THE WHALE WATCHING GUIDE
The trips worth booking.
The 15 whale watching trips travellers rate highest across the USA, from the Maui humpback nursery and the bubble-net feeders of Alaska to the grey whales off California and the orcas of the San Juan Islands. Coast to coast, season by season.
Juneau whale watching with cruise-terminal pickup, heated cabins, outdoor decks, and guaranteed humpback sightings on a 3.5-hour trip.
Most Popular“Amazing experience, got to see so many humpback whales, Ashley was so informative and educated! I would definitely do again!”
Half-day Juneau glacier views and a wildlife cruise with guaranteed humpbacks, plus local guides and warm boat comfort.
“We were so fortunate to have such beautiful weather, so we got to see Mendenhall Glacier in all its glory! We would have liked to have spent more time at the glacier (we only had 1 hour) so we could hike an easy trail to some beautiful waterfalls, but we needed to get to the…”
High-speed whale watching from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank for humpbacks, fin whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a naturalist.
“Whale watching was on my bucket list and the tour definitely delivered!!!! It was a phenomenal experience ❤️❤️❤️”
3.5-hour whale watch from Boston’s Long Wharf with New England Aquarium naturalists and fast-boat views of humpbacks, fins, minke.
“The main guide did a great job of pointing out the whales and spouts so we knew where to look. She seemed very knowledgeable and gave good information about the whales while the spotters were busy looking for the whales. My suggestion would be to go to the top deck when you are stopped to…”
Eye-level whale or dolphin watching from a small zodiac raft off Lahaina, with marine naturalists, hydrophone whale songs, and summer snacks.
“We had a memorable time seeing the whales & some babies. The highlight was hearing the whale songs. Description of beverages on board is a little misleading; only water was offered upon request.”
Sail aboard the America schooner from San Diego to spot gray whales and dolphins, with snacks, cold-weather tips, and a free return.
“The boat itself is worth the excursion with it's beauty & history (and TV shows its been on!) Loved the staff, especially chatting with the Captain. Service was top notch with fun cocktail offerings and snacks -- they also knew so much about the various whale and other animals we saw. The sights were beautiful…”
Half-day whale watch from Gloucester with onboard naturalists and guaranteed sightings around Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.
“We really enjoyed this trip! It was a first time for us and will be a cherished memory for our family! The boat crew were wonderful and made the trip experience very informative and exciting.”
2-hour humpback whale watch from Ala Wai Harbor with live expert narration, hydrophone listening, and BYOB. Sightings vary.
“Logan is cool. Choppy waters and great views of Oahu. Whales were shy but got free passes to do again on another day which is great service. Saw some great views of sea turtles.”
San Diego Mission Bay whale cruise for $71: 2–3 hours on the open Pacific with naturalist spotting tips, snacks, and parking included.
“It was an excellent adventure. The staff was very knowledgeable and functioned in a very professional manner. The announcements were hard to hear over the system at times because of other noises and the ohs and ahhs of all the passengers. All in all it was a very enjoyable and very entertaining experience and we…”
A fast Maalaea Harbor whale cruise with hydrophones, shade, and expert captain commentary. Best Dec–Apr for humpback sightings.
“Breathtaking!!!!!!!!!! Seen soooooooo many whales and got to see a baby jump out the water 3 times. The captain was awesome, very knowledgeable. Staff was awesome, the young man made us feel very safe with boarding and exiting with our large stroller! My husband and I travel with our 17 yr old, 9 year old,…”
A 2-hour Newport Beach whale watching cruise from 400 Main St with year-round marine sightings, expert guides, and big Orange County views.
“The guide(Kayla) was very knowledgeable. Positive.”
Small-group whale watching in Juneau on a heated 40-foot catamaran with a naturalist, warm views from a walk-around deck, and easy pickup.
“What a wonderful excursion! TJ and Andrew were awesome and we saw so many whales! Would definitely do this one again and highly recommend!”
Small-group Lahaina whale watch on a low raft with hydrophone whale songs, bottled water, and a no-whale backup trip.
“Amazing!!! The two woman crew was great and experienced, we got to see male whales fighting with each other and we had another whale who was obsessed with our boat. We went during the beginning of peak whale season.”
Makai Adventures whale watch from Lahaina. A fast, shaded boat with open viewing, cushioned seats, and expert crew for humpbacks. 2h15m.
“Awsome whale watching trip! Saw many whales— even some breaching! Guides were very informative. Boat was very comfortable”
Waikiki whale watching on a 2-hour Oahu cruise during humpback season, with free re-ride if you miss whales and great crew energy.
“Great crew on this successful trip seeing humpback whales and babies!! We also saw a few turtles last Wednesday morning. Beautiful trip!”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
