Whale Watching Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Whale Watching Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

66 Whale Watching trips. Tours from 46 tour companies. 105 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

26 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Ship Cruise
Whale Encounters - Dominican Republic
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Silver Bank: The region of the Silver Bank was one of the shipping routes that were the lifelines of the Spanish Empire. In September 1641, the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de la Pura y Limpia Concepcion set sail from Havana, Cuba, laden with treasure. A week later, she was nearly destroyed by a hurricane and began a month-long trek to Puerto Rico for repairs. But just short of the goal, the Concepcion struck a shallow reef and began to sink, losing 300 passengers and crew and a fortune in silver that inspired the reef’s name. Enjoy watching the Wildlife: Humpback Whales: Humpback whales are extravagant creatures, ranging from 40-50 feet in length and weighing in at 35-40 tons. They derive their name from the distinctive high humping of their back when they dive and also from the pronounced hump at the leading edge of their dorsal fin. Watch in awe as the whales put on a show, slapping their wing-like pectoral fins on the surface of the sea, lobtailing, breaching, spyhopping and peduncle throws.

Themes

50 plus, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

Trip dates & details
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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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Antarctica Christmas Cruise
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5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Visit Punta Arenas
  • Visit very historic location of Elephant Island
  • Have a chance to view to the north of Mount Shackleton and Mount Scott is impressive
  • Visit to Half Moon Island
  • Antarctic expedition include glacier climbing, penguin viewing, whale watching, camping out under the stars and more.

Themes

Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing, Photography, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

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Whales & Wildness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Mexico City

Highlights

  • Spring in the Sea of Cortez is the best time to see large pods of dolphins and various species of whales—blue, sperm, pilot, fin, humpback and Bryde’s—all in the same week.
  • Explore water-level caves by kayak, hike uninhabited beaches, snorkel among fish and acrobatic sea lions, and see colorful cactus blossoms.
  • Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalia, with its wooden homes and historic steel church, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
  • Experience a voyage of pure discovery in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a flexible itinerary and sites chosen by the region’s most knowledgeable staff, based on conditions and to maximize wildlife sightings.

Themes

Education / Learning, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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Antarctic Peninsula
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Explore Ushuaia
  • Opportunity to Cruise along beautiful Antarctic Peninsula
  • Visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station
  • Enjoy sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pléneau Island and You will have a chance to encounter Humpback Whales, minke whales and fin whales.
  • Experience the joy of cruising by zodiac between the icebergs in the inner parts of the bay
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Themes

Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Antarctic Peninsula aboard Expedition
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • 11 days Antarctica Cruises
  • Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
  • Crossing Drake Passage
  • Explore Ushuaia

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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Discoverers Glacier Country
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Baranof Island Sitka, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Juneau

Highlights

  • View Alaska's massive glaciers
  • Kayak and small boat explorations
  • Visit Glacier Bay National Park
  • Enjoy whale watching in Frederick Sound and bears near Icy Strait and Chichagof Island

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Islands of New England (on the Grande Mariner)
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4.7/5 Excellent
22 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the Nantucket Whaling Museum
  • Visit Edgartown, a historic whaling port and home to the Vineyard’s most famous lighthouse
  • Learn about the New Bedford, MA rich history
  • Visit the most renowned of these “summer cottages, The Breakers,” a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo

Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"I’ve enjoyed working with Blount for two years now. Passengers on board have nothing but positive feedback and exciting experiences to share. I look forward to cruising with Blount sometime in the near future."

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Whale Watching Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
105  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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