Go Whale Watching Around the World on These Top Tours

Visit marine mammals in their natural habitats on these whale watching cruises.

Margot Bigg

4 min readFeb 22, 2022

Whale tail in the waters off Vancouver, Canada

Photo credit:AndresOrdonez / Shutterstock

Few things are more humbling than witnessing massive whales and playful dolphins out at sea. Experience the magic for yourself on one of these top whale watching tours around the world, led by expert sailors, naturalists, and marine biologists.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

1. Experience the winter humpback migration on a Maui cruise

Spot migrating humpback whales off the coast of Maui on this narrated cruise. You can stay comfy in the boat’s enclosed cabin, or climb up to the upper deck for exceptional views and photo ops.

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

4.6

(1,877)

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

Enhance your chances of spotting whales in Hawaii. Discover the lives of the magnificent mammals on this whale-watching boat tour departing from Waikiki. Enjoy stunning views and photo opportunities while traveling along Oahu's coastline and get insights into whale behavior, including their breaches, flukes, and tail slaps, from the crew.... More

2 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$50

2. Cruise for whales like it’s 1851 off the coast of San Diego

Keep your eyes peeled for gray whales and dolphins on this San Diego cruise. Take in Pacific views from on board a replica of the very ship that won the America's Cup sailing competition, way back in 1851.

Likely to Sell Out

4.8

(2,251)

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

Go whale watching from San Diego aboard a replica of a historic sailing schooner that won the world’s first America’s Cup sailing competition in 1851. Throughout your cruise, your expert guide shares informative commentary about gray whales, dolphins, and other marine animals, along with details about the US Navy sites you pass as you head out on the Pacific Ocean.... More

4 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$85

3. Combine snorkeling with whale watching on Oahu's Waianae Coast

Learn about life under the sea while watching spinner dolphins perform tricks on this marine biologist–led cruise off Oahu’s western shores. Get the chance to jump in the waters yourself and—if you come in winter—you'll likely spot migrating humpback whales.

Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

4.9

(771)

Wild Dolphin Watching and Snorkel Safari Off West Coast of Oahu

Cruise along west Oahu’s pristine shoreline to see the spinner dolphins, humpback whales (seasonally), and other marine creatures that frequent the Waianae Coast. Your 32-foot USCG vessel is led by a lifeguard-certified crew of marine biologists and naturalists, maximizing your chances of spotting Hawaii’s underwater wildlife. Plus, with snorkeling gear included, you can choose to swim alongside tropical fish and sea turtles, too.... More

3 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$194

4. Experience the Pacific Northwest’s marine life just outside Vancouver

Cruise through the Gulf and San Juan Islands on this half-day experience from Vancouver. Search for orcas—aka killer whales—along with sea lions, porpoises, seals, and even eagles with a naturalist as your guide.

4.6

(1,570)

Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

Scout for an incredible array of marine life during this half-day Vancouver whale-watching cruise. Once on-board the comfortable vessel, you can look out for orcas, humpback whales, seals, porpoises, and eagles. The region is renowned for attracting whales, offering a 95% success rate with sightings. Best of all, enjoy spectacular scenery set amidst the Gulf and San Juan Islands, and see views many other visitors to the region miss.... More

3 to 5 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$152

5. Search for humpback whales and orcas off the coast of Iceland

Get the chance to spot orcas and humpback whales off the coast of Reykjavik with a whale watching expedition out into Faxaflói Bay. You may even spot porpoises and dolphins along the way.

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

4.6

(2,520)

The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik

Get the chance to see marine mammals in the wild on this whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik—whales and dolphins are seen on more than 90% of tours in both summer and winter. With a local guide, cruise the coastal curve of Iceland to marvel at whales in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as you listen to your guide's fun facts about the majestic creatures.... More

3 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$105

6. See Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier and humpback whales on the same day

Combine a whale watching cruise with a visit to the massive Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau. After visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, board a boat designed especially for wildlife viewing and make your way out to sea.

Likely to Sell Out

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

4.9

(6,241)

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of Juneau’s most impressive natural wonders, stretching over 13 miles (21 kilometers). On this half-day tour, enjoy spectacular views of the glacier from the viewing platforms and walkways, and learn more about the mighty glacier at the Visitor Center. Then, set sail on a thrilling whale-watching cruise along the coast and look out for humpback whales, as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles and blue heron.... More

4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

from

$249

7. Look for dolphins, sperm whales, and turtles in the Canary Islands

Hop aboard a Bahriyeli boat and head out to sea with this guided cruise from Los Cristianos. Keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, and fin and sperm whales as you sail against the backdrop of Tenerife's Mt. Teide.

No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first - we care

4.6

(2,128)

No chase Whale & Dolphin tour putting Marine Life first - we care

Escape the crowds and the heat for a while on this breezy boat ride from Los Cristianos Harbor. Your friendly crew will tell you more about the local marine wildlife while you wait to spot bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. Feel the excitement as you anticipate these majestic mammals jumping out of the water.... More

2 hours
Free Cancellation

from

$24

8. Explore the coast of New Zealand’s South Island by catamaran

Visit the waters of Kaikoura, known for their diversity of marine life, on this guided catamaran tour. The deep waters in this area make it an ideal habitat for sperm whales along with dolphins, seals, and all sorts of other marine creatures.

4.5

(2,842)

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.... More

3 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

from

$103

9. See myriad creatures just a short jaunt from Auckland

Get the chance to see up to six kinds of whales, along with penguins and seabirds, without straying far from Auckland. Visit the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, where you'll look for marine life while your guides provide live commentary.

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

4.6

(1,733)

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins, and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland that's ideal for nature lovers. You board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbor and hear local guides share insightful commentary about New Zealand’s natural wonders that you won't get elsewhere. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels, and terns.... More

4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

from

$126

10. Spot five types of whales and more off the coast of Orange County

Get the chance to search for whales—no matter the season—on this whale watching cruise from Newport Beach. Along with dolphins and seals, you may even spot blue, gray, humpback, finback, and minke whales.

4.4

(900)

Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.... More

2 hours 15 minutes
Free Cancellation

from

$31

11. Set sail off the Monterey coast with a naturalist guide

Spend half a day at sea with a naturalist guide on this excursion from Monterey. Learn about local marine life while you keep a lookout for gray, blue, and humpback whales along with dolphins and sea lions.

4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

4.8

(1,045)

4 Hour Whale Watching Tour From Monterey

Look for whales as they migrate through the waters of the Pacific Ocean off of California on this whale-watching cruise from Monterey. Your naturalist guide shares commentary about the whales and their habitat as you search for gray whales (most common), humpback and blue whales, and other marine life such as dolphins and sea lions during your cruise.... More

3 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation

from

$85

12. Spy sea lions and humpback whales off the Cabo coast

Head out to sea with a marine biologist and a small group of fellow passengers on this marine wildlife cruise from Cabo San Lucas. You’ll get the chance to both search for humpback whales and spend time checking out the sea lions at the famed El Arco rock formation.