USA · WHALE WATCHING
12 tours
Good whale watching tours sell out first once the season starts. Below are the 12 best, with current prices and what separates them, so you can book before the calendar closes up.
Juneau whale watching by Alaska Tales. Prebook for 100% whale sightings, heated boat comfort, and a cruise-friendly day with transfers.
“We had a great time and the crew was friendly, knowledgeable and got us where we saw whales. The deck got a little crowded but folks were nice about sharing space.”
See Mendenhall Glacier up close, then hunt for humpbacks on a warm wildlife cruise from Juneau, with round-trip transport included.
“The trip was great. Saw whales learned their names and the crew was great. Would definitely do this again.”
Boston whale watching from Long Wharf, with indoor windows, outdoor decks, and New England Aquarium naturalists. 3.5 to 4 hours.
“We were very lucky to have a fine day for this activity and although I do suffer from motion sickness I felt absolutely fine for the whole trip. We were given an interesting dialogue on the way out to the whale watching area and it was wonderful to manage to see three magnificent whales.”
Fast Gloucester whale watching on a 4-hour trip to Stellwagen Bank, led by a naturalist aboard The Hurricane II.
“Crew was really great. Boat was clean. Saw 4 whales. Captain shifted so every guest could view, in addition to giving the whales cruising space.”
High-speed catamaran whale watch from Boston’s Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank, led by a New England naturalist with indoor comfort.
“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”
Eye-level whale or dolphin watching from a small zodiac raft off Lahaina, with marine narration and hydrophone whale songs.
“Olivia and Captain Mark did a wonderful job finding the whales and answering all of my questions about whale behavior! Well done !it was a fun experience.”
Sail on the America replica from San Diego for 4 hours of gray whales and dolphins, plus snacks, blankets, and a whale guarantee.
“Such a lovely day out on the water. The crew of the America made sure that everyone on board was having a wonderful time. We saw a gray whale and her calf migrating south, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions. Crew was professional and knowledgeable and shared lots of wonderful facts about the animals that we were watching and San Diego landmarks. Be sure to book this adventure, it is awesome.”
Monterey Bay whale watching from Fisherman’s Wharf with a biologist guide, hot drinks, and big wildlife chances in 3 to 4 hours.
“Great we saw a lot of whales its really fascinating to see lots of them:)”
Half-day whale watch from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank, with onboard naturalists, lots of deck time, and guided searches for guaranteed sightings.
“7 Seas Whale Watch was just wonderful! Every crew member was knowledgeable, friendly and polite. They worked hard to search out the whales so we would have an exciting experience.”
A 2-hour Waikiki whale watch from Ala Wai Harbor with live narration, hydrophone audio, and great sightlines for humpback season.
“Captain and crew were awesome and knowledgeable about the ocean and animals in it. Knew just where to go to find them. Great trip.”
3-hour Monterey Bay boat tour from Fisherman's Wharf to spot gray, humpback and killer whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and more with a guide.
“Great trip on one of the smaller boats. Lauren was very knowledgeable and attentive to all passengers. Great to see whales in their own habitat. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip.”
A 2 to 3 hour San Diego cruise from Mission Bay, hunting for whales and dolphins fast, with experts onboard and big ocean views.
“We went out into the ocean. Saw a whale spouting in the distance. The highlight was coming into a huge amount of porpoise, jumping and playing. We stayed with them for at least 1/2 hour”
