Where to See Humpback Whales: The 15 Best Tours Worldwide

Humpback Whales in Cabo San Lucas - El Arco and the sea lion colony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,005 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Review of Cabo San Lucas whale watching with a marine biologist, small boats, El Arco, sea lions, timing tips, price, and practical advice.

“This was an awesome tour. We saw so many whales it was incredible. Full breach, saw 3. Whale tales, saw dozens. Although our captain kept our boat at a safe distance, 3 whales approached us and came within a few feet of our boat. Our crew of Vanu and Adrien were amazing and so respectful of the wildlife. As a marine biologist, Vanu was so knowledgeable and we learned so much. This was truly one of the best excursions we have ever taken.”

Check availability →Read our full review

French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Swim with Whales and Dolphins, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Swim with humpback whales

2.Swim with humpback whales

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $264

Swim with humpback whales in Moorea, then meet rays and black-tip sharks on a small-group ocean tour with bilingual guides.

“amazing tour!! Once you’re out there you will see a lot of whales but they moving very fast and it’s hard to do snorkel. If everything went well and you have the chance of snorkeling with the whales in the water you will remember for life!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Humpback whale watching and marine life in Moorea

3.Humpback whale watching and marine life in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · from $327

See humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and reef sharks on a respectful three-hour Moorea ocean tour with Pacifik Attitude.

“I am still in awe... what an amazing experience. Our guide and captain were great and knowledgeable. The boat was only for 8 pax which is perfect. We got lucky enough to be the only boat on the 2 sites where we stopped. At the first stop we heard a singing male and you could literally feel the sound, it was crazy. He was deep so we could barely see him. Then we saw a mom and her baby sleeping and it was the most incredible event. Visibility was good. The baby whale was curious and playful. The mom was huge, probably about 15m. After they were done sleeping, they…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Australia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in Australia, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

4.Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $89

Review of CoastXP’s two-hour Newcastle whale watching cruise, with practical tips on whales, wildlife, value, weather, families, and booking.

“Highly recommend this to families . Everything was well organised and the tour guide was very informative and helpful”

Check availability →Read our full review

Australia Whale Watching Tours, Half-Day, Hervey Bay Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in Australia, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

5.Hervey Bay: Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 153 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $84

Review of Hervey Bay Whale Watch’s half-day cruise, with whale encounters, hydrophone songs, Fraser Island views, prices, tips, and practical details.

“The boat was excellent. It was the 5th trip after the start of whale season. We saw some beautiful species. The crew took all the time we needed to have.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Australia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in Australia, Noosa and Sunshine Coast Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Tours

Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

6.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71

Review of Noosa’s small-group whale cruise, with humpbacks, dolphins, a fast boat ride, practical tips, price, and booking advice.

“Highly recommend this. Fortunate to see a mother and calf whales. Mike, the skipper was very informative. First time on a boat for the kids. They absolutely loved it. Highlight of their holiday.”

Check availability →Read our full review

French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Private Whale Watching Charters, Private Whale Watching Charters in French Polynesia, Swim with Whales and Dolphins, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

7.Private tour observing and swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · from $1,640

Review of Moorea’s private whale-swimming tour, with rays, sharks, turtles, expert guides, small groups, pricing, and practical tips.

“Pick up was on time, the boat was exactly as pictured and our guides were so knowledgeable and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Australia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in Australia, Safari, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Humpback Whale Safari

8.Humpback Whale Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $466

Swim near migrating humpback whales at Ningaloo Reef on an eight-hour Coral Bay safari with lunch, photos, and sparkling wine.

“We would put down 6 stars if we could! A lot of the tour is up to the animals but the staff/ crew do their best to give you a wonderful experience! The humpbacks were so active on the day we went, so swimming with them was difficult but the crew did their best and wRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Island Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Tour Reviews, USA Whale Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in the USA, Whale Watching Tours

Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

9.Humpback Whale and Dolphin Watch in Kona

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 62 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $109

See humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and Kona’s coast on a small-group boat tour with guides, hydrophone, and seasonal whale watching.

“The small group size provided intimacy and personal interactions with Captain Shelley, who was friendly , welcoming and knowledgeable. Best moments: when Shelley put the hydrophone in the water and we heard humpbacks for the first time. And when we were headed back to shore, whales were breaching in the distance so Shelley turned the boat around and took us back out at full throttle to see the sight! Much appreciated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Humpback Whale Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Bahía Málaga: Humpback Whale Watching in Cali – Colombia

10.Bahía Málaga: Humpback Whale Watching in Cali – Colombia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 18 hours (approx.) · from $459

Review this 18-hour Cali whale-watching trip to Bahía Málaga, with boat travel, Pacific beaches, meals, guides, costs, and practical tips.

“Unfortunately, the trip is not worth 500 euros by a long shot. Maybe 500.000 COP. The boat trip is done with normal means of transport like all other tourists. We saw many whales, but the trip is not suitable for professional photography. The guide and driver were nice people. It is better to book the trip in the country itself. Unfortunately, it is a complete rip-off.”

Check availability →Read our full review

French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Swim in Moorea with Humpback Whales and More

11.Swim in Moorea with Humpback Whales and More

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $412

Swim near Moorea’s humpback whales, dolphins, and sharks on a small-group tour with a biologist, gear, drinks, and hotel pickup.

“Incredible experience with Robert and Mareva. Mareva is very experienced and we had an exceptional show, it was a dream for us. Thanks to them, I highly recommend.Auto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

Australia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in Australia, Newcastle Whale Watching Tours, Small-Group Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Newcastle: Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

12.Newcastle: Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Review of Newcastle’s two-hour CoastXP whale tour, with small groups, 360-degree views, local guides, dolphins, seals, and free return trips.

“Absolutely fantastic day. We were travelling with a pod of 50 - 70 dolphins all around the boat.”

Check availability →Read our full review

French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Half-Day, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Moorea Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Half-Day Humpback Whales Encounter in Moorea

13.Half-Day Humpback Whales Encounter in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · from $236

Review of Moorea’s 4-hour humpback whale encounter, with swimming, safety rules, group size, price, meeting point, and booking advice.

“Perhaps you’re a little apprehensive about swimming in open water with whales? I know I was, but once you see these magnificent creatures up close your fears will disappear and be replaced with awe and inspiration. You should be a good Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

French Polynesia Whale Watching Tours, Humpback Whale Tours, Humpback Whale Tours in French Polynesia, Tahiti Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

4 Hours of Humpback Whale Watching in Tahiti

14.4 Hours of Humpback Whale Watching in Tahiti

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $127

See Tahiti’s humpback whales with naturalist guides, hydrophone listening, and optional snorkeling in a respectful small-group ocean tour.

“We saw a mom and baby but only because another company told them where. There were several on aboard, pretty sure we were the only paying passengers. Others appeared to be friends who live on the Island. Choppy water, others gRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review