Top 7 Whale Watching Tours in the World

1.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

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

Join a small-group RIB tour from Húsavík with up to 12 passengers, warm water-resistant overalls, and an English-speaking guide. From April 15 to August 20, you visit Lundey Island for puffins, then search Skjálfandi Bay for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life.

“Amazing tour with very knowledgable staff! I remember Robert the boat drivers name but spacing the tall guides name from spain- both were AMAZING. Made sure we saw some whales and were equally as excited about it. Amazing guide!! Im sorry i dont remember your name but you were awesome!!❤️❤️”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $444Top rated

Spend about eight hours on Ningaloo Reef with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive, following a spotter plane to find whale sharks. Expect several guided swims, reef snorkeling, meals, drinks, underwater photos, and a crew that may include Captain Sam, Molly, Isla, Seth, Fabs, or Monique.

“Finally finding a whale shark after 6 hours of waiting - the crew were really good and persisted and were happy to stay late”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185

Join Jake and the Raggy Charters crew at 8am for a four-hour catamaran trip across Algoa Bay. A maximum of 20 people gives you room to ask questions while looking for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds and African penguins around St. Croix Island.

“All four crew on boat very helpful and knowledgeable. On time, clean boat, saw penguins on the island and dolphins and a whale close up.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

From Lajes do Pico, you’ll join an English or Portuguese-speaking guide and skipper on a Zodiac RIB to search for more than 25 cetacean species. Expect a safety briefing, waterproof gear, coastal views, and a short refreshment stop after the wildlife search.

“So plenty of dolphins and Whales. The guides were friendly and informative.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Fijian Islands and Snorkel Full-Day Whales Tale Cruise including Beach BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 408 reviews · from $117

Board the 100-foot Whale’s Tale in Nadi for a seven-hour cruise to private Snorkel Island. Enjoy scones and Champagne, reef snorkeling with provided gear, a beach barbecue, and music with the Fijian crew. Hotel transfers cover central Nadi, the Coral Coast, and Lautoka.

“Absolutely amazing!! Really good food, experience & lots of laughs. Highly recommend! Thank you to the boys for such an amazing day! 🩵🇦🇺”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins and Islands Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 292 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $92

Spend six to eight hours cruising Tikapa Moana from Auckland with a live English-speaking guide, dedicated marine mammal searches, and a stop at Rotoroa Island or Man O’ War Vineyard. Expect open-water views, conservation stories, onboard snacks, and a return voucher if no mammals are seen.

“I loved visiting the Rototoa Island. And we loved to watched dolphins. It was amazing experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Kailua-Kona: Whale Watching Cruise on the Big Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 273 reviews · 2h 30m · from $115

From Honokohau Harbor, you’ll spend 150 minutes searching for humpback whales aboard a 24-person catamaran. The crew uses hydrophones so you can hear whale song underwater, points out dolphins and other sea life, and serves snacks and drinks. Captains such as Bryce, Aidan, Jacob, and Simon may lead your trip.

“Amazing afternoon with the Hang Loose crew! They kept things fun but educational at the same time. Highly recommended!!”

Check availability →Read our full review