America · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in America

50 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8 average  ·  from $27

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching - Heated cabins and outdoor decks: the real comfort math
Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Wildlife

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

1.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,379 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $177Our pick

Juneau whale watching with a 100% whale sighting promise, heated cabins, and cruise-terminal pickup for guaranteed humpback time on the water.

“The crew is very knowledgeable and were able to prepare for the best viewing. They explained how the whales would take a breath and then dive and show their tales”

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center: 45 to 50 minutes that count
Glacier Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Wildlife

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

2.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,236 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $249

Mendenhall Glacier views and a wildlife whale-watch cruise from Juneau, with round-trip transport, snacks, and whale spotting guaranteed.

“The second half of our tour was cancelled due to poor sea conditions. The captain did not feel it was safe for us to go out and promptly issued a refund. While I was disappointed we did not get to see the whales, I appreciate the company placing my family's safety over profits.”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - The boat experience: fast, comfy, and built for watching
Boat Tours in Boston, Boston Tours & Activities, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

3.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

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

Boston whale watching from Long Wharf on a fast, comfy cruise with outdoor decks and New England Aquarium naturalists.

“Honestly I could not sell this experience more! It was such a cool experience in Boston and a great way to spend the first half of our day. The guide and staff on boat did all they could to get us some whale sightings and they had such great knowledge about them. Was really cool to learn so much about them! We saw two humpback whales in the end (Fern and Rocker) and it was such a surreal experience and I could not recommend more! The guides also come throughout the boat during the journey to and from Boston and give you some details, allow you to ask any questions…”

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Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester - Stellwagen Bank travel time: why speed matters for whale watching
Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

4.Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,460 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $48

High-speed whale watch from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank on The Hurricane II. Naturalist-led spotting, heated cabin, and big deck time.

“We had a wonderful time ! They did a great job finding whales and then getting us over to see them! The only thing we would recommend is more speakers. The Naturalist was very knowledgeable but we couldn’t hear her. Also, maybe a little better communication on the whole process, what was going to be happening throughout the day. We really enjoyed it though and would recommend it to anyone coming to the area. Thank you for a great day.”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - Stellwagen Bank sightings, what you can realistically hope to see
Boat Tours in Boston, Boston Tours & Activities, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - The “What Happens Out There” Flow: Searching, Stopping, and Watching
Dolphin Watching, Maui Tours & Activities, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Maui

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

6.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

Eye-level Maui raft whale or dolphin tours from Lahaina, with marine narration, hydrophone whale songs, and small-raft views.

“Our crew was great- so knowledgeable and super fun energy. Wear slip on shoes- you will remove them when entering the boat. They also had rain ponchos if you were concerned about getting wet. Great Experience!”

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise - What you’re really hunting for: gray whales, dolphins, and the bonus marine cast
Boat Tours in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

7.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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

Sail on the replica ship America for a 4.5-hour San Diego whale watching cruise with gray whale and dolphin chances, snacks, and guarantees.

“I had an absolutely spectacular experience on the whale watching tour this past weekend with my mother! From start to finish, the staff went above and beyond—attentive, knowledgeable, and full of fascinating facts about marine life and local history. The ride was incredibly smooth (I’ve struggled with seasickness in the past, but not this time!), and they made everything so easy and enjoyable. They even provided snacks and drinks, which was a lovely touch. This tour truly felt like a bucket-list experience, and I couldn’t recommend it more. A must-do for anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure!”

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour - Before you board: parking, check-in, and what to bring
Monterey & Carmel Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

8.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,300 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $75

Monterey Bay whale watching cruise with a biologist, hot drinks, and a strong shot at humpbacks, grays, dolphins, and more.

“Fantastic day out today, the weather was dry and the seas calm. We saw about 10+ whales and lots of seals! The whales were breaching and jumping out of the water which made it even more special! The team were brilliant and full of knowledge, always there to answer any questions we had. Would 100% recommend! Thanks again”

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Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings! - Price and Value for a 4-Hour Whale Watch
Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings!

2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - The boat setup: upper deck for spotting, cabin for comfort
2-Hour Experiences, Oahu & Honolulu Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

10.2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,929 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

2-hour Oahu humpback whale watch from Ala Wai Harbor. Upper deck views, hydrophone audio, BYOB, and Diamond Head sights.

“Logan, Peter, and Corel were top notch! We got a perfect day to be on the water. Whales were a bit far off with I'd brought my binoculars. I suggest adding that to your ads binoculars recommended. Whales are such incredible creatures I have now seen them in Alaska with their babies. And migrating North along Oregon coast. They never fail to give me a sense of all about my small place in the universe. Thanks for a wonderful trip. Corel was especially attentive to anyone not feeling well and took some pictures for me as a solo traveler. Mahalo!! a hui hou”

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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour - What the guide does with each sighting, and why it matters
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Monterey & Carmel Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - Coastline Views Built Into the Route, Not Just Time on Water
Boat Tours in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

12.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

San Diego whale watching from Mission Bay, 2-3 hours on open water with naturalists, and a real shot at whales and dolphins.

“Our trip was mid January and we had a great time. We were able to see 3 grey whales on our trip for a good 45 min. Other trips have recorded to see multiple whales and dolphins as well. Super nice staff and they even offered a digital package at the end of some pictures and videos they took of the whales and some scenery. Well worth the trip! Highly recommend!”

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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - Two decks, two hours, and a ride that can be bumpy
Maui Tours & Activities, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Maui

From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour - What you’re actually looking for: whales, dolphins, and that 96 percent success rate
2-Hour Experiences, Newport Beach Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska - Getting From Juneau Downtown to Auke Bay, Without Stress
Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

15.3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,164 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $189

Small-group Juneau whale watching on a heated 40-foot catamaran, limited to 20 with pickup from the Goldbelt Tram and naturalist narration.

“Tj & naturalist (apologies I can not remember his name!) were great & made the trip fun. We saw dozens of whales & they were great about pointing them out to everyone on board. Absolutely the right choice & amount of people on board!”

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