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ToursWhale Watching

Whale Watching United States Tours & Trips

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

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United States
Kayak & Whale Watching Combo
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Kayak & Whale Watching Combo

By ROW Sea Kayak Adventures
premier
5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Santo Domingo

Highlights

  • Visit Loreto
  • Enjoy whale watching session
  • Enjoy Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

Themes

Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
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-29%$2,793
8 days From$1,995
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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Magdalena Bay Whale Watching
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Magdalena Bay Whale Watching

By ROW Sea Kayak Adventures
premier
5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Loreto
  • Enjoy Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
  • Exploring swimming, dune walking, whale watching

Themes

Birding, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
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-29%$1,749
5 days From$1,249
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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Best of Alaska
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Best of Alaska

By Intrepid Travel
premier
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."

Trip dates & details
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-31%$6,753
10 days From$4,666

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Mexico (Cancun & Yucatan): See & Experience it ALL in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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Mexico (Cancun & Yucatan): See & Experience it ALL in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

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

Cancun, Cancún, Cenote Ik Kil, Chichen Itza, Cozumel, Mujeres Island, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid

Highlights

  • Catamaran Ride with an Open Bar, Heading to Isla Mujeres (a.k.a. The Island of Women)
  • Dune Buggy Tour of Cozumel Island
  • Visiting the Ancient City of Chichen Itza
  • Canyoning at Casa Tortuga
  • Sightseeing in the Colonial Town of Valladolid
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"CharlieTheTraveler far exceeded our expectations. You took care of our every need and I feel spoiled. We did not have to worry about anything. We will definitely use CharlieTheTraveler again on a future trip. Thank you so much for your attention to detail."

Trip dates & details
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-12%$2,004
6 days From$1,758
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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Isla San Jose Kayak Tour
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Isla San Jose Kayak Tour

By ROW Sea Kayak Adventures
premier
5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

La Paz, San Francisco, San José, San José del Cabo

Highlights

  • Have a chance to see giant blue whales swim by, or fin whales or orcas
  • Explore La Paz
  • Visit the beautiful Sea of Cortez island has dozens of long beaches of golden sand, perfect for beach combing.
  • Discover Isla San José

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-26%$1,821
6 days From$1,349
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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3x3 Kayak & Whale Watching Combo
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3x3 Kayak & Whale Watching Combo

By ROW Sea Kayak Adventures
premier
5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Mexico City

Highlights

  • You'll stay three days at our exclusive whale camp located at a remote beach on a barrier island in the heart of grey whale activity.
  • Whales, the lagoon is home to dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and thousands of shorebirds.
  • Your guides will introduce you to the desert plants, birds and other wildlife of Bahia de Magdalena on our Baja whale watching tour.
  • Then head back over to Loreto for three days of Baja sea kayaking and camping on remote islands in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, where the surrounding water is a sanctuary for blue-footed boobies, fin and blue whales, dolphins and sea lions.
  • The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the perfect blend of Baja kayaking, hiking and snorkeling.
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Themes

Family Friendly, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-26%$2,093
6 days From$1,550
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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Isla Espiritu Santo Kayak Sojourn
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Isla Espiritu Santo Kayak Sojourn

By ROW Sea Kayak Adventures
premier
4.3/5 Great
31 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

La Paz

Highlights

  • One of the trip highlights is snorkeling with friendly sea lions at Los Islotes, volcanic islets where playful sea lion pups dive off the rocks and pirouette below you. Other activities include hiking up colorful arroyos studded with tall cactus, snorkeling amongst hundreds of tropical fish, paddling below fantastic rock formations, and enjoying margaritas on the beach as the sun sets.
  • Our motorized support boat carries all camping gear and the makings for fabulous meals prepared by your guides with a Mexican flair. Your kayaks are light and easy to paddle between camps while the accompanying motorboat provides an additional level of safety.
  • Intense natural beauty, abundant wildlife, sunny weather and warm waters make Espiritu Santo Island a world-class sea kayaking destination. Join us and discover for yourself why Espiritu Santo Island is a paddler’s paradise!
  • All tours include a snorkeling excursion with the sea lions of Los Islotes (weather dependent) as well as hotel included in the trip cost, and are motorboat-supported for easier paddling and lighter kayaks. Trip begins and ends in La Paz, Baja California Sur.

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
8 days From$1,349
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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Kayak & Whale Watching Combo
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Kayak & Whale Watching Combo

By ROW Sea Kayak Adventures
premier
5/5 Excellent
31 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

La Paz, Mexico City

Highlights

  • January through March, hundreds of gray whales mate and bear their young in the protected waters of Magdalena Bay after traveling over 5000 miles from the Bering Strait. A motorized skiff will take you swiftly and safely into the deeper parts of the bay, where you won't just view the "mommy and me" action, you may be able to actually pet some of the whales that swim by.
  • Staying on the island at our camp provides you with the opportunity to be delighted by a host of other wildlife such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea gulls, pelicans and more often right from camp! Plush camping allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery while your professional naturalist guides provide you with dinner, drinks, and plenty of education.
  • After you have had your fill of breaching, and spy hopping whales then head back over to Loreto or La Paz for five days of Baja sea kayaking and camping on remote islands in Loreto Bay National Marine Park or Espiritu Santo, where the surrounding water is a sanctuary for blue-footed boobies, fin and blue whales, dolphins and sea lions.
  • Visit the Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the perfect blend of Baja kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. Abundant wildlife, massive whales, sunny weather and warm, crystalline waters make the Sea of Cortez one of the best winter adventure destinations in North America and Mexico.
  • With each of these tours, your first and last nights will be hotel-based in Loreto or La Paz with an extra hotel night between kayaking and whale watching.
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Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
10 days From$2,135
Price updated 1 year+ ago

Health Safety

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Whale Watching Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
107  Reviews
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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...

Tour:  Blackfish Waters Orca Kayak Tour

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...

Tour:  Blackfish Waters Orca Kayak Tour

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...

Tour:  Blackfish Waters Orca Kayak Tour

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...

Tour:  Blackfish Waters Orca Kayak Tour

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...

Tour:  Blackfish Waters Orca Kayak Tour

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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.

Additional details

Top Whale Watching Travel Companies
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