OUR PICKS · WHALE & DOLPHIN

Where the Whales Come Into the Bay: the 15 Best Watching Cruises

26 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Sheltered water and a feeding season are the whole formula. The 15 below cover the migration bays and the resident dolphin pods, with the months each one actually works and the sighting policies when it does not.

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise - Starting at Funchal’s New Marina
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Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

1.Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,684 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Our pick

Sail from Funchal with a Portuguese or English-speaking guide on the Atlantic Pearl, a comfortable catamaran for about 20 people. Search for dolphins and whales, hear about Madeira’s sea life, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling before returning along the coast.

“This was such an incredible experience - we were grateful to see a few pods of pilot whales and go on a sunset swim in a warm secluded location! Our guide João was lovely and accommodating, sharing stories and recommendations along the way.”

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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour - Across the bay’s shallow wildlife zone
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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

2.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 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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Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise - Boarding Freedom III at Urangan
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Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

3.Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $125Top rated

Join Freedom Whale Watch at 9:30 am for a six-hour catamaran cruise from Urangan. Toni and the crew search Platypus Bay for humpback whales, with time for dolphins, turtles, sea birds, whale calls, buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and Fraser Island views.

“1. We spent a solid 6 hours out on the water, and we had the privilege of seeing so many whales. Some of them even came right up to the boat, and one even gave us a spectacular spout! 2. The meals were simply delicious. They served us morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, and every bite was fantastic! 3. The captain was a wealth of information, sharing so many interesting facts with us. Plus, all the crew members were super friendly. This trip was absolutely worth it! 🐳🌊😄”

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Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour - What the cruise route offers
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Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour

4.Pensacola Beach Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour

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

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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Charleston: Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch - Choosing between Patriots Point and Aquarium Wharf
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Charleston: Sightseeing Harbor Tour & Dolphin Watch

5.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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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls - Watching puffins, murres, and petrels from the water
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2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

6.2 Hours Guided Whale and Bird Boat Tour in Bay Bulls

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

Cruise from Bay Bulls with a naturalist guide to the four islands of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Expect huge seabird colonies, possible minke whales and dolphins, local songs, and optional screech-in fun. Noah is one guide praised for his clear wildlife facts and folk singing.

“We were so lucky to see minke whales before we even really took off! And after that, it was a party on the boat with live music, informative (and funny) commentary, some fishing, drinks, and screeching. The staff were so amazing, from the captain to the bartender, we all enjoyed the experience. HIGHLY recommend.”

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Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise - Leaving Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan
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Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

7.Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 553 reviews · from $111

Join Tasman Venture for a four-hour Hervey Bay catamaran cruise with a whale-sighting guarantee. Watch humpback whales from the outdoor viewing platform or underwater windows, hear their calls through hydrophones, and enjoy commentary in six languages. Rachel and the crew add warmth, care, and useful marine insight.

“The sea was rough the day I went whale watching but the whales were amazing! They made a show for us! :) Perfect birthday present!”

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Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise - Finding the whales along the migration route
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Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

8.Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 452 reviews · from $111

Spend about four and a half hours aboard the Spirit of Hervey Bay, cruising Platypus Bay near Fraser Island. The crew shares whale behavior insights while you watch from open decks, a waterline platform, or underwater windows. Morning or afternoon tea is included, with hotel transfers or free marina parking.

“This is an amazing experience and one we throughly enjoyed. the crew was very attentive to all on board. we saw dozens of pods of whales and the captain gave some really good information about humpback whales and what they do. We think this is really good value Read more”

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Cape Town: 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching - What You See During the 30 Minutes
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Cape Town: 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching

9.30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 376 reviews · 30 min · from $4Best value

Join Waterfront Charters at Quay 5 for a short English-language cruise around Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. From the double-decker boat, you’ll watch seals, see working harbour vessels, and view Table Mountain from the water. The skipper and announcer may add local humour and photo stops.

“It was worth. Beautiful experience just wonderful. It was a bit cold and windy but overall money well spent.”

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From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin Watching Cruise - Starting at 7 am from Sydney Central
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From Sydney: Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin Watching Cruise

10.Jervis Bay Day Tour and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 374 reviews · from $94

Leave Sydney Central at 7 am for a small-group Jervis Bay day tour with an English- or Portuguese-speaking guide. Cruise for dolphins, visit Huskisson, walk at Hyams and Greenfield beaches, and look for kangaroos at Cave Beach in Booderee National Park. Meals are extra.

“The bus needs some mechanical work. The bus ride was very boring. In other excursions, the drivers tell us significant history items during the ride, at points. The guys were great, the food was delicious. We enjoyed the beach, the dolphins were awesome, and the drive was blah. Talking to us some of the time about the history, would have been wonderful!”

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Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise - Four viewing decks make the whale search easier
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Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise

11.Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 363 reviews · from $85

Cruise from Urangan past K’gari, Indian Head, and Great Sandy National Park while searching for humpback whales in Platypus Bay. Quick Cat II offers four viewing decks, local commentary, morning or afternoon departures, tea, and possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and dingoes.

“Crew/team were awesome! Very accomodating and full of energy. Saw heaps of whales. I would 100% recommend!”

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Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise - What the two-hour route is really like
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Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

12.Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 362 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Launch from Plettenberg Bay beach aboard a 400-horsepower cat-style speedboat for two hours on the open sea. Guides such as Andy, PK, Ashwin, and Sergio help spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Morning departures offer the best chance of calmer weather and wildlife.

“Such a slick, well managed ride with delightful guides. We had a magical adventure hunting with dolphins and “playing” with a young humpbacked whale!”

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Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise - From Currambene Street to the open bay
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Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise

13.Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 294 reviews · from $37

Join Jervis Bay Wild for a 1.5-hour cruise from Huskisson into Jervis Bay Marine Park. The crew searches known feeding areas for nearly 100 resident bottlenose dolphins, with open-air and covered viewing areas, local commentary, and a chance to see dolphins beside the boat.

“Perfect experience with the dolphins, the Captain was very informative and knew exactly where to take us to see so many of those beautiful creatures”

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Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale Watching Cruise - Five Levels for Finding Your Best View
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Hervey Bay: Half-Day Whale-Watching Cruise

14.Half-Day Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 277 reviews · 4 hours · from $84

Cruise Hervey Bay aboard the Amaroo, a purpose-built whale-watching boat with three open decks. Captain Phil and the crew search for humpback whales, explain their behavior, and give you time to watch mothers, calves, breaches, and close encounters. Tea, biscuits, parking, and Boat Club discounts are included.

“It was amazing when the whales socialise and you get a chance to listen to them 🐳🥰♥️”

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Cape Town: 30 Minute Seal-Watching Harbour Cruise - A 30-minute route through a working harbour
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Cape Town: 30 Minute Seal-Watching Harbour Cruise

15.30 Minute Seal-Watching Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 267 reviews · 30 min · from $6

Set out from the V&A Waterfront, in front of the Two Oceans Aquarium, for a 30-minute cruise through Cape Town’s working harbour. You’ll see Cape fur seals, ships, docks, Table Mountain, and Signal Hill, with headsets and commentary in 15 languages.

“Friendliness of the staff and safe driving. I felt very comfortable in a ride.”

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New in Whale & Dolphin Bay Cruises

★ 4.6Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran CruiseFrom $6347 reviews
★ 4.7Nelson Bay: Dolphin Watch Cruise and SailFrom $3574 reviews
★ 4.5Boothbay Harbor Cruise: Lighthouses, Lobster Haul, and SealsFrom $40124 reviews
★ 4.7Koombana Bay: Dolphin Eco CruiseFrom $46131 reviews
★ 4.9Humpback Whale-Watching Half-Day CruiseFrom $84153 reviews

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