Whale watching tours worldwide

Find Your Whale Watching Tour

39 whale watching destinations worldwide. Free cancellation · Verified reviews · Instant confirmation.

39 destinations
500+ tours
From $25 per person
Year-round somewhere
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39 locations
When to go

Best Whale Watching by Season

There is always somewhere in the world to watch whales — pick your travel window.

❄️
WinterDecember – February
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SpringMarch – May
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SummerJune – August
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AutumnSeptember – November
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Year-roundAny time
Find by species

Which whale do you want to see?

Choose a species and we'll show you the best places to find them.

22
Humpback Whale
Hawaii · Juneau · Boston · Vancouver · Sydney · Samaná · Uvita · Iceland · Tromsø
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9
Orca
Seattle · Victoria · Vancouver · Tromsø · Puerto Madryn · Kaikōura · Sri Lanka · Monterey
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6
Blue Whale
Monterey · Sri Lanka · Azores · Húsavík · San Diego · Los Angeles · San Francisco
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7
Sperm Whale
Kaikōura · Azores · Madeira · Andenes · Dominica · Sri Lanka · Tromsø
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Before you book

What to expect

💰
How much does it cost?
From $25 for a shared catamaran in Tenerife to $478 for a helicopter tour in Kaikōura. Most tours range $50–$150 per person.
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How long are the tours?
Typically 1.5–4 hours. Some combo tours (glacier + whales, island + whales) run a full day. Kayak tours are usually 3 hours.
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Will I see a whale?
Most destinations have 90–99% sighting rates. Many operators offer a free rebooking if no whales are spotted.
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Which boat to choose?
Catamaran = stable, great for families. RIB/Zodiac = closer encounters, thrilling. Sailing yacht = small group, premium experience.
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Verified tours only
All tours rated 4.0+ with verified reviews on GetYourGuide and Viator.
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Free cancellation
Most tours cancellable up to 24 hours before. No-risk booking.
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Instant confirmation
Voucher delivered to your email straight after booking.
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Ethical tours
We highlight no-chase, certified eco-operators in every destination.
FAQ

Common questions

Where is the best place to go whale watching?⌄
It depends on season and species. For year-round sightings: Tenerife, Madeira, Kaikōura. For Orca: Seattle or Victoria, BC. For Humpback: Iceland or Boston. For Blue Whale: Monterey, California or Sri Lanka.
What is the best time of year for whale watching?⌄
There's always somewhere. Winter → Norway and Dominican Republic. Spring → Iceland and Azores. Summer → California and Norway (Andenes). Autumn → South Africa and Argentina. Use the filter above to find tours in your travel month.
How much does a whale watching tour cost?⌄
From $25 in Tenerife (shared catamaran) to $478 in Kaikōura (helicopter). Most tours range $50–$150 per person. All bookings on this site include free cancellation via GetYourGuide or Viator.
Do I need to book whale watching in advance?⌄
Strongly recommended, especially during July–August and school holidays. Small-group eco tours often sell out days in advance. All bookings on this site offer free cancellation.
Is whale watching ethical?⌄
It can be. We highlight operators with ethical certifications (Blue Flag, WWSA) that maintain distance, cut engines near animals, and carry naturalists. Look for "no-chase" in the tour description.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?⌄
Reef-safe sunscreen, warm layers (it's cold at sea even in summer), polarised sunglasses, and seasickness tablets if you're prone. A camera with a decent zoom or a smartphone is enough for most tours.

Ready to find your tour?

39 destinations · 500+ tours · from €23 · free cancellation

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