watching, coastal views, and a swim stop beneath 580-meter Cabo Girão. You can sit in the shaded cabin, stretch out on deck, or relax in outdoor hammocks. Portuguese and English guides lead the trip, with drinks available to buy onboard.

“Very nice catamaran, with firendly crew. The limited number of persons is a big plus. We enjoyed a great morning, saw dolphins and had a swim at Gabo Girao.”

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Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise - Setting out from the southern coast
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Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

13.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,537 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Cruise from Gran Canaria’s southern coast for 150 minutes with guides in Spanish, English, or German. Mario and Christian are among the crew members praised for their warm help. You may see striped or Risso’s dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish, though sightings are never guaranteed. A cash bar, toilets, and free return voucher are available.

“It was choppy so given option of boarding before hand and told we may not see dolphins/whales do to weather. Enjoyed somewhat choppy seas and given ticket for a free trip as no dolphin/whales. Definitely 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

14.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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

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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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Submarine Vision Mini Cruise - Following Tenerife’s southwest coast
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Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Submarine Vision Mini Cruise

15.Whale & Dolphin Submarine Vision Mini Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,043 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

From Puerto Colón, sail Tenerife’s southwest coast aboard the Royal Delfin catamaran. A multilingual guide, often including Anja, explains the island and its marine life while the crew searches for pilot whales and dolphins. Sixteen underwater windows offer a close look when animals pass below, though deck viewing is usually the main event.

“We saw dolphins and a small whale species really close. However, I would have liked it if the staff had announced through the microphone that, for example, a dolphin was now on the right.... It would also be great if parents used their brains and didn't take babies on this trip + any unruly children.”

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New in Whale Watching Cruises

★ 5.0Broome Sunset & Whale Watching CruiseFrom $1192 reviews
★ 4.2Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching CruiseFrom $85170 reviews
★ 4.43.5 Hour Fjord & Whale Watching CruiseFrom $2318 reviews
★ 3.4Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with BreakfastFrom $653 reviews
★ 4.0Whale Watching & Late Breakfast Cruise in Honolulu161 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watch Cruise Aboard The MajesticFrom $85193 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Dinner Cruise in Cabo San LucasFrom $110116 reviews
★ 5.0Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Lunch CruiseFrom $115197 reviews
★ 4.5Small-Group Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Cruise in Cabo San LucasFrom $85143 reviews
★ 4.5Luxury Whale Watch Cruise to The Arch Los CabosFrom $95126 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
★ 5.0Port Stephens 3 Hour Whale and Dolphin Watch CruiseFrom $6253 reviews
★ 4.4Philip Island: Dolphin and Whale CruiseFrom $9548 reviews

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