Whale Watching Tours Around the World: The 15 Best

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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2.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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3.Newfoundland Puffin and Whale Watch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 837 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94Top rated

See puffins, whales, seabirds, and spring icebergs on a lively catamaran cruise from Bay Bulls into Newfoundland’s Witless Bay reserve.

“Great day of fun and adventure! New and unique experiences with the added bonus of interacting with enjoyable people..”

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4.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185

Cruise Algoa Bay from Port Elizabeth for whales, dolphins, seals, and African penguins, with a small group and conservation-focused crew.

“Fantastisk at se pingvinerne og opleve delfinerne som vi sejlede med i lang tid. Alle på båden var meget deltagende og bidrog med mange interessante fortællinger om både pingvinerne og delfinerne.”

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5.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

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

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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6.Whales and Puffins Express Cruise Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 552 reviews · 4 hours · from $153

Review of Reykjavik’s whale and puffin cruise combo, with boat details, wildlife odds, timing, value, tips, and booking advice.

“one of the highlights of my iceland trip. loved the guides and every minute of it.”

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7.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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8.2 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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9.Whale-Watching Cruise and Puffins Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 444 reviews · 3 hours · from $135

See whales, dolphins, and puffins from Húsavík on a traditional oak boat, with warm overalls, hot chocolate, and cinnamon buns.

“Took longer tour to find whales and made sure we saw whales. Would have liked to see puffins closer. Great guides, and unexpected hot chocholate and cinnamon buns ❤️”

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10.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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11.Dolphin – Whale – Turtle – Bird Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 350 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Review of Funchal’s 2-hour Magic Dolphin sea safari, with dolphins, whales, turtles, birds, a small RIB boat, guides, price, and tips.

“Amazing trip on the sea safari. Great fun for all ages and saw dolphins and pilot whales including babies! The catamaran was great too, probably better view of the animals but not as much fun”

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12.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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13.Full-Day Whales, Penguins, and Glaciers Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 325 reviews · 14 hours · from $365

Review of Punta Arenas’ 14-hour whale, penguin, and glacier cruise, with practical advice on seasickness, food, weather, and value.

“Wonderful experience, the boat was super comfortable with heating on. The food was okay. The experience and the views are just incredible!”

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14.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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15.From Alta: Whale and Seabird Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 136 reviews · 3 hours · from $220

Review of Alta’s whale and seabird cruise, with orcas, humpbacks, warm suits, Sami joik, fjord views, value, and practical tips.

“So amazing! Our guide found so many whales for us to see! Entire team was very kind. Highly suggest(:”

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