Best of · ZODIAC AND RIB WHALE WATCHING

15 Zodiac and RIB Whale Trips Worth Flying For

34 tours  ·  from $33 a head

Rigid inflatables sit low, move fast and put you at eye level with the blowhole. You will get wet. These 15 compare crossing times, swell limits and the age rules that quietly rule some of them out.

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

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

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

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

2.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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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Meeting the crew in central Húsavík
Husavik Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

3.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175

From central Húsavík, you’ll board a modern RIB with up to 12 passengers, visit Puffin Island in season, and search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Guides such as Matteo, Carla, Jo, and Beatriz provide live commentary, while warm overalls help against Iceland’s cold, wet weather.

“It was fantastic, one of the best experiences of my life !”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat - Leaving Los Gigantes port
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

4.Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,063 reviews · 2 hours · from $33Best value

Set out from Los Gigantes in a small rigid inflatable boat with a Spanish-speaking skipper such as Luca or Alejandro. Search for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, cruise beside the 600-meter cliffs, and stop for an optional swim in Masca Bay or another clear-water cove. Wildlife sightings depend on sea conditions.

“Amazing trip with a bit of adrenaline, the guide did a great job explaining everything and telling us various facts about the marine life around tenerife. Short swimming break in a breathtaking place. Overall atmosphere was great.”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - From Hafnarstétt 11 to the harbor
Husavik Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

5.Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Join Husavik Adventures for a lively two-hour RIB trip across Skjálfandi Bay. You may see humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins at Lundey Island. Guides such as Austin, Iñaki, Ignacio, and Sofie explain the wildlife while the small boat covers ground quickly. Bring warm layers, a hat, and gloves.

“My daughter (14YR) and I loved the whale watching trip…we saw puffins, humpbacks, and a minke. The guide was awesome and she taught us a lot in an entertaining way. Highly recommend..”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - What the Zodiac ride feels like in real conditions
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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

6.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154Top rated

Set out from Victoria Harbour with a captain such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan on a three-hour, 12-passenger Zodiac ride. Expect an open-air seat close to the water, all-weather flotation gear, changing sea conditions, and the chance to see humpbacks, orcas, seals, sea lions, otters, and eagles.

“I loved the tour. The staff was super friendly, and our captain had years of experience and was fantastic. We were lucky enough to see a humpback whale and orcas. I would definitely take a tour with Prince of Whales again.”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - Leaving 950 Wharf Street for the Salish Sea
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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

7.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140

Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip guided by a certified marine naturalist. Search the Salish Sea for Bigg’s orcas, humpbacks, minke and gray whales, then listen to whale calls through onboard hydrophones. Full flotation suits help with the cool, wet ride.

“Skipper G did a great job. It was very fun and we had an awesome experience. Had the chance to see 4 humpback whales and some sealions”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat - What the 12-seat RIB feels like
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

8.Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, you board a 12-seat RIB with a captain and English-speaking guide such as Claudia, Julian, or Bianca. The fast boat crosses Faxaflói Bay, passes Engey and Puffin Island, and searches for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Warm suits, gloves, and goggles are supplied.

“Very good Whale-Watching tour. Did see Dolphins, Puffins and various Humpback Whales up close. Would definitiely recommend. We were only 4/12 people on the tour but they still went out and didn't cancel. Cudos to that for sure!”

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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat - Swimming with spinner and bottlenose dolphins
Mauritius Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching

Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

9.Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 595 reviews · 5 hours · from $129

Set out from Grande Riviere Noire on a speedboat carrying up to 14 passengers, with two skippers guiding you to wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins, resident sperm whales, and seasonal humpbacks. You may swim with dolphins, but whales are observed from the boat only. A reef snorkel and drinks round out the five-hour trip.

“It was the best tour we have ever had! We saw first whale very far, then we moved to a different location and we saw extremely close and that was magical! Swimming with dolphins was beyond our imagination! It was such a great tour, I recommend not to everyone!”

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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Why the RIB boat changes the experience
Madeira Whale Watching Tours, Portugal Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Portugal, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching

Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

10.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56

Set out from Funchal Marina in a fast RIB boat with a marine biologist and skipper. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins and whales, while the small group keeps you close to the water. Expect coastal views, useful species facts, and possible splashes during this 2.5-hour tour.

“Great fun activity. Very well organised. The speed boat was excellent and being amongst the whales was incredible”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík - Wildlife in the bay: whales, dolphins, and porpoises
Akureyri Whale Watching Tours, Iceland Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises, Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruises in Iceland, Whale Watching Tours, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching, Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching in Iceland

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

11.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203

From Húsavík, you’ll search Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast RIB boat limited to 12 people. Expect humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seasonal puffins near Lundey. Guides such as Alessandra, Danny, Austin, and Austen have been praised for their wildlife knowledge. The two-hour ride can be cold, wet, and bumpy.

“Overall fun experience even though we took the 9am tour which was the first tour of the day hoping to see Whales, but only saw a few fins, not that exciting. Very cold, wet and rough waters getting out there so expect to get wet! They provide great gear for all. Austin our guide was great, very informative. I will say the negative was that it was also suppose to be whales & puffins, but the puffins aspect of the tour was never addressed, so not sure if what happened with that (?) overall no regrets.”

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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat - Why the RIB changes the whale-watching experience
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Akureyri: 2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

12.2-Hour Whale Watching Express by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 489 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Join Whale Watching Akureyri for a fast, close-range search for whales in Eyjafjord. Your English-speaking guide and captain take up to 12 people across the fjord in a small RIB, with warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and safety gear provided. Expect mountain views, possible humpback and minke sightings, and an exciting, sometimes wet ride.

“The whole experience was awesome. it was fairly cold and rainy, but the suits provided were great and kept us warm. there were 2 whales in the area about a 20 minute ride from the port. They were very active and we got so see plenty of action. Our guide Gisella was amazing. in between sitings she would give us info about the whales and the area we were observing. definitely a added value on the trip. Excellent experience. a "must do" while you're in Akureyri!”

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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure - Why the 16-passenger Zodiac changes the experience
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Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

13.Zodiac Raft Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 456 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $113

Captain Zodiac takes you along the Kona Coast in a fast, 16-passenger Zodiac raft for about three hours. Captains such as Shelby, Marco, Ashley, Rick, and Sam share Hawaiian history, whale behavior, and volcanic geology while scanning for humpbacks, spinner dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. A hydrophone lets you hear whales underwater.

“Fun, friendly and knowledgeable crew. We saw many whales...several up close. I highly recommend this experience.”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík - Puffin Island from April through mid-August
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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

14.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

From Húsavík, you’ll spend about two hours on a small RIB speedboat searching Skjálfandi Bay for whales and porpoises. During puffin season, the trip also visits Puffin Island. Guides such as Nicoletta, Clara, Mario, Victoria, and Milo have led past departures. Warm safety overalls are supplied, but bring extra layers.

“Wonderful experience. The staff were very nice helping us dress for the trip. We were lucky to see a Humpback whale. The crew tried hard to make sure we all able to witness the whales appearance. We felt safe and had fun with this RIB boat tour. Highly recommended.”

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Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat - Starting at Lajes do Pico harbor
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Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

15.Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53

Meet Aqua Açores at Lajes do Pico harbor for a 2.5-hour wildlife trip in a Zodiac boat. Your Portuguese or English-speaking guide explains cetaceans, while the skipper looks for dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds. Wear the supplied waterproof top, expect spray, and take seasickness medicine if needed.

“Unfortunately it was very cloudy that day and we only got to see two different species of dolphins but it was amazing nonetheless! I would’ve wished for some more cool facts from the guides as had been described in previous reviews but they were all very nice and it was a lot of fun!”

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New in Zodiac and RIB Whale Watching

★ 4.8Whale Watching in Reykjavik by SpeedboatFrom $20077 reviews
★ 4.5RIB Whale Watching Small-Group Boat Tour from ReykjavikFrom $208241 reviews
★ 4.9Skjervøy: Whale Watching with RIB Boat and Local Guide109 reviews
★ 4.8Whale Watching RIB Safari at SkjervøyFrom $251136 reviews
★ 4.5Small-Group Whale Watching Zodiac Boat Cruise in Cabo San LucasFrom $85143 reviews
★ 4.8Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac BoatFrom $82230 reviews
★ 4.5Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat AdventureFrom $158163 reviews
★ 4.74 Hour Whale & Wildlife Zodiac Boat TourFrom $216133 reviews
★ 4.9Small Group Whale Watching by RIBFrom $27828 reviews
★ 5.0Vancouver Island Zodiac Whale Watching Adventure – Telegraph CoveFrom $169281 reviews
★ 4.7Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $200293 reviews
★ 4.6RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin SwimFrom $61273 reviews
★ 4.9From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $70298 reviews

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