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.
“Good Boat and Captain. Good Guide. Saw some whales from a distance, unfortunately did not see one close enough to get a good picture. Captain tried a couple of different spots but the whales were just not cooperating. I would have liked more time out on the water because we knew they were around.”
High-speed whale watching from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank for humpbacks, fin whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a naturalist.
“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.”
3.5-hour whale watch from Boston’s Long Wharf with New England Aquarium naturalists and fast-boat views of humpbacks, fins, minke.
“The naturalists were very good. Taught us a lot about whales and other sea life. We saw loads of whales and even a shark! A really great time I just suggest dressing warm.”
Eye-level whale or dolphin watching from a small zodiac raft off Lahaina, with marine naturalists, hydrophone whale songs, and summer snacks.
“This was an absolutely amazing experience! There are so many places to choose from, but we were told this one was highly recommended and we now see why. Small group, in a boat low to the water so we could easily maneuver to be safely near where the whales went — obviously keeping a distance…”
Sail aboard the America schooner from San Diego to spot gray whales and dolphins, with snacks, cold-weather tips, and a free return.
“Perfect weather!We saw 5 whales and some dolphins.snacks and drinks provided.Crew could be friendlier.They seemed annoyed by questions.”
Half-day whale watch from Gloucester with onboard naturalists and guaranteed sightings around Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.
“It was a very nice boat ride and we were able to see one whale and the captain would turn the boat around so everyone was able to see and get pictures.”
2-hour humpback whale watch from Ala Wai Harbor with live expert narration, hydrophone listening, and BYOB. Sightings vary.
“Even though it was windy and the water was choppy, we had a great boat ride. We didn't see any whales in our excursion, but were given a pass to come back on any future whale watching tours. Logan and Carell were super informative and made it a great trip! Thank you!”
San Diego Mission Bay whale cruise for $71: 2–3 hours on the open Pacific with naturalist spotting tips, snacks, and parking included.
“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”
A fast Maalaea Harbor whale cruise with hydrophones, shade, and expert captain commentary. Best Dec–Apr for humpback sightings.
“You’re on a fairly large, stable boat. The commentary on the whales was good but we never got close to any. They always seemed to be closer to other boats. We’ve seen them almost at the same distance from the shore”
A 2-hour Newport Beach whale watching cruise from 400 Main St with year-round marine sightings, expert guides, and big Orange County views.
“I liked the educational guide guy. I learned a lot. The only improvement for me would be to not serve alcohol onboard. Top notch tour! I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
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.
“You don’t actually spend 3.5 hours on the water, but that’s ok. It’s worth every penny anyway. This tour is the only one with the wrap around deck and you won’t fight for space. The captain and naturalist were excellent. I highly recommend these guys.”
Small-group Lahaina whale watch on a low raft with hydrophone whale songs, bottled water, and a no-whale backup trip.
“This was so much fun. We got up close to many different whales. They were literally swimming under our boat. The two ladies running our boat were great and very knowledgeable. I suggest getting there early to check in so you can get a good seat on the boat. This is a must do if…”
Makai Adventures whale watch from Lahaina. A fast, shaded boat with open viewing, cushioned seats, and expert crew for humpbacks. 2h15m.
“Some of this is timing and luck, but we had a great experience today. Kristen and Dani were very helpful with information about the humpback whales and why they are in Maui at this time of year. We were lucky to see a juvenile breach several times just outside the pickup point. Quite a few…”
Waikiki whale watching on a 2-hour Oahu cruise during humpback season, with free re-ride if you miss whales and great crew energy.
“The staff were knowledgeable, entertaining, and very helpful. One of our party became seasick, and they were attentive and kind.”
Every coast with a season worth booking, port by port.
