The 15 Best Birdwatching Boat Trips on Earth

Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

1.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175Our pick

Review of Húsavík’s 2-hour RIB whale safari, with puffins, blue whales, expert guides, practical tips, price advice, and honest drawbacks.

“On a sunny day we were lucky to see a total of 3 individual humpback whales for at least 7 times. We had a great and knowledgeable guide which was able answer any questions we had about the wildlife. The skipper was amazing in bringing us to any whale that was popping up and navigated us as close as possible providing great views for people on both sides of the boat. Booking the speed boat is worth the extra as you can be at any sighting very quickly.”

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Reykjavik: Puffin Watching Boat Tour

2.Puffin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,052 reviews · 1 hour · from $64

See Reykjavik’s puffins from a classic wooden boat, with island views, local birdlife, guides, binoculars, and a 100% sighting guarantee.

“You will see the puffins from a distence but there is nothing anyone can do about it. Participate it with realized expectation. Other than that was a good trip..”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

3.Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198

Review of Húsavík’s fast RIB whale and puffin tour, with practical advice on wildlife, comfort, price, weather, and who should book.

“I highly recommend this tour to everyone. It's well organized and executed, and the crew is outstanding. They allow plenty of time, and we were especially lucky to see blue whales because the crew chose an alternative search area compared to the other boats.”

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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

4.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 557 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Cruise from Bay Bulls to Witless Bay Reserve for millions of seabirds, puffins, possible whales, local songs, and practical coastal adventure.

“Our guide was wonderful, knowledgeable and full of spirit. The whole crew were there to make our tour a pleasant experience! Highly recommended for this visiting the wonderful province of Newfoundland. If staying in St. John's know that this tour is only a 30 minute drive away and well worth the experience.”

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Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

5.Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 501 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $203

Review of Húsavík’s Big Whales and Puffins RIB tour, with close wildlife viewing, practical tips, costs, weather advice, and booking guidance.

“Highly recommend this trip. The Guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. The style of boat gave everyone an excellent view when a whale was sighted. The timeframe of the trip (2 hours) was just right!”

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2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s

6.2 Hour Award-Winning Whale and Seabird Boat Tour from St. John’s

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 455 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $112

Cruise from St. John’s to Cape Spear for whales, seabirds, sea caves, history, and heated-cabin comfort on a two-hour coastal tour.

“The talk was incredibly interesting, the weather was great, and the beautiful landscape the real star! The huge caves and stories of pirates and treasure. I saw a whale blow then its fin and seabirds flying high. This tour is a great jumping off point for any tourist. Now I want to go to The Rooms to see the pirate treasure.”

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Ushuaia: Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

7.Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 439 reviews · 5 hours · from $180

Cruise the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia to sea lions, seabirds, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Magellanic and Papua penguins.

“The activity was wonderful! Staff was great and helpful, you’re also in English. The foto experience was a great add so consider taking that on.”

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Ushuaia: Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

8.Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 436 reviews · 5h 30m · from $92

Sail Beagle Channel from Ushuaia to penguin-filled Martillo Island, with sea lions, cormorants, a lighthouse, Chilean views, and a café onboard.

“It was a very comfortable and informative trip, we were given plenty of time to view and photograph the sea lions at the lighthouse, and again when we saw the penguins. On the way out we saw a humpback whale and on the return there were dolphins, on both occasions the captain stopped and then manoeuvred the boat to ensure that everyone had time to get a good view, there was no rush. I would highly recommend this trip.”

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Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

9.Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 417 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $180

Review of Húsavík’s 2-hour RIB whale and puffin tour, with practical advice on wildlife, price, weather, clothing, and who should book.

“Guide was very knowledgeable and personable! Boat was on top condition and very comfortable. A must do!”

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Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

10.Bleik: Whale Watching by Speedboat with Puffins and Muffins

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 326 reviews · 3h 30m · from $199

Review of Bleik’s 3.5-hour RIB whale safari, with orcas, sperm whales, puffins, guides, midnight sun, and practical tips for a $199 trip.

“Highly recommended!!! Wonderful guide and skipper!!!we saw 2 wailles and it was amazing. Thank you for the once in a lifetime experience!”

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Reykjavik: Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

11.Whale and Puffin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 293 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Review of Reykjavik’s 2-hour RIB tour for whales and puffins, with marine biologist guides, warm gear, fast boats, and practical booking tips.

“Because of bad weather the trip was moved around a couple of times. Good communication and service all around. When we went, a good weather window opened up, saw at least 8 humpback whales, 3 minke whales and a plethora of dolphins. It was epic! Loved the bouncing on the water btw!! Puffins were far away and not the best trip to see them…”

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Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour

12.Two-Hour Everglades Dolphin, Manatee and Birding Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $109

Review of the two-hour Everglades boat tour, with dolphins, birds, manatees, guides, price, access, wildlife odds, and booking advice.

“Seeing the dolphins and the estuary! Dan was very knowledgeable and offered up suggestions of things to do.”

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Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel and Penguins in Isla Martillo

13.Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel and Penguins in Isla Martillo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 124 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $240

Cruise the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia to sea lions, seabirds, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and penguins at Isla Martillo.

“We saw what we came for but finding the place was not straight forward at all as you have to grt your ticket from a little office we could not find. The boat also leaves later than we were told and got back earlier. The penguins and sealions were adorable, but the way they try to get people to circulate the boat (so everybody gets a good shot and gets to enjoy them) is very pushy and confusing.”

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Lisbon: Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve Birdwatching Boat Tour

14.Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve Birdwatching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 117 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Explore Lisbon’s Tagus Estuary by small boat, spotting flamingos, spoonbills, herons, and more with guide Carlos Cera.

“Carlos was a fabulous guide for this trip. He pointed out the many birds we saw and had a book referencing the ones we saw. He was very knowledgeable.”

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