Whale Watching Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Whale Watching Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

67 Whale Watching trips. Tours from 46 tour companies. 107 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

26 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Ship Cruise
Around Spitsbergen
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Spitsbergen

Highlights

  • Visit the Svalbard Museum
  • Visit a large colony of Kittiwake which nest in a canyon
  • Seeing Bearded Seal and Polar Bear.
  • Visit to Barentsburg, the only inhabited Russian settlement in Spitsbergen, or to Colesbukta, an abandoned Russian coal mining settlement.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I booked an Antarctic Peninsula trip two years ago through Oceanwide Expeditions that I have been looking forward to for a long time. My goal is to scuba dive on every continent, so I added on the dive package and started training. I shelled out a few grand for a drysuit and other cold water diving gear (freeze resistant regulators, etc). I booked trips to bump up my number of drysuit dives so I’d be ready for Antarctica. Probably more important than the training was the financial outlay. I spent nearly $8500 USD on an 11 day Antarctic cruise that was supposed to depart in February. I spent another few thousand dollars on flights to, from and within Argentina and hotels throughout my trip. Mind you, I’m not exactly rolling in money; I’m an Army officer and I had to save up to afford this trip of a lifetime. I had to jump through a lot of hoops to get my international leave approved, but I got that done and was ready to fly to Buenos Aires on February 4th, and then on to Ushuaia to meet my ship my dives were logged, my gear was ready, my arrangements were made and my money was spent. On January 10th, Oceanwide sent an email informing all passengers that they were cancelling all of their itineraries for the season due to Omicron. I’ll admit, I was furious. I don’t want to get into a COVID debate here, but this trip has given me something to look forward to throughout the pandemic. I booked in March of 2020 while I was locked down during my last deployment as the world shut down for COVID. I was concerned about the trip, but Argentina eventually opened their borders as their vaccination numbers skyrocketed. It looked like the last impediment was out of my way, only to have the company pull the rug out from under me because of the mildest strain of this virus we’ve yet seen. The initial email offered to rebook passengers on next year’s cruises, but I had no interest in this for a few reasons- 1. As a service member, I don’t have the luxury of taking a month of leave whenever I want. I don’t know what obligations I will have a year from now. 2. I don’t trust that the world will be any better off in terms of government and corporate reactions to COVID a year from now. This isn’t going away, new variants will continue to emerge, so if the company is cancelling for the season over something as mild as Omicron, I have little confidence that whatever variant we see in February 2023 will be any better. 3. The company cancelled all itineraries in the 2020-2021 season and I’d imagine they did the same in the 2019-2020 season. They ran a couple in November-December 2021, but have cancelled for the rest of the 21-22 season. They have had no significant cash flow for nearly two years. I don’t want this company to hold on to my money for another year because I’m not confident this company will still exist in a year’s time. Here comes the really frustrating part- I replied to the initial email from their home office on January 10th explaining my position and requesting a refund. I received no reply. On 12 January I emailed the American office of the same company explaining the situation and again requesting a refund. I again received no reply. Between 14-16 January, I called both the American and home (Dutch) offices of the company. In both cases, the employees politely apologized and told me they’d look into it and get back to me. I never received any further communication. On 19 January, I emailed both offices reiterating my request for a refund and expressing my concerns at their lack of communication and requesting a response by the end of the week, or else I would pursue other means of recourse. I received no response. Last night, I again emailed both companies with a final good faith attempt to allow them to resolve the situation. I figured I’d give them the morning to respond, but they have not responded. It looks like I will have to dispute this through my credit card and bank and fight to get back my own money. TL;DR Oceanwide Expeditions accepted payment of $8500 for an Antarctica Cruise then cancelled the cruise and will not respond to any requests for refunds. This shady conduct is more than enough reason to avoid this company."

Trip dates & details
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Skye and the Small Isles
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Visit wild and remote Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye
  • Explore Tobermory, one of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles
  • Visit Skye's famous Talisker malt whisky distillery

Themes

50 plus, Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"I had a simply marvellous and memorable experience aboard St Hilda with the Mull Odyssey cruise. Christophe and Kerry were fantastic, helpful , lovely people. Everybody was great company! The land and seascapes were quite amazing, the light and shade effects wonderful. I know and love the West Coast of Scotland, and this is a wonderful way of seeing it. Highlights were the peace of Iona, the puffins within a couple of feet on Lunga, the fantastic mountains of Mull reflected in the water.... I could go on for ever! Quite the best holiday of my life!"

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Antarctic Peninsula Expedition
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5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Glaciers galore
  • Stunning icebergs the size of skyscrapers
  • Soaring coastal mountains (up to 9,186 ft./2.800m)
  • Abundant wildlife found nowhere else

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Just got back from an incredible adventure. Bhutan was more than I could have ever expected. There was an abundance of good travel karma throughout the trip. The guide, Bhim, was great, very accommodating, and personalized the trip in many amazing ways, and though him I got to know the people and the culture close up and personal. The whole thing went off without a hitch. Bhutan was the most amazing place I have ever been."

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Alaska Adventures Small Ship Cruise
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Baranof Island Sitka

Highlights

  • Travel through sheer-sided glacial fjords to the foot of tidal glaciers where you will witness natural calving events as building size chunks of ice fall from the glaciers face into the ocean below.
  • Cruise through Alaska’s Fredrick Sound, a hot spot for feeding humpback whales. Keep your eyes out for breaching calves, young humpback whales that are known to jump out of the water.
  • Gain special access to a remote and protected salmon stream at Pack Creek, where brown bears gather to feed.
  • Join your naturalist on foraging expeditions through estuaries, forests, and bogs. Uncover the sensationally sweet Alaskan blueberry.
  • Visit Baranof Island’s Warm Springs Bay and dip into a relaxing natural hot spring.

Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The trip with Mapleleaf Adventures was incredible, life changing! We saw Orcas, Seals, Sea lions and many more awesome creatures. This area really needs to be protected!! Thanks to our crew Captain Greg, Lynsey, Jess and Dylan. You are all inspiring and awesome people!! Hope to see you all again."

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Alaska: Glacier Country
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5/5 Excellent
5 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Juneau

Highlights

  • Arrival and check in to your stateroom. Welcome dinner.
  • Anchored in a hidden cove. Park Ranger on board, visits Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers
  • Glacier and wildlife viewing, kayaking, hiking, kayaking
  • Whale watching, ride the skiff near shore for bear sightings.
  • See waterfalls, kayaking, skiff ride. Anchor in a remote cove for an evening. Intertidal walk
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"I’ve had two great adventures with this company. Both journeys offered a combo of moderate off the beaten path and times for luxury. Guides are highly knowledgeable and they offered us opportunity to go deep into history. I really appreciated some rugged moments. The South Africa trip was life changing for many reasons. They are great communicators and want to make sure you get answers and interests met. Both trips had very good hotels and food. Please try them if you travel to learn and participate in new cultures."

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Whales & Totems Tour of the Great Bear Rainforest
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5/5 Excellent
2 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Enjoy Humpback whale & porpoise viewing
  • Experience intertidal life viewing
  • Visit remote Echo Bay float house community

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"The trip with Mapleleaf Adventures was incredible, life changing! We saw Orcas, Seals, Sea lions and many more awesome creatures. This area really needs to be protected!! Thanks to our crew Captain Greg, Lynsey, Jess and Dylan. You are all inspiring and awesome people!! Hope to see you all again."

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Peninsula Valdes Sea Wildlife
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By Say Hueque
preferred
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They have extensive knowledge of Argentina and the surrounding region and their specialists have visited the destinations they send travelers to.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Patagonia, Puerto Madryn

Highlights

  • Enjoy awhale-watching tourin Argentina. Get close to the stunning Southern Right Whales and learn all about these incredible animals.
  • Explore Península Valdés Natural Reserve declared a UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Go on apenguin tour and visit Punta Tombo the largest colony of Magellan penguins in South America.
  • Best time to travel: From October to April.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for a fantastic holiday in Argentina! We loved the country and the people. The highlights for us was Iguazu Falls, the wine tour & the little hotel in Mendoza and the Glacier trekking. The Glacier was amazing!!! All flights were on time and your guides were always there to meet and great. Please pass on a special thank you to Carla who looked after us in BA and kept in touch all through our travels. Thanks again to Lujan, who did a fantastic job putting it all together and we will recommend you and your company to all our friends & family."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

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Best of Alaska
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Valdez

Highlights

  • Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
  • Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
  • Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
  • Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
  • On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Health Safety +

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21 Day Grand Tour Discover Real New Zealand
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By Real New Zealand Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
40 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are dedicated to providing personalized, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences that showcase the best of their country.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Pacific Ocean, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tasmania, Wellington

Highlights

  • All inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand based specialists so you sit back and relax
  • An exciting itinerary will be customised to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
  • We offer self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accomodations, activities, attractions (you select) we book your car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day or, select a private driver trip (fully guided) or, escorted coach tours (daily commentary).
  • Either way, you will have an awesome time on our wonderful 21 day Grand New Zealand Tour with Real New Zealand Tours.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys, Trekking & Expeditions, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Sailing, Golf

What travelers are saying

"Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go and, after a small number of iterations, together we were able able to craft an itinerary that met our budget, touched on much of the places we wanted, and did not have us staying at a different resort each night. Before leaving for our trip we were given our itinerary and confirmation #'s/vouchers/contact #'s for all of our activities and hotels captured in an easy-to-use app that made it extremely easy to transition to the next point of our journey. He and his assistant were quick to respond to any questions we had along the way as well. Overall, we had a great stay and highly endorse Geoff and RealNZ for anyone planning a bespoke trip to NZ."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Philippines (Bohol & Cebu): in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Apo Island, Badian, Bohol, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Manila, Oslob, Samboan

Highlights

  • Swimming with Whale Sharks
  • Swimming with Sea Turtles
  • Canyoneering & Cliff Jumping at Kawasan Falls
  • Climbing Waterfalls (a.k.a. Canyoning) at Aguinid Falls
  • Seeing Chocolate-Looking Hills
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Thank you guys for setting up this trip. We spent 7 days in Palawan and Coron island and enjoyed every day. The remote coordinator worked very well for us through Whatsup, and the daily itineraries were exactly what we expected. Not too much and not too short. We recommend this tour for every one who wants to explore these locations"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

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Antarctica Expedition & Wild Patagonia
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By Across South America
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
65 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

El Calafate, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Torres del Paine Luxury Camp
  • Walk on the Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Explore the "End of the world"
  • Nature at its best at the Small Luxurious Expedition Cruise to Antarctica.
  • Adventure in Antarctica: Ice-Camp and Kayak

Themes

Birding, Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Trekking & Expeditions, Sailing, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend Across South America for a memorable experience that is personalized for YOU."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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26 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Ship Cruise
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Whale Watching Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
107  Reviews
See all Whale Watching tour reviews
Excellent
22
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
E

Eric

Oct 2019

Written on

A Close Encounter of the Orca Kind

I have been on this trip 3 different time, and each time has been unique, and so amazing. The guides were so great, and knowledgeable, the food was fantastic, and th...

K

Kimmie

Sep 2019

Written on

This was one of the best vacations I have ever gone on

This was one of the best vacations I have ever gone on. It was amazing to see the humpbacks slapping their tails and orca swimming by our base camp every evening. Bu...

L

Lin Teichman

Aug 2019

Written on

Best Trip Ever

This trip exceeded all expectations for a kayaking trip. Not only were the guides wonderful, the food amazing and the participants fun, but the sheer numbers of whal...

M

Michelle

Jul 2019

Written on

Incredible Kayaking with Orcas

If you're looking for an opportunity to kayak with whales, specifically orcas, this is an incredible adventure. Not only did we get the opportunity to see orcas from...

J

Jimbo

Sep 2018

Written on

Amazing Johnstone Straight Experience - Kayaking, Fun, Wildlife, great food, beautiful location

We recently took the Orca Base Camp trip with Sea Kayak Adventures. It was amazing. Yes its camping. We were well taken care of and got to paddle in this pristin...

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Whale Watching Tour Selection Trips

  • Whale watching is possible year round, though the farther north you go, summer is typically the best season.
  • While your tour will do their best to find a pod, it's never a guarantee that you'll witness a breach. However if you plan accordingly and travel during the best months, your chances are very good.
  • Seas can be very choppy so if you get seasick be sure to take appropriate precautions. A good tour guide should have remedies available.
  • Be careful with nice camera equipment! While nothing beats getting that perfect shot, you will be out on the water for extended periods of time, so watch out for sea water, and keep your camera well protected.

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