On the water · WHALE WATCHING CRUISES

The 15 Best Whale Watching Cruises in the World

77 tours  ·  from $13 a head

Nobody can promise you a whale. What a good operator can promise is a resident population, a sensible distance policy and a second sailing free if nothing shows. These 15 are compared on all three, plus crossing time and price.

Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming - Why the Travelin Lady feels different
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Tenerife: Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

1.Eco-Yacht Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15,619 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $13Our pick

Set out from Los Cristianos on the Travelin Lady, Tenerife’s purpose-built whale-watching eco-yacht. In 90 minutes, look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life, visit the Cave of Love, then swim and snorkel if conditions allow. Guides including Ines explain the animals in four languages.

“absolutely brilliant, can't recommend enough! our guide Ines was bubbly and kind and checked on everyone and was full of facts. I was travelling solo and she came over to talk and tell me things multiple times, highly recommend. Our captain Sergio was fantastic, he got us close and kept us smooth, spotting and turning at all the right points. We saw lots of whales and a small pod of dolphins, super experience, very good value for money. no complaints.”

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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari - From Zone A to open water
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Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

2.Los Cristianos Respectful No-Chase Whale and Dolphin Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12,782 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Sail from Puerto Los Cristianos aboard the Bahriyeli, a spacious ketch with open decks and an indoor salon. Certified guides explain pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and the local ecosystem in Spanish, English, French, German, and Italian. The strict no-chase rule means no swimming stop, but it gives marine life the time and space to approach naturally.

“Lovely trip, we saw dolphins, whales and even turtles. So surprised to see so many and so up close but there was no chasing whatsoever. It was peaceful, calm and respectful. The guides were very informative. Just get there early because it was super busy and a little difficult for later arrivals to sit their whole group together.”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise - Searching for whales in open water
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Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

3.Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour for a three-hour search through Faxaflói Bay. English-speaking guides, including marine biologist Maria on some departures, explain whale behavior and local seabirds while you watch for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and seals. Heated cabins, outdoor decks, WiFi, and a café make the ride comfortable in Iceland’s chilly sea air.

“It was amazing and the guides were very informative with facts about the whales”

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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching - Leaving Funchal Marina for open water
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From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

4.From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $41

Set out from Funchal Marina aboard the 2022 Magic Dolphin, Madeira’s purpose-built hybrid-electric whale-watching catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate wildlife, while certified guides explain the species you see. Look for dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, turtles, and seabirds, then return past Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

“A lovely afternoon and highly recommended. The highlight was seeing pilot whales 🐋”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise - Searching for dolphins, whales, and turtles
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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

5.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

From Funchal Marina, you spend three hours scanning Madeira’s open waters for dolphins, whales, and turtles aboard the stable Seaborn catamaran. The crew shares information in English and Portuguese, then heads toward Cabo Girão for coastal views and, in summer, a swim stop. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Our cruise was from 6pm-8:30. It was an ideal time as the sun was not too strong at that time and we also got to see the sunset on our way back. We saw quite a few dolphins but not any whales. We also made a stop at Cape Girao for a quick swim.”

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

6.Costa Adeje: Whale & Dolphin Eco-Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

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

Sail from Puerto Colón with White Tenerife into the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary. Expect expert commentary, underwater audio, pilot whales and dolphins, a swim stop, and drinks with a sandwich. The five-hour trip adds Los Gigantes and Masca Bay. Crew members including Carlos, Miguel, Abian, and Omar have been praised for their care and humor.

“Clean and pleasant experience, helpful commentary. Good snacks and drinks supplied. We would definitely take this trip again.”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - Stellwagen Bank and the search for whales
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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

7.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

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

From Long Wharf, you’ll cruise to Stellwagen Bank aboard a high-speed whale-watching boat with outdoor decks, warm indoor seating, snacks, and large windows. New England Aquarium naturalists explain the whales and marine life you see. Humpbacks, fin whales, minkes, dolphins, and even rare sightings are possible, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

“Andrew was a great tour guide and was very enthusiastic. We saw many whales and even dolphins.”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - Boarding the Masca Express at Los Gigantes Port
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

8.Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

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

Join Flipper Uno at Los Gigantes Port for a two-hour cruise on the Masca Express. Look for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, pass the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca, then stop for a swim in Juan López, Masca, or Barranco Seco. A cold drink is included, and Alejandro may be among the friendly crew.

“Amazing 2h boat trip! There was everything & even more than we expected. Turtles, dolphins swimming as near as they could, laughter, jokes, beer, entertainment on the boat, swimming near the Masca beach. The crew was best in the whole wide world - friendly, smiling. Don't have any second thoughts - take it!”

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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat - Tromsø departure at Kaigata 6
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Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

9.Tromsø: Whale Watching Tour by Hybrid-Electric Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,217 reviews · from $195

Sail from Tromsø toward Skjervøy for up to 9 hours of whale watching in Arctic fjords. Brim Explorer uses a hybrid-electric catamaran with heated lounges, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi, and outdoor decks. Guides such as Connor, Bee, Adrian, and Ivan may share whale facts and local stories while you search for orcas, humpbacks, fin, and sperm whales.

“Compare to boat journey bus journey was very mesmerising. We are lucky to catch few whales”

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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim - Dolphins, pilot whales, and smaller surprises
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Morro Jable: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise, Drinks & Swim

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

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

Board the Magic Dolphin in Morro Jable for a two-hour search for wild dolphins, whales, turtles, and flying fish. Guides such as Carmen, Karol, Luis, and Nino explain the wildlife in English, Spanish, or German. Drinks, a toilet, and a swim stop in Jandía are included, with optional resort pickup.

“It was a great fun. We have managed to see whales, dolphins, turtles and flying fish. Amazing experience, highly recommend.”

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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks - Choosing the 3-hour version for Playa Espagueti
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Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

11.Costa Adeje: Whale Watching Catamaran Tour with Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,653 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41

From Puerto Colon, cruise 2 or 3 miles off southwest Tenerife with an English or Spanish-speaking crew. Pilot whales live here year-round, and dolphins often gather near fish farms. Choose 2 hours for wildlife watching or 3 hours for a Playa Espagueti swim and snorkeling stop. Drinks are included, and guides such as Lucy, Dani, and Toni add useful local insight.

“We had an incredible experience! The whales live not far from the shore so we didn't have to spend a long time just going out to find them, and the weather conditions were perfect. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, making us as a family feel relaxed straight away. There was a cabin inside where we could store our bags and pushchair, as well as a toilet on board. I was nervous about taking our active toddler on a catamaran, and while we did obviously have to watch her carefully there is an inner part of the boat to sit in, and in the end we all had a great…”

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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop - Looking for pilot whales and dolphins in open water
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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

12.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

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

Sail from Los Cristianos aboard Peter Pan, a pirate-style ship, for two hours of ethical whale and dolphin watching. Your multilingual crew explains local marine life and conservation while you look for pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds. The trip ends with an optional 15 to 20 minute swim stop, sea conditions permitting.

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

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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching - The first 15 minutes: photos and coastal views
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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

13.Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

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

Board Ragnarok at Los Cristianos Harbour for a two-hour cruise along Tenerife’s south coast. A multilingual crew helps you spot pilot whales and dolphins, explains the marine life, and keeps the Viking theme fun without taking over. Expect shade, restrooms, a snack bar, wheelchair access with a manual chair, and possible motion on the Atlantic.

“Excellent experience! What could be more fun than seeing a couple whales with the experienced crew and guide? Seeing 5 whales! And a spectacular view of the island from sea. Will probably go again next week.”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - The Catamaran, Cabin, and Crowding
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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

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

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

Leave Boston’s Long Wharf by catamaran for a 3.5-hour search for humpback, fin, minke, and pilot whales at Stellwagen Bank. A naturalist, often from the New England Aquarium team, explains animal behavior and conservation. You’ll find indoor seating, restrooms, and a snack bar, but bring warm layers and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“Was cold and windy on the water, definitely bring a jacket. Thought it was going to be disappointing after 3 hours passed without seeing anything. Luckily we found 2 humpbacks together and saw some incredible things. Full breach, flipper slapping, and general swimming about. Ended up being an absolute stunner of a day.”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise - From the Kaikoura office to the open sea
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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

15.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

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

Join Whale Watch Kaikōura for a 210-minute marine adventure off New Zealand’s South Island. Look for giant sperm whales, dusky dolphins, fur seals, albatross, and other sea life from a spacious catamaran. Guides such as Caolan and Mikayla add clear science, Māori perspectives, and practical help on the water. Expect a scenic, sometimes choppy ride.

“Two whale sightings with sonar based announcement on whale dive . Superb. Boat can handle high winds/waves quite well”

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New in Whale Watching Cruises

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★ 4.9From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat TourFrom $70298 reviews
★ 4.8From Calheta: Madeira Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat TourFrom $67573 reviews
★ 4.6Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin SwimFrom $61273 reviews
★ 4.6Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour on a Pirate BoatFrom $391,617 reviews
★ 4.7Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by SpeedboatFrom $331,063 reviews
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