SNORKELING · WHALE WATCHING

Whale Watching and Snorkel Trips Worldwide: Our Top 15

33 trips  ·  from $45 a head

The good whale watching and snorkel trips fill up weeks ahead and the small boats go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling - The ride is fast, wet, and part of the show
Fuerteventura Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling with Dolphins, Spain Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling

1.From Morro Jable: Dolphin and Whale Watching and Snorkelling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,687 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $61Our pick

From Morro Jable, take a lively speedboat ride along Fuerteventura’s coast with guides such as Mauricio, Cesar, and Cristina. Search for dolphins and pilot whales, then stop for 30 minutes of snorkeling among fish. Pickup and return transport from southern resorts are included.

“Great fun, didn’t get to see whales or dolphins but the speed boat ride was fantastic. The captain was hilarious and stopped for a swim too. Overall was a great few hours”

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Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch - Six warm showers and a comfortable return to the boat
Buffet Experiences, Oahu Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling with Dolphins, Snorkeling with Dolphins in Oahu, Snorkeling with Dolphins in the USA, the USA Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP, Whale Watching

Luxury Snorkel Cruise, Local Buffet with Whale & Dolphin Watch

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

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

Sail from Ko Olina aboard the 61-foot Kai OliOli catamaran. Your captain and crew search for dolphins, seasonal humpback whales, turtles, and flying fish before stopping for guided snorkeling. Gear, showers, a Hawaiian buffet, drinks, and optional Waikiki pickup are included.

“There is no snorkeling, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins. We were very disappointed. I would not recommend this trip.”

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La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos - Meeting the panga at La Paz Malecon
Lunch Experiences, Mexico Snorkeling Tours, San Jose del Cabo Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling, Whale Watching

La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

3.La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour and Lunch From Los Cabos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,066 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $259Top rated

Travel from Los Cabos to La Paz, board a panga, and swim near seasonal whale sharks with guides such as Mario, Joe, or Juan. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, drinks, lunch, and hotel transport are included. Plan on an early start, a long day, and possible weather or wildlife cancellations.

“Mario was wonderful! i was struggling with the current and trying to keep up with the whale shark and Mario literally held my hand and guided me.”

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2h Dolphin and Whale Viewing + Snorkeling Tour - The search for dolphins, whales, and other wildlife
2-Hour Experiences, Fuerteventura Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling with Dolphins, Spain Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

2h Dolphin and Whale Viewing + Snorkeling Tour

4.2h Dolphin and Whale Viewing + Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 940 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

From Puerto del Morro Jable, join a small speedboat trip with up to 10 participants, or a maximum of 12 overall. Captain Maurizio and the crew search for dolphins and whales, then stop for 30 minutes of snorkeling. Expect music, cold drinks, sea spray, and a fast ride.

“We saw dolphins and it was absolutely magical! It’s a small boat so we were so close to the water and dolphins it was really really special. Pick up good, they messaged the day before to say what time we would be picked up, great communication and made things stress free for us. Captain was so lovely and smiley and obviously loves his job.”

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Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling - Meeting the crew at Puerto Colón
Food, Food & Drink, Sailing and Yacht Snorkel Trips, Sailing and Yacht Snorkel Trips in Spain, Snorkeling Tours, Spain Snorkeling Tours, Tenerife Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

5.Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 652 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Spend three hours aboard the 12-meter Roulette with a small crew and no more than 10 passengers. Salvador and his team look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Expect sandwiches, cake, snacks, and drinks including cava, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

“We had a great time! A beautiful trip with a warm and caring crew who knew a lot about the animals living in and around the sea of Tenerife. Also respected the animals and the area they live in. We saw pilot whales, red fin tuna, dolphins and tried to find a big whale that was seen in the area the day before. We didn’t spot the last one, but the rest of the animals that we have seen during the trip were more than enough to make it an unforgettable one!”

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Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist - What the water time is really like
La Paz Snorkeling Tours, Mexico Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling, Whale Watching

Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

6.Whale Shark snorkeling tour in a reduced group with local marine biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 594 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $190

Join MeXplore in La Paz for about three hours with a local marine biologist and captain. Groups of up to eight use provided wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkels, then take several surface swims with wild whale sharks. GoPro photos and video arrive by email within two to three days.

“This whale shark excursion was hands-down amazing, and a huge part of that is thanks to Angel (our marine biologist) and Marco (our boat captain) Angel explained everything so clearly — from the rules and safety guidelines to how to respectfully interact with the whale sharks — and made sure everyone felt comfortable and confident the entire time. They helped us find several whale sharks and when some of us weren’t able to get great photos in the water, Angel came through with his GoPro and later emailed us the most incredible photos and videos. That extra effort meant so much and allowed us to truly relive the experience. This…”

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Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht - Getting to Marina del Sur
Sailing and Yacht Snorkel Trips, Sailing and Yacht Snorkel Trips in Spain, Snorkeling Tours, Spain Snorkeling Tours, Tenerife Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP, Whale Watching

Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

7.Tenerife: Whales and Snorkeling Tour on a Luxury Yacht

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 443 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

Join Michael, Sergio, or another multilingual crew member for a small-group yacht trip from Marina del Sur. Expect pilot whales and dolphins, coastal cliffs, tapas, unlimited drinks, and a swim or snorkel stop. Pickup from X-Sur shopping center is optional.

“Fantastic trip saw the gorgeous whales and we were looked after very well! Food and drink was provided and the boat is very luxurious Would highly recommend this trip.”

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Fijian Islands and Snorkel Full-Day Whales Tale Cruise including Beach BBQ Lunch - Champagne breakfast on the Whale’s Tale
BBQ, Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Fijian Islands and Snorkel Full-Day Whales Tale Cruise including Beach BBQ Lunch

8.Fijian Islands and Snorkel Full-Day Whales Tale Cruise including Beach BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 408 reviews · from $117

Join the crew of the 100-foot Whale’s Tale from Nadi, the Coral Coast, or Lautoka for a seven-hour Mamanuca cruise. Expect a Champagne breakfast, island snorkeling with free gear, a beach barbecue, drinks, music, and time to relax on an uninhabited beach.

“This was not bad for a day trip. You have every option for an island. However, I would recommend people to go Malamala island if you only have one day.”

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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling - Tumalog Falls gives you a cooler second act
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Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

9.Cebu: Oslob Whale Sharks, Tumalog Falls & Sardine Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 343 reviews · 10 hours · from $106

Leave Cebu around 2:00 AM for Oslob’s whale shark encounter, Tumalog Falls, and Moalboal’s sardine run and turtle snorkeling. Your driver handles the long coastal route, while local guides assist in the water. Private tours suit groups of four or more.

“5/5 unbelievable experience, our guide picked us up, sorted lunch and dropped us back to our accomodation. He helped us with renting a GoPro which I would recommend doing if you don’t have one. Everything was really well organised.”

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Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching - The turtle cleaning station at Olowalu
Maui Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in Maui, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in the USA, Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling with Turtles, Snorkeling with Turtles in Maui, Snorkeling with Turtles in the USA, the USA Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

10.Kayak & Turtle Town Snorkel(Turtles Guaranteed) + Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $119

Paddle a tandem kayak from Olowalu with a guide such as Alec, Billy, Gene, Jon, or Payson, then snorkel at a turtle cleaning station. Expect a small group of up to 10, good equipment, island views, optional photos and videos, and whale watching when conditions and season allow.

“Amazing sea turtles, corals and fishes and your guides are very cool and they provide history of the islands.”

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Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30) - Leaving Makena Bay with whales on the horizon
Maui Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, the USA Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30)

11.Molokini Crater Snorkel & Whale Watching (Dec 15 – Mar 30)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 168 reviews · 2 hours · from $149

Join Makena Coast Charters aboard the 40-foot Makena Mele II, also called The Getaway, for a small-group trip to Molokini. From Dec. 15 through Mar. 30, whale watching adds a seasonal bonus. Captains Alex, Joe, Matt, and the crew offer snorkel tips, gear, drinks, snacks, and a wet, fast ride.

“Seeing the sea turtles was incredible, the crew are all so kind and helpful! The boat is beautiful and there are nice places to lay out in it after snorkeling.”

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Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling - Oslob whale sharks before the crowds build
Snorkeling Tours, the Philippines Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling, Whale Watching

Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

12.Cebu: Whale Sharks, Kawasan Falls, & Sardines Run Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 114 reviews · 8 hours · from $135

Start before dawn for whale shark watching in Oslob, then visit Kawasan Falls and snorkel with sardines and turtles in Moalboal. Private air-conditioned transport, entrance fees, gear, and English-speaking guides are included. Expect a very long day, especially from Cebu City or Mactan.

“This package was literally perfect. Jepoy my driver was very attentive and made sure i was everywhere on time, and all the guides for the activities were great at getting photos with the go-pro i rented, definitely worth it! Would recommend this to everyone, especially being able to tick off 3 activities in one hit was fantastic. Thank you :)”

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Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks - Your first snorkel in the coral gardens
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling, Whale Watching

Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks

13.Coral Bay: Ningaloo Reef Swim and Snorkel with Whale Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 103 reviews · 9 hours · from $460

Join Coral Bay Ecotours aboard Thunder for a full day at Ningaloo Reef. You will snorkel coral gardens, search with a spotter plane, and take turns swimming with whale sharks in groups of 10. Crew members including Katie, Sophie, Ky, Trav, and Laura have helped make past trips safe, organized, and memorable.

“The crew are super friendly and the marine life we've swam with! Stunning!”

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South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei - The reef and snorkeling stop
Maui Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in Maui, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in the USA, Snorkeling Tours, the USA Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching

South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

14.South Maui: Whale Watch Kayaking and Snorkel Tour in Kihei

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 93 reviews · 3 hours · from $118

Paddle from Makena Landing with an English-speaking guide such as Jake, Kyle, or Madison, watching for humpback whales before snorkeling over Maui’s reef. You’ll use easy-on, easy-off sit-on-top kayaks, with instruction, gear, snacks, water, and juice included.

“I had a great day kayaking and snorkeling in Maui! We were able to see humpback whales close up from our kayaks and our guide, Jake, seemed really knowledgeable and shared lots of great info with us. When it came time to snorkel, we went to a great spot and saw a little of everything! Sea turtles, a reef shark, octopus, and lots of fish! Our guide Jake was personable and kind and overall made it a great experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better day out on the water in Maui!”

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Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour - A simple Oslob meal break before the next road leg
Snorkeling Tours, the Philippines Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Shark and Manta Ray Snorkeling, Whale Watching

Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour

15.Cebu: Whale Shark, Monkey Sanctuary, & Moalboal Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · from $117

Leave Cebu or Lapu-Lapu City before dawn for Oslob’s whale sharks, a monkey sanctuary, and Moalboal’s sardine run and sea turtles. This small-group trip includes hotel transport, guides, a photographer, and limited-time GoPro use. Expect a long road day, optional lunch, and memorable water time.

“We had a great time in all of the activities. The pick up time is at 4am because to get to Oslob is about 3 hours drive then to Moalboal is another 2 hours. The tour guides were very accommodating in taking our photos both in Oslob and Moalboal. The water is emerald green and you can see the whale sharks, different fishes and turtles clearly. If you have snorkeling gear, bring it. The tour in Oslob only provides mask. we went to monkey viewing. There we fed the monkeys with bananas. Also, it is very comforting to know that our safety is their main concern.”

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