The 7 Whale and Dolphin Cruises in the USA That Earn the Fare

1.Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

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

Join Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching at Old Fisherman's Wharf for a three-hour Monterey Bay cruise. Guides such as Kevin and Lauren explain whale behavior, kelp forests, birds, and local conservation while the captain searches for humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and the occasional orca.

“Awesome experience! We saw many whales with a close distance and took amazing photos. We were totally amazed. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable”

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2.Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 804 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Board the shaded 42-foot Jolly Dolphin at Pensacola Beach for a 90-minute to two-hour cruise with an English-speaking captain and crew. Expect cushioned seats, bottled water, an onboard restroom, dolphin searches, shorebird sightings, and possible Blue Angels or sunset views.

“Captain Roger and I believe our guide’s name was Maya (?) were terrific! We saw so many dolphins! Amazing! Beautiful day ending with an incredible sunset!”

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3.Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Cruise Charleston Harbor for 90 minutes with a licensed English-speaking guide, passing Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown, the Battery, Castle Pinckney, and Ravenel Bridge. Depart from Patriots Point or Aquarium Wharf. Expect strong storytelling, open-water views, possible dolphins, onboard restrooms, and cash-only snacks and beer.

“Beautiful way to see Charleston from the water. Relaxing ride,we did see a few dolphin .Great narrator on the historical sights. Definitely worth a few hours of your time.”

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4.Schooner Sailing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 255 reviews · from $48

Join the crew of the three-masted Schooner Pride for a 1.5-hour Charleston Harbor sail from Aquarium Wharf. Help raise the sails, watch for dolphins, and see Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and Fort Johnson. This is a relaxed sailing trip with crew conversation, not a nonstop narrated tour.

“Could not have ask for a more perfect day, sail, crew or Captain Dan. We enjoyed our sailing experience, just wished we could have seen dolphins.”

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5.Panama City: Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 218 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Best value

Board a double-deck catamaran at St. Andrews State Park for a 90-minute sunset cruise across St. Andrews Bay. Captains such as Ryan, Brian, Kent, and Roy keep the ride lively while you watch for dolphins, deer on the peninsula, and sunset colors. Beer, wine, and cold refreshments are sold onboard.

“From the view to the crew, everything was excellent! Excellent experience!”

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6.Wake Up With the Whales Cruise on Seasmoke

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Join Ocean Sports at 8:00 am from Anaehoʻomalu Bay for a 90-minute catamaran cruise inside the humpback sanctuary. Marine naturalists explain whale behavior while you watch, photograph, and hear whales through an underwater hydrophone. Snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included.

“Amazing excursion….. from instructions to the staff to seeing an incredible amount of whales to safety and drinks.”

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7.Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and Seals

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 124 reviews · 1h 30m · from $40

Spend 90 minutes aboard Cap'n Fish's Cruises, passing Burnt Island Light, Ram Island Lighthouse, islands, and Maine's rocky coast. Hear live English narration, watch a lobster trap being hauled, and look for seals on the ledges. Padded seats, a galley, and an upper deck make this family-friendly cruise easy to enjoy.

“Thoroughly enjoyed the Boothbay Harbor cruise. The Captain not only provided a smooth sail but an informative narrative. Highly recommend.”

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