Where to Go Ashore: 6 Whale Watching Shore Excursions Worldwide

1.Whale Watching Shore Excursions

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 250 reviews · from $100Our pick

Sail from Akureyri into Eyjafjörður on a fast catamaran in search of humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seabirds. Guides such as Massimiliano and Dominique explain whale behavior and local waters. Warm coveralls, heated seating, Wi-Fi, a café, and a second-chance ticket help make this a comfortable 2.5-hour outing.

“Our tour guide and crew were amazing. Their skill and knowledge of the fjords allowed us many opportunities to see whales very close up! We were educated on whale behaviors and general history of the area. The view was breathtaking. The boat accommodations were also very good. They even offer full weather suit to keep you warm, if you would like. Very much would recommend again!”

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2.Best Whale Watching and Wildlife Shore Excursion in Sitka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $205Top rated

Join Sitka local Captain Rick, or another experienced captain from Sitka Sound Tours, for about 2.5 hours around Sitka Sound and Baranof Island’s outer coast. With no more than six passengers, you’ll have room to watch for humpback and gray whales, sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, and bears from outdoor seats or a heated cabin.

“Our wildlife tour with Rick was amazing! He went above and beyond to find wildlife for us. We got to see sea lions, sea otters, and whales. He took us to a cove where we stayed for 20 or 30 minutes where we saw lots of whales. We loved the fact that the boat was small and so was the number of companions (only one other couple). Rick let us take turns sitting in the front of the boat with him as well to chat and told us all sorts of Alaskan info from cost of living to wildlife facts. He made it very interesting and fun. Initially, we were…”

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3.Amazing Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 74 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $199

Depart Harrigan Centennial Hall for a private, two-hour boat trip through Sitka’s waters with Captain Tad or another local guide. Expect live commentary, a warm cabin, and chances to see humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, seals, eagles, and possibly bears. Wildlife sightings depend on weather and luck.

“Tad was great. He really goes out of his way to deliver a great experience. We saw 2 whales, sea lions and tons of otters while out on our excursion...”

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4.Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 61 reviews · 3 hours 50 minutes (approx.) · from $108

You’ll leave Skarfabakki Harbour for a 3 to 4-hour search around Faxaflói Bay, guided by marine-life experts such as Dominiki. Look for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and porpoises from outdoor decks or heated indoor viewing areas. Thermal overalls, WiFi, seasickness tablets, and a free return ticket if no wildlife appears are included.

“We had a great time. The boat was nice, the tour guide was a very knowledgeable biologist and we were able to see some whales up close!”

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5.Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $494

From Juneau’s downtown C sign, you’ll ride to Auke Bay, board a small boat, and paddle double kayaks near Channel Islands State Marine Park. A professional guide supplies rain gear, snacks, water, and instruction. Expect about six hours, moderate exertion, and no guaranteed whale sightings.

“Amazing employees and excursions. I’ve never kayaked before but was given excellent instructions. My kayak mate and I were given the ultimate experience of having a humpback whale surface right in front of our kayak. A once in a life time experience!!!!”

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6.Icy Strait Shore Excursion: Whale Watching Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $326

Travel from Icy Strait Point to Hoonah’s feeding waters aboard a small charter boat limited to 15 people. Look for humpbacks, orcas, sea otters, sea lions, seals, porpoises, and coastal wildlife. A Tlingit captain and marine biologist first mate may add local stories and animal insight. Snacks, water, heated cabins, and onboard restrooms are included.

“Nice boat, we were able to stay inside and the windows lifted up. Saw 6-8 whales, a huge group of sea otters and at least 6 sea lions.”

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