14 Whale Watching Trips Worldwide That Earn the Upgrade

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

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

Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for a three-hour cruise with a live Portuguese or English-speaking guide. Watch for dolphins and whales, stop to snorkel or swim below Cabo Girão, and return along Madeira’s coast with space to relax, onboard bathrooms, and drinks for sale.

“It was a wonderful experience from the very first minute to the very last. Gliding over the ocean with an excellent tour guide, and after an hour and a half, encountering playful pilot whales. Thank you for the experience!””

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2.All Inclusive Whale and Dolphin Watching Luxury Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,573 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Join the Oceano Pioneiro crew at Funchal’s marina for a three-hour catamaran cruise. Guides such as Liv, David, Maggie, and Nico share facts about Madeira and marine life while you look for whales, dolphins, and turtles, then swim beneath Cabo Girão with snacks and drinks served throughout.

“Liv and David were brilliant - very attentive, knowledgeable, and fun! Bruno was also a fantastic skipper. A real VIP experience !!”

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3.Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,107 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129Top rated

Cruise from Los Cabos on a double-decker catamaran with a marine guide, hydrophone, drinks, and snacks. Visit the Arch, listen for humpback whales, and watch for breaching, tail slaps, dolphins, and sea lions. Guides such as Jacob and Marco explain whale behavior and respectful viewing.

“The organization of this excursion was seamless. Every staff member was amazing. We got to see several whales (even a baby) and lots of dolphins! It was truly remarkable.”

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4.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas for a three-hour catamaran cruise from Funchal. Portuguese and English-speaking guides explain Madeira’s marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, then sail to Cabo Girão. Expect indoor seating, sun beds, nets, a welcome drink, and usually a swim stop.

“This trip was incredible from the start to the end. The captain Fabio was brilliant and very respectful of the animals. Clara and Natasha’s knowledge and passion was evident which enhanced an already magical experience. We will definitely look to do this again if we return to Madeira.”

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5.VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,709 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Sail from Funchal with a small group of up to 17 people aboard a comfortable catamaran. The crew, which may include Sheila, Liv, Maggie, Francisco, Nico, or Chico, serves drinks, local snacks, towels, and snorkel gear while you look for whales and dolphins, then stop to swim below Cabo Girao.

“This was truly an incredible experience! We saw about 10 pilot whales and got to see them very close by as well. Then we had plenty of drinks (sparkling wine, beer, white wine you name it!) We also had lovely snacks and really friendly service. Saw absolutely beautiful sunset as well and Funchal in the dark with all the lights. Would recommend 100%!!!”

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6.Whales and Dolphins Watching-Luxury Super Grade Cruiser(Hotel Pick up offered)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,268 reviews · from $65

Set out from Mirissa at 6:30 am on a cruiser limited to 40 passengers, searching for blue whales, fin whales, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Breakfast, tea, coffee, a restroom, safety crew, and optional hotel pickup are included. Expect several hours at sea, with no guaranteed sightings.

“There are a lot better Cruise than this one please check more. This ship has too many chairs not enough space to walk around considering this is 5hours trip. And especially if you have a little kids please don’t try to go this.”

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7.Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $125

Join Freedom Whale Watch from Hervey Bay for a six-hour catamaran cruise into Platypus Bay. Watch migrating humpback whales from three viewing levels, hear their calls through a hydrophone, and enjoy morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. Skipper Toni is one of the crew members praised for sharp whale-finding and lively commentary.

“1. We spent a solid 6 hours out on the water, and we had the privilege of seeing so many whales. Some of them even came right up to the boat, and one even gave us a spectacular spout! 2. The meals were simply delicious. They served us morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, and every bite was fantastic! 3. The captain was a wealth of information, sharing so many interesting facts with us. Plus, all the crew members were super friendly. This trip was absolutely worth it! 🐳🌊😄”

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8.Maui Premium Sunset Dinner Cruise & Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 504 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $189

Sail from Ma'alaea Harbor on a roughly three-hour sunset cruise with a four-course dinner, alcoholic drinks, and live whale commentary. Naturalists such as Ash and Stevie explain humpback behavior, and you may hear whale song through a hydrophone while viewing Lana'i, Moloka'i, and McGregor Point Lighthouse.

“What an experience! Within 5 minutes we had our first whale spotting. It was a magical trip with seeing many breeches (including one right in front of the boat), fin slaps, logging and listening to a musical underwater concert. Highly recommend this trip.”

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9.Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 461 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Sail from Puerto Colón with a skipper and a maximum of 11 people. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, stop for a swim, and enjoy sandwiches and drinks. Guides including Raúl, Álvaro, Víctor, and Ismael are praised for thoughtful wildlife viewing and friendly service.

“Amazing! From start to finish, everything was beyond our expectations! 10/10 Totally recommend! Thanks, Raul for the unbelievable experience.”

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10.From Fremantle: 2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67

Join Whale Watch Western Australia aboard the spacious Steep Point catamaran from Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. A marine mammal expert, including guide Niamh on some cruises, explains whale behavior while you watch humpbacks from five viewing decks, a heated lounge, or the open bow.

“Amazing experience we got to see so many whales and they came up so close!”

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11.Gold Coast: Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 444 reviews · 150 minutes - 1 day · from $63

Meet Sea World Whale Watch at Main Beach for a 2.5-hour cruise aboard Spirit of Migaloo II. Marine guides explain the whales, while underwater microphones may let you hear their songs. Look for humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Captain Wayno and the crew are known for clear, friendly commentary.

“We had a great day. Saw loads of whales and the commentary from the guides was brilliant. All up a very enjoyable afternoon.”

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12.Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 443 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Join Michael and Sergio aboard a spacious yacht for a three-hour cruise from Las Galletas. Watch for pilot whales and dolphins, enjoy Spanish tapas with unlimited drinks, then swim or snorkel in a sheltered bay. Groups are limited to 10, with optional pickup from X-Sur shopping center.

“We were collected from the pick up point and our driver was even early! Michael drove us to our boat and once on it went through what we were to expect on our trip, including safety, information about the boat, food and drink and the stop where you were able to go swimming/snorkelling (they provide equipment for this). We were very lucky and got to see dolphins, pilot whales and even a big whale! The local tapas provided was amazing, there was something for everyone and the drinks were very free flowing, with a good range of alcohol and soft drinks. Javier our Captain did an amazing job of seeking…”

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13.Intimate Eco-Friendly Whale Shark Encounter – Premium Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $268

Meet Fatima, Angel, Katrin, or another English-speaking guide at The Dock Cafe in La Paz. After a short boat ride, swim beside whale sharks in a group of no more than seven, with premium gear, snacks, biodegradable sunscreen, and guide-shot photos and video included.

“We had such an amazing time on this tour. The best thing is that they really do respect the whale sharks, limiting the number of people in the water at any one time. This meant that it was just the two of us and an instructor swimming with a whale shark for up to 5 minutes at a time. So it feels so special.”

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14.Discover whales in Tenerife: exclusive yacht tour with swim and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 105 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

Set out from Los Cristianos aboard Neptune, a yacht limited to 20 passengers. A multilingual guide helps you look for pilot whales, dolphins, and turtles, then the boat stops for a swim and serves lunch with drinks. Sisi is one guide praised for warm, attentive service.

“The tour was one of the best experiences in tenerife it was unbelievable. Sisi is my guy!! Best guide ever”

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