The World’s 15 Best Whale Watching Cruises

Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

1.Reykjavík: Whale Watching and Marine Life Cruise

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

Review of Reykjavík whale watching in Faxaflói Bay, with practical tips on wildlife, boats, guides, weather, price, and what to expect.

“An amazing morning whale watching - we were lucky enough to see 2 humpback whales and lots of seals! Maria, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. Even when we were looking for (and unfortunately not finding) more animals, she chatted away about the scenery and sea birds. The views themselves, especially at sunrise, make this a lovely thing to do but the whales coming very close to the boat made it exceptional! Also, the hot chocolate is so so good, and very reasonable!”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

2.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

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

Review of Madeira’s Seaborn catamaran cruise, with dolphin and whale watching, Cabo Girão views, swimming, prices, tips, and practical details.

“The boat is amazing and the crew were top! We saw dolphins and swam and the ocean. Thank you for the great experience. 🙏😊”

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

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

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

Review of Costa Adeje’s eco-cruise for whale and dolphin watching, swimming, food, drinks, sea views, and practical booking tips.

“Amazing whale watching experience! The tour was well organized, and the crew was professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. They shared interesting facts throughout the trip and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. We were lucky to see several whales up close, which was absolutely unforgettable. The boat was clean and spacious, and the whole experience exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

4.Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

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

See humpback, fin, and minke whales from Boston Harbor with New England Aquarium naturalists, outdoor decks, and comfortable indoor seating.

“Absolutely brilliant- whales breaching for fun all around! Basking shark following our boat for ages and highly informative guide. Best tour we have been on!”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

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

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

Review of the Los Gigantes whale and dolphin cruise, with cliffs, a swim stop, cold drink, practical tips, value, and what to expect.

“A nice boat trip with skilled skippers. We saw pilot whales and dolphins.The Los Gigantes cliffs where impressive.It is worth going!”

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

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

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

Watch dolphins and whales from Morro Jable, enjoy drinks and a Jandía swim stop, and get practical tips on timing, transport, and value.

“A very enjoyable activity, the pick up and drop off was incredible. The boat was clean and the guide explained through everything perfectly. We did spot dolphins on our trip there which was a bonus, this can’t be guaranteed as you are out looking for wild dolphins however they communicate with other boats so the chance is increased. The swim in the sea was also lovely and you get to swim around the boat. Highly recommend.”

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Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

7.Tenerife: Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise with Swim Stop

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

Review of Tenerife’s $29 Peter Pan whale and dolphin cruise, with ethical wildlife viewing, crew commentary, coastal swim stop, and practical tips.

“well worth it this trip. enjoyable couple of hours.”

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Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

8.Los Cristianos: Viking Cruise Whales & Dolphins Watching

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

Review of Tenerife’s Viking Ragnarok whale and dolphin cruise from Los Cristianos, with practical tips on price, sightings, comfort, and value.

“honestly it was amazing , although as soon as the tour began i started experiencing sea sickness but the crew were just amazing and helped me deal with it the best possible way. We could see many beautiful dolphins and the crew explained to us about them in the most detailed way possible. I highly recommend it for the fellow travellers.”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

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

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

Review of Boston’s 3.5-hour high-speed whale watch to Stellwagen Bank, with practical advice on sightings, comfort, weather, price, and booking.

“The whale watching tour was okay but not really worth the money. While we did see some whales, there were way too many people on board, which made it hard to get a good view. The constant movement of people going in and out from the deck to indoors was also a bit frustrating. That said, the guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of great information about the wildlife”

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Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

10.Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise

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

Review of Kaikoura’s whale watching cruise, with sperm whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, practical tips, pricing, and seasickness advice.

“Very enjoyable - tow sperm whales and a host of dolphins found pretty easily!”

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Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

11.Reykjavík: Whale Watching Cruise on the Amelia Rose Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,911 reviews · 3 hours · from $107

Review of Reykjavík’s Amelia Rose whale watching cruise, with yacht comfort, wildlife sightings, timing, value, and practical tips.

“The excursion did not disappoint. The Amelia Rose is clean and well maintained. although it holds alot of people there is plenty of room and we never felt crowded. Our guide, Lucky, was very informative and enthusiastic, especially when she spotted whales and dolphins. We were fortunate to see both on our trip.”

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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

12.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Review of Madeira’s $47 Funchal catamaran cruise, with whale watching, Cabo Girão swimming, practical tips, value, and honest drawbacks.

“Very nice cruise, unfortunately no dolphins but we saw a flying fish.”

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Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

13.Gran Canaria: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,537 reviews · 2h 30m · from $41

Review of Gran Canaria’s 150-minute dolphin cruise, with wild sightings, practical tips, boat comfort, sea conditions, and honest value advice.

“It was a little too long, but we saw a lot of dolphins it was magical! I loved this!!! ❤️”

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

14.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,317 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85Top rated

Sail San Diego’s historic America replica for a four-hour whale cruise with gray whales, dolphins, Navy sights, snacks, and free rebooking.

“Very professional crew. Grandson helped hoist the sails! Saw a few whales and lots of dolphins. Dress warmly! Blankets, soft drinks, snacks (chips, etc.) provided. Bring some lunch.”

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Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

15.Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,040 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

Sail from Los Gigantes to spot pilot whales, dolphins and turtles, then swim, snorkel and enjoy fresh food aboard a small-group yacht.

“Great time indeed :) we appreciate hospitality and all information about Canaries we have been shared with. We know now, that diving at El Hierro is a must 👍”

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