USA · WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching in the USA: The 15 Boats and Their Seasons

42 tours  ·  from $27

Humpbacks off Juneau in summer, humpbacks off Maui in winter, grey whales down the California coast in between. The 15 below are priced and timed by season, with the operators who guarantee a sighting or take you again.

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching - Auke Bay and the two-hour search for whales
Alaska Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau, Wildlife

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

1.Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching

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

Cruise from Juneau to Auke Bay for about two hours of whale watching aboard a boat with heated cabins, outdoor decks, snacks, and bottled water. Naturalists such as Kacie, Genevieve, Ashley, and Nate explain whale behavior and local wildlife. Round-trip pickup from the cruise terminal keeps this shore excursion simple.

“What’s a whale watching adventure after the whales migrate out of the area? It’s a little boat ride out. It’s a little boat ride back. Fortunately for us, it was a beautiful day. And the crew was delightful.”

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Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - From the glacier to Juneau’s whale waters
Alaska Tours, Glacier Tours, Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau, 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

Travel from Juneau’s cruise terminal to Mendenhall Glacier for about 45 minutes, then board a warm, wildlife-viewing boat with large windows and an outdoor deck. Guides such as Captain Michelle, Nate, Taylor, and Leon add local insight. A whale sighting is guaranteed, but close views depend on nature and sea conditions.

“Worth it! Greg took us to the glacier first where we had about 45 minutes to explore. Not enough time to get to Nugget falls but you could view it from the areas we were at. Seeing the glacier in person, it was easy to forget this was only part of the tour. Up next, the whale watch. The boat was very nice, clean, comfortable and easy to maneuver on. And they gave us snacks! We were taken out into the ocean to look for whales. Ashley was very informative and knew a lot about what we were seeing with a lot of stories about each of them individually. We…”

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Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - Why Stellwagen Bank is worth the long ride
Boat Tours in Boston, Boston Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Massachusetts 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

Cruise from Boston’s Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary aboard a comfortable high-speed boat. New England Aquarium naturalists explain humpback, fin, and minke whales, plus dolphins and other wildlife. You get outdoor decks, large-window indoor seating, snacks for purchase, and about 3.5 to 4 hours on the water.

“We were very lucky to have a fine day for this activity and although I do suffer from motion sickness I felt absolutely fine for the whole trip. We were given an interesting dialogue on the way out to the whale watching area and it was wonderful to manage to see three magnificent whales.”

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Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester - What the four-hour itinerary feels like
Cape Cod & the Islands Tours, Massachusetts Tours, 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

From Gloucester, you’ll ride the 115-foot Hurricane II to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world’s best whale-watching grounds. Naturalists explain the wildlife, while the galley sells hot meals, snacks, and drinks. Allow about four hours, arrive 45 minutes early, and prepare for open-sea conditions.

“It was a beautiful day to be on the water, and we saw many whales and learned tons from the captain and first guide.”

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City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat - What the naturalist adds to the trip
Boat Tours in Boston, Boston Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Massachusetts Tours, Speedboat Rides, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

5.City Cruises Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,115 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85

From Boston’s Long Wharf, you’ll ride a high-speed catamaran to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, guided by a New England Aquarium naturalist. Expect about 3.5 hours on the water, with chances to see humpback, fin, and minke whales, dolphins, and seabirds. A cabin, restrooms, and snack bar are onboard.

“The scientists and crew were very passionate about the animals, and that came through during the tour. They were very knowledgeable with an injection of humor, albeit a little bit on the corny side, but enough to make one smile. We had the privilege of seeing a pair of humpbacks during our time in the feeding grounds and witnessed a fluke. They are truly remarkable animals.”

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Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - December through April: Maui’s humpback season
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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

From December to April, search for humpback whales from a low zodiac raft with a marine naturalist and hydrophone. Summer departures focus on dolphins and coastal views. The 2.5-hour tour carries up to 25 people, returns to Lahaina, and can get wet, so bring sun and rain protection.

“This was such a special, once in a lifetime experience. Definitely, hands down my favorite activity in Maui.”

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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise - Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the Pacific crossing
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San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

7.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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

Join Next Level Sailing aboard the America, a replica of the 1851 America’s Cup winner, for a 4 to 4.5-hour San Diego whale search. Guides such as Fathom share facts about gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and local landmarks. Expect open decks, snacks, sodas, blankets, and a free return trip if no whale appears.

“I took my daughter and three of her friends for her 16th birthday the 2nd of January. We had an amazing whale watching experience! The crew was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. The boat was very nice and comfortable, and it never felt overly crowded, which made the experience even better. We were lucky enough to see two gray whales—a mom and her baby—migrating together, which was absolutely incredible. The crew shared so much informative and interesting information about the whales and other marine life throughout the trip. The complimentary snacks and sodas were a really nice bonus, and when one of the kids started feeling…”

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour - Starting at Old Fisherman’s Wharf
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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

8.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

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

Cruise from Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf with Discovery Whale Watch into Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A biologist guide, often including Isaiah or Maddy, explains the wildlife as you search for humpbacks, dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, and more. The small boat, free hot drinks, and frequent sightings make this a strong choice for a half-day on the water.

“We saw a few humpbacks that stayed with us for most of the time. Beautiful watching them. The guides had great info on whale life to. Kids loved it aged 9 and 13”

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Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings! - The whales, dolphins, and the value of patient searching
Cape Cod & the Islands Tours, Massachusetts Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,135 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $45

From Gloucester, 7 Seas Whale Watch takes you 3.5 to 4 hours toward Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. A naturalist explains whale behavior while the captain searches for feeding pods. Expect a spacious boat, restroom, galley, open decks, and a real chance of seeing humpbacks, dolphins, spouts, breaches, and tail slaps.

“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.”

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2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - A two-hour search for humpback whales
2-Hour Experiences, Hawaii Tours, Oahu 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

Set out from Ala Wai Harbor for a two-hour whale watch aboard the renovated Lahaina Princess. Captain Logan and crew members such as Peter and Carel point out humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life while explaining whale behavior. Choose the open upper deck or shaded cabin, bring your own snacks, and use the underwater hydrophone when conditions allow.

“Awesome whale watching tour. Logan, Peter and Carel did great job finding a whale family. Saw the double tails and several sightings. Great afternoon on the Lahina Princess”

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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Searching the Bay for Whales
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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

11.Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,645 reviews · 3 hours · from $62

Join Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching at Old Fisherman’s Wharf for a three-hour cruise into Monterey Bay. Guides such as Kevin point out humpback and gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, and seabirds while explaining migration and the bay’s fragile ecosystem. Smaller boats can offer clear views, but choppy water and confusing parking directions are worth noting.

“We had a great experience from beginning to end. luckily we had a chance to see quite a few whales.”

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San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - Starting at South Mission Bay
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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

Leave Mission Bay for a 2 to 3-hour Pacific cruise with captains and naturalists who spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, and porpoises. You reach open water in about 10 minutes, pass Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs, and can buy snacks aboard. Allison and Jennifer have been praised for lively commentary, though the microphone can be hard to hear.

“Disappointing, we did not see any whales, the background and story telling was also not very engaging.”

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From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - What the hydrophones add
Hawaii Tours, Maui Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Maui

From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

13.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,461 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49

Board the double-deck Quicksilver catamaran at Maalaea Harbor for a two-hour whale watch from December through April. Your captain and crew explain whale behavior while hydrophones let you hear whale songs. Juice, soda, shade, restrooms, and drinks for purchase make this a practical family outing.

“Lots of fun! We saw many whales, and the crew provided great information about whales. I learned quite a bit about whales in Hawaii”

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Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour - From Balboa Pavilion to the open Pacific
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Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

14.Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,375 reviews · 2 hours · from $27Best value

Spend two hours on the water with Davey’s Locker, leaving from Balboa Pavilion near Disneyland. Look for blue, fin, grey, humpback, and minke whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, and birds. Guides such as Captain Hunter and Kayla add wildlife facts and humor, but whales are never guaranteed.

“Instructions for where to check in and timeline could improve. We felt a little lost, found the line, didn't realize we had to go inside to check-in first, etc. Once the check-in was done and we were on board, everything went great. Didn't get to see any whales but was given vouchers for another visit. We had a great time on the boat, enjoyed the bar, will definitely be back when we can.”

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3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska - Auke Bay and the 2.25-hour cruise
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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

Join Juneau Whale Tours for a 3.5-hour wildlife trip with about 2.25 hours on the water. A 20-person catamaran, wraparound deck, heated cabin, and naturalist-led narration make whale viewing easy. Pickup is offered downtown, but AJ Dock passengers must arrange transport to the Goldbelt Tram.

“What a wonderful excursion! TJ and Andrew were awesome and we saw so many whales! Would definitely do this one again and highly recommend!”

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New in Whale Watching

★ 5.0Whale Watching Maui: 2-Hour Small Group Raft Tour from LahainaFrom $80661 reviews
★ 4.5Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long BeachFrom $35335 reviews
★ 4.5‘Imiloa Express Whale Watch and Cocktail TourFrom $135402 reviews
★ 4.5Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Ultimate Whale Watch ComboFrom $199771 reviews
★ 5.0Alaska Whale Watching Cruise w/ 3 HOURS on the waterFrom $159801 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Whale Watch and Tracy’s Crab Shack ComboFrom $274614 reviews
★ 5.0Alaska Whale Watching with bonus Drone viewing of WhalesFrom $249387 reviews
★ 5.0Hoonah Whale-Watching Cruise – Near Icy Strait PointFrom $225336 reviews
★ 5.0Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana PointFrom $99353 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Excursion in Dana PointFrom $65676 reviews
★ 5.0Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater ViewingFrom $99788 reviews
★ 5.0Zodiac Raft Whale Watching AdventureFrom $113456 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching On The Big IslandFrom $98573 reviews
★ 5.0Pelagic Whale Watch TourFrom $129557 reviews
★ 4.3Half-Day Wildlife and Whale Watching CruiseFrom $148378 reviews

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