Worldwide · FOOD & DRINK
Whales move and seasons close, so the shortlist matters more than the wish list. These 15 whale watching trips with food and drink are the ones that reliably deliver, with what each costs and when it sails.
Review of Costa Adeje’s Maxicat whale and dolphin cruise, with pickup, paella, drinks, swimming, Teide views, and practical tips.
“Had a fantastic trip yesterday with my husband and our friends. Seeing pilot whales in their natural haven was superb! Food and drinks were spot on too, definitely a trip we’d recommend!”
Review of Tenerife’s 3-hour eco-catamaran whale tour, with underwater listening, swimming, sandwiches, drinks, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Efficient and as promised! An amazing time with an amazing crew! The day was perfect, we left pretty much on time (come on people, when a boat says it’s leaving at 10:30 get there on time!) pack light bc everything including shoes is stored away while in motion. We saw whales as soon as we got far enough out. Everyone was silent, it was breathtaking! Then the bar opened up, fresh beer on tap and they gave us simple sandwiches. We went to a beautiful location and got to swim and off the boat many times. The music was also great. Completely worthwhile and a must-do in Tenerife if you’re…”
Review of Tenerife’s small-group Roulette sailboat tour, with pilot whales, dolphins, snorkeling, food, drinks, and practical booking tips.
“The boat was very clean and the food and drink provided was great. Unfortunately, I forgot how seasick I can get on choppy waters and was extremely sick on the boat. The captain and his crew member were absolutely amazing and made me feel so safe and cleaned my sick (sorry for the gross comment) with no issues. They took total care of me and my friends and I am forever grateful for the captains and crews help. Was really smooth on the way back and the views were amazing. Thank you! I wish I just didn’t get sick!”
Review of Tenerife’s five-hour whale-watching catamaran tour, with wildlife sightings, swimming, lunch, drinks, and practical booking advice.
“The boat was comfortable and the crew were great but I have been on far more interesting and engaging whale watching experiences. We did see a school of pilot wales but it seemed like that one sighting was “enough” for the trip and we did not attempt to fond more. I was disappointed that we did not sail during the cruise, only motored when there was plenty of wind. Apparently, part of the rigging needed to be repaired.”
Sail from Costa Adeje to Los Gigantes and Masca for whale watching, swimming, paella, drinks, and five relaxed hours at sea.
“Lovely crew, really knowledgeable and environmentally conscious. We saw pilot whales, dolphins and a turtle! The boat has some lovely beanbags in the front and only 2 people can sit there at one time. Passengers should be more collegiate Read more”
Review of Tenerife’s MAXICAT whale and dolphin cruise, with local food, swimming at Diego Hernández Bay, drinks, and practical tips.
“Seeing whales and dolphins was magical. Only negative is the chaotic system before getting on the boat. No sign for where to que for Maxcat, people allowed to push in front. Staff in charge not very helpful. Crew was ok, other Maxcat boat had a much better vibe, they had a party spirit which would have helped make the sailing experience more enjoyable.”
Review of Hermanus land based whale tour with Dave de Beer, covering the museum, cliff path, price, private format, and practical tips.
“We had a brilliant morning with Dave who is extremely knowledgeable and very personable. Highly recommended.”
Review of Cabo’s private whale-watching yacht tour with snorkeling, paddle boarding, lunch, drinks, and a visit to the famous Arch.
“This was a very expensive disappoinment. Boat we booked was "broken" and replacement was disappoiinting.”
Review of Hermanus whale watching, Creation Wines, African penguins, scenic drives, price, itinerary, and practical booking tips.
“Today was absolutely fantastic with whale watching and wine tasting in Hermanus! It was my first ever time to see whales! We arrived in Hermanus well in time and we drove alongside the cliffs path in Hermanus where many people werRead more”
Taste four limited-edition Pacific Northwest wines, meet the makers, and enjoy a paired cheese board at Doe Bay Wine Company.
“Everyone was incredible and kind! Wine was excellent and the whole town is so welcoming. This is a must see to get the feeling of the entire community.”
Reach Africa’s southern tip, see penguins and seasonal whales, then taste Stellenbosch wine on a long, scenic day from Cape Town.
“It was an amazing trip visiting the southernmost tip of Africa where Atlantic and Indian oceans meet each other. Beautiful landscapes along the way, especially in Hermanus where one can watch not only mountains and ocean but also whales. Very competent and kind guide. I definitely recommend this trip.”
Review of Maui’s 2.5-hour Ka'anapali whale watch with open bar, gourmet pupus, expert crew, catamaran comfort, and practical booking tips.
“Tolle Tour auf großem Katamaran. Viele Wale gesichtet und das Glück gehabt, eine so große Besonderheit zu sehen, dass das Foto gleich ans maritime Institut ging.”
Combine Hermanus whale watching, coastal views, and Benguela Cove wine tasting on a private Cape Town day tour with pickup.
“Book this adventure you will not regret, southern right whale , dolphin and many more marine life . Highly recommend this tour”
Sail from Puerto Colón to Los Gigantes for whale and dolphin watching, a swim, lunch, drinks, and coastal views aboard a wooden boat.
“2/5 because although there is deception about the performance, we saw a family of whales and dolphins.”
Review of a private Cape Agulhas day trip from Cape Town with Hermanus whales, penguins, wine options, and practical planning advice.
“Roland was absolutely fantastic! His historical knowledge of the region and the sites we visited were amazing. It was like traveling around the area with a relative or an old friend. I highly recommend his guide services.”
Pick a coast, a season or a boat.
