Best Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in the USA — Our Top 15

1.Maui Eco-Raft Tour: Eye-Level Whale or Dolphin Watching – Lahaina

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,482 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

Ride a low-water zodiac raft from Lahaina for eye-level humpback whale watching from December to April, or dolphin viewing and coastal sightseeing in summer. Your marine naturalist explains Maui’s sea life, and whale-season trips use a hydrophone for underwater songs. Expect spray and a small-group feel.

“Captain Jack and Jess were awesome. The whale experience was a highlight of our trip. We saw a baby whale breach probably 150 yards from our boat which was my personal highlight.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

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

Join Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching from Old Fisherman’s Wharf for a three-hour cruise in search of humpback and gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, birds, and sharks. Smaller boats offer good viewing, while guides such as Kevin explain Monterey Bay’s wildlife and fragile ecosystem.

“Kevin the guide was a font of knowledge, showing all on board great care, both he and the skipper made it an adventure to remember forever. We learnt a lot today and saw humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions as well as cormorants and other sea birds. A great trip despite choppy seas. Would most definitely recommend! Five stars!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,334 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $174

You’ll sail aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran from Ko Olina, scan Oahu’s west coast for whales and dolphins, snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, then enjoy a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, warm showers, and optional Waikiki pickup.

“Wonderful staff, great experience. It’s so fun to have a photographer with you on the trip. The staff were so attentive and fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 788 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Cruise from Dana Point Harbor aboard a Coast Guard-certified catamaran with Captain Dave’s crew. A naturalist explains whales, dolphins, sea lions, and ocean protection while you watch from deck level or, on Manute’a, through underwater viewing pods. Allow about 2.5 hours.

“Unfortunately only one minke whale at a distance and very fleeting. Disappointed because the advertising makes it seem like there are always whales seen. And despite knowing that it’s not peak season I do think my expectations were higher. Lots of dolphins and lovely day for cruise. Would recommend at height of season otherwise just expect a pleasant couple of hours on the water with bonus if whales seen!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 693 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Join a captain and certified naturalist at Miss Chris Marina for a three-hour Cape May cruise. You may see dolphins, porpoises, whales, seabirds, and other marine life while learning about the coast and its maritime past. The large boat has restrooms, indoor seating, and a snack bar.

“Even though there were whale sightings in the area,we didn't get to see any.... However we did manage to see a good number of dolphins, Excellent experience would definitely recommend if visiting the area”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45

Cruise from Long Beach or San Pedro for 150 minutes aboard Harbor Breeze’s stable catamarans. Aquarium of the Pacific educators explain whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds, while quiet engines support respectful wildlife viewing.

“It was a great day. We saw dolphins and a humpback whale. Worth it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Newport Beach: Whale and Dolphin-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 415 reviews · 2h 30m · from $30

Cruise from Newport Beach for 150 minutes with a captain and crew who explain the marine life around Orange County. Watch for dolphins, gray whales, blue whales, sea lions, and more, with views of Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach, and Newport Harbor. Check in at Davey’s Locker in the Balboa Pavilion.

“Pleasantly surprised!! The scenery and onboard atmosphere were great! There were plenty of dolphins and also saw sea lions. It was a nice tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Dolphin and Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 249 reviews · from $71

Sail from Mission Bay Park on a 2 to 3-hour sunset cruise with a certified guide and crew sharing facts about local whales and dolphins. You may spot pods of dolphins, pelicans, or whales offshore, then watch the sun drop over the San Diego coast. Bring warm layers for the windy ride home.

“Excellent. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, caring, and attentive. The insight and commentary was interesting and useful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 230 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Spend three hours aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher with Captain Jeff and an English-speaking narrator, cruising past Victorian buildings, through Delaware Bay, and into the Atlantic. Watch for dolphins, whales, sharks, and birds from a spacious, wheelchair-accessible lower deck.

“Fine job of giving us information about the sea mammals. I was particularly glad they said they communicated with other boats on the lookout for whales. They can’t be guaranteed. The dolphins were amazing in such close family groups. (Assumed of course) The shade, the snacks helped make the time pass. The ocean was lovely.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Newport Beach Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $28Best value

Set out from 309 Palm St on a two-hour, two-deck catamaran cruise with Newport Landing Whale Watching. Look for blue, finback, gray, humpback, and minke whales, plus dolphins, sea lions, and coastal birds. Captain Hunter and crew provide useful local and wildlife information.

“We saw 7 large pods of dolphins. Was amazing and unexpected! The captain was knowledgeable and steered us to where we could see right up close.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 186 reviews · from $77

Cruise from San Diego Harbor for 3.5 to 4 hours with captains and volunteer naturalists from the San Diego Natural History Museum. Watch for gray and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, sunfish, and seabirds. Indoor and outdoor seating are available, with a return pass if no whale or dolphin appears.

“We had great service by the staff and the weather was great we saw a few dolphins but those dang whales didn’t participate. can’t blame the company for that. They even gave coupons for another ride for a chance to see whales on a different day kudos to this company .”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Kauai’s South Side Whale and Dolphin Zodiac Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 163 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $158

Set out from Kukuiʻula Harbor in a 25-foot Zodiac with up to 14 passengers. Captains and guides such as Justin, Lindsay, Jane, and Brandon share facts about humpbacks and Kauai’s coast while searching for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Expect speed, spray, bumps, and no snorkeling.

“Great crew great knowledge they interacted well with everyone and were genuinely interested in finding whales felt like hanging out with my buddies hunting”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Private 2hr Supreme Whale/Dolphin Watching Tour, Newport Beach CA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews

Captain Nick and other USCG-licensed naturalist captains take your group of up to six from Newport Harbor toward local dolphin and whale grounds. Expect a fast, intimate boat ride, wildlife facts, and close views when conditions cooperate. Arrive 30 minutes early and dress warmly.

“Captain Nick pulled out all the stops for us and we had a breathtaking experience. The boat trip itself would have been reward enough (super fast and fun!) but it was truly awe-inspiring to see dolphins and whales feeding and plaRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.City Cruises San Diego: Whale and Dolphin Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 143 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $56

Cruise from Navy Pier with City Cruises San Diego, guided by the captain and San Diego Natural History Museum volunteers. Look for migrating gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, and seabirds from indoor or outdoor decks. The cruise lasts about three hours in winter and four hours in summer.

“I really enjoyed the commentary from the captain, and they had people from the history museum on board to educate us on the whales and so we could ask questions. The company also donates to the history museum so in return the well trained whalers come on the boat. The boat was big and even though we often get motion sickness we were completely fine! They also gave us information on our way out of the harbor about San Diego. I can’t recommend them enough!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Whale and Dolphin Watching in San Diego

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Join Captain Ray or Captain Alyssa on a three-hour trip from Mission Bay aboard a 22-foot expedition boat limited to five people. You may see dolphins, humpback or gray whales, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Life jackets and waterproof windbreakers are provided.

“(Bring your jacket! it’s pretty cold out there) Highly recommended! We went the 8:30 tour and saw so many dolphins swimming around us and a humpback whale!”

Check availability →Read our full review