Go Whale Watching Around the World on These Top Tours
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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