USA · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in the USA

32 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8 average  ·  from $27

Juneau in summer, Maui in winter, Boston and Monterey in between — the season is the whole decision. These 15 list which months each runs, what the boats are like and which operators guarantee a sighting.

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching - Price and Value: What $177.45 Buys You in Real Terms
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

Juneau whale watching in about 3.5 hours with 100% humpback sightings guaranteed, heated cabins, cruise-terminal pickup, and naturalist narration.

“Every staff member at Alaska Tales that I encountered was friendly and knowledgeable. They genuinely care about their city and their wildlife. I was on their very last tour of the season couldn’t have been happier with the experience! We didn’t have to go far to see a pod of 3 whales. The captain did a great job getting us close but not too close.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier - Getting from your cruise terminal to Mendenhall without the hassle
Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau, Wildlife

Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier

/
Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - The boat experience: watching from decks or from the cabin
Boat Trips in Boston, Boston Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Boston, Cruises & Boat 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

Boston whale watching from Long Wharf with New England Aquarium naturalists on a comfortable high-speed cruise for humpbacks, fins, minkes, and dolphins.

“It was a but rainy but we were able to see fin whales and a humpback whale kick feeding which is a rare sight, it was totally worth it and so impressive to see whales. there was a great informative story telling by the crew and Amanda showed us a piece of the original tooth of a humpback whale. I loved it and would do it again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Tour in Gloucester - From 415 Main St to the Whale Grounds: What Your First Hour Really Feels Like
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

Gloucester whale watching on Cape Ann Whale Watch: fast Hurricane II to Stellwagen Bank, naturalist guide, heated decks, snacks and hot meals.

“The information provided was very informative. The boat was large and comfortable. Interacting with the whales was awe inspiring!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise - The boat experience: watching from decks or from the cabin
Boat Trips in Boston, Boston Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Boston, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Boston: City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

/

5.City Cruises Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,646 reviews · from $80

Boston whale watch from Long Wharf with New England Aquarium naturalists, a fast 3.5-hour cruise, and big-window comfort.

“Epic. They estimated around 20 humpback whale around us. Also saw dolphins and a sea lion. Spent plenty of time at Stellwagon bank watching them as well. I didnt love that they don't include pictures. I loved that on my Vancouver tour because I felt I could watch the whales vs snap photos. They did say they might post some on their Instagram later. I felt the seats were a little worn down as well. Loved the books and coloring sheets for kids. Overall just amazing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching - Lahaina - Stop 1 in Lahaina: Check-In, Timing, and the Front Street Launch
Dolphin Watching, Maui Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Maui

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

Eye-level zodiac whale or dolphin watching off Lahaina with marine naturalist narration, hydrophone whale songs in season, small groups.

“Amazing, up close views of the whales. Guides shared a lot of interesting information. The boat was comfortable enough, plan to get wet. We went to a few different locations where there was a lot of whale activities and saw mothers, calves and male escorts. We took pictures of breaching, tale fins flipping, pectoral fins, etc. once in a lifetime must see adventure!”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise - Price and what you truly get for $85
Boat Trips in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

/

7.San Diego Whale Watching Cruise

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

Sail on the historic America replica for gray whales and dolphins off San Diego. Includes snacks, a rebook guarantee, and stays smooth.

“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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour - Getting to Discovery Whale Watch: parking, waivers, and check-in
Monterey & Carmel Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

/

8.Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

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

Spot humpbacks, blue whales, dolphins, and more in Monterey Bay on a 3 to 4 hour cruise from Discovery Whale Watch.

“Aside of having seen lots of whales, sea lions and dolfins, the crew was very gentle and the advisor was very skilled and informed in a humorous, informative way!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Trips to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Guaranteed sightings! - Your Whale-Watch Pattern at Sea, and How the Captain Helps
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

Half-day whale watch from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, with a naturalist onboard and guaranteed sightings.

“It is exactly what it promises. 3.5-4 hrs. Guaranteed sightings. Plus- the staff are super friendly. They talk about the views on the way out. Then, once we are in the “whale”zone- everyone starts looking. When we saw one, they take the boat closer. First it was just one whale - saw the tail flip a few times. Then- we couldn’t believe it!!! 3 whales swimming together. First, tails, then lots of slapping the water with their flippers, finally multiple (as in at least 3-4) full breaches!!! I couldn’t be more happy with our experience. If you want to see whales, go to Gloucester!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki - Getting on board at Ala Wai Harbor, what the ship setup gives you
2-Hour Experiences, Oahu Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

2-Hour Oahu Whale Watch from Ala Wai Harbor, Waikiki

/
San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise - The 10-minute open-water push, plus the Mission Bay to Ocean Beach scenery
Boat Trips in San Diego, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, San Diego Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

/

11.San Diego Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,588 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

Whale and dolphin cruise from Mission Bay with naturalists, big ocean views, and restroom onboard. 2 to 3 hours, $71.

“The boat 🛥️ is great; not a ‘bad seat’ in the “house”. The crew is exceptional….especially the captain (who has an eye for spotting whales) and the naturalist who offered whale 🐳 info in an engaging, interesting way. This was a spectacular experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver - Inside the boat: seating, shade, and restroom basics
Maui Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Maui

From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

/

12.From Maalaea: Whale Watching Tour Aboard the Quicksilver

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

Chase humpback whales from Maalaea Harbor on the Quicksilver. Hydrophones, shady seating, and juice and soda included in a 2-hour cruise.

“Great tour great team on the trip. However they let themselves down by leaving us standing on the dock in the pouring rain, when they could have met us on the boat.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour - The two-hour route: what each stop is really for
2-Hour Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

/

13.Newport Beach: 2-Hour Whale Watching Tour

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

2-hour whale watching from Newport Harbor near Disneyland. Expert guides, 96 percent chance of whales or dolphins, and stunning coastline.

“Had a whale of a good time. The trip was very well orca-strated. The guide was fintastic. Glad I didn’t miss the boat on this one”

Check availability →Read our full review

Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch - On Board the Kai OliOli, Comfort Counts
Boat Trips in Oahu, Buffet Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Oahu Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching

Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

/
3.5 Hour Crowd-Skipping Whale Tour in Juneau, Alaska - The boat experience: comfy seats, heated cabin, and a deck you can actually use
Juneau Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Juneau

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

Small-group Juneau whale tour on a 40-foot catamaran with naturalist narration, heated viewing, and easy pickup, plus a good chance at humpbacks.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Whale Watching

★ 4.5Monterey Whale Watching TourFrom $70732 reviews
★ 4.5Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Ultimate Whale Watch ComboFrom $199771 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching from Friday HarborFrom $135780 reviews
★ 5.0Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater ViewingFrom $99788 reviews
★ 5.0Alaska Whale Watching Cruise w/ 3 HOURS on the waterFrom $159801 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Cruise with Open Bar from Ka’anapali BeachFrom $115802 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Viewing, Sightseeing and Whale Watching QuestFrom $178812 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Juneau Whale Watch and Mendenhall Glacier ViewFrom $156915 reviews
★ 4.3Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching CruiseFrom $30415 reviews
★ 4.7Ma’alaea Harbor: Whale Watching Tour Aboard Power CatamaranFrom $50827 reviews
★ 4.5Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching CruiseFrom $45488 reviews

Keep browsing

Oahu Tours84Maui Tours52Big Island Tours31Kauai Tours27Pearl Harbor Tours11Luau Experiences16Manta Ray Snorkels12Juneau Tours8
Scroll to Top

Explore the United States

Every kind of day out, and the best of each.

On the water

Cruises & Boat ToursSunset SailsDinner CruisesKayak TripsSnorkeling

Wild America

Whale WatchingDolphin WatchingManatee SwimsAirboat & Swamp ToursNational Park Tours

On foot

Walking ToursGhost & Haunted ToursHistorical ToursArchitecture ToursThe Freedom Trail

Big days out

Helicopter FlightsGrand Canyon ToursHollywood & StudiosLuau NightsRafting Trips