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Whale watching in Alaska

Whale Watching Cruises & Tours

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Experience a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching cruise through the icy waters of the Arctic and Antarctic. Browse our range of whale watching tours in destinations like Antarctica, Alaska, and the Pacific Coast. Be in awe as you watch the humpback whale breach the glassy surface of the ocean, and these whale-watching tours allow you to witness it up close from the deck of your boat or from a dinghy. Our whale watching vacation packages make your adventure seamless. Our tour operators know just where to find the whales on any of these expedition cruises through the Arctic, and Antarctic. Of course, whales aren't the only wildlife you'll encounter on these cruises - you might also come across lazy walruses, seals, colonies of thousands of sea birds, cute penguins of all sorts, and other hardy animals that populate these waters. We’ll help you choose the best cruise for whale watching based on the season, destination, and species you want to see. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your whale-watching adventure!

Top 10 Whale Watching Cruises & Tours for 2026-2027

Top 4 Destinations for Whale Watching

10 Best Antarctic Whale Watching for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise $15,995 8 Embark on this 8-day Antarctica cruise by air and have an adventure with the Magellan Explorer. Fly over the Drake Passage round-trip from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you meet your ship. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula as you search for wildlife and explore stunning landscapes.
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Antarctica - Basecamp $11,600 13 Take your Antarctic expedition to the next level! This 13-day Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp voyage aboard MV Plancius is packed full of adventures with hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, kayaking, excursions in zodiacs, and overnight camping on the Antarctic Continent.
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia $37,695 23 From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage aboard the Ultramarine. This epic Antarctica  expedition includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine, full of significant milestones for any world traveler.
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Spirit of Antarctica $16,595 12 Join a 12-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia on the Sylvia Earle and explore the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. Experience adventure through Zodiac navigation, land on the continent, and enjoy unique activities under the vibrant polar skies.
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Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail Expedition $17,895 12 Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle to explore Antarctica's stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, including penguins and whales. Enjoy enhanced exploration with a flight across the Drake Passage, maximizing your adventure in this pristine, ice-covered wilderness.
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle $14,995 13 Join this 13-day Antarctica cruise aboard Ocean Albatros, departing from Ushuaia. Discover penguin colonies, glacial wonders, and the stunning Lemaire Channel before crossing the iconic Antarctic Circle.
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Deep South Basecamp Experience $13,700 14 Discover the 14-Day Antarctic Deep South Basecamp aboard Ortelius, an expedition that goes beyond the Polar Circle to the remote Marguerite Bay. Explore iconic sites like Pendleton Strait, Horseshoe Island, and Pourquoi Pas Island while enjoying kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, and camping under the Southern Polar skies amid penguins, whales, and dramatic glacial landscapes.
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Across the Antarctic Circle - Fly/Sail Expedition $22,595 12 Join a 12-day expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle, crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66°33' South to explore remote ice-filled regions rarely seen by travelers. Witness stunning landscapes, including towering icebergs, while observing whales and penguin colonies during thrilling daily outings.
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Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail $20,395 13 Join a 13-day Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition on Sylvia Earle with New Scientist Discovery Tours, exploring Antarctica's remote regions rich in ice, wildlife, and history tied to Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Encounter seals, discover ancient fossils, and observe migrating whales while delving into polar science and the unique ecosystem.
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The Heroic South $13,140 13 During this 13-day The Heroic South aboard the RMS St. Helena, Discover Antarctica on a roundtrip expedition from Ushuaia. Journey through the legendary Drake Passage, cross the Antarctic Circle, and explore pristine landscapes and remote research stations.
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Top 10 Whale Watching Tours in the Arctic for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Discover Iceland $2,944 8 Explore the best of Iceland on this 8-day tour, covering Reykjavik and the highlights along the famed Ring Road. Visit a shimmering glacier, spouting geysers, incredible volcanoes, and stunning waterfalls, and go whale watching in the north.
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Birds, Bears & Belugas $14,699 8 Spend a week exploring Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba, Canada, and stay in a remote luxury eco-lodge in this unique and wild wilderness known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage with the help of the Churchill Wild Ecotour.
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Baffin Island Dive Safari $24,592 7 Experience the most exhilarating 7-day diving adventure in the company of the Arctic's leading scuba diving experts. Settle into a safari-style base camp on the sea ice and dive in the most incredible ice formations. Witness the Arctic's wildlife such as pods of narwhal, a variety of seal species, bowhead, beluga whales, and polar bears.
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Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari $24,568 9 Experience the classic spring floe edge 9-day safari where you may have the opportunity to view polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight Sun. Travel to the northern reaches of Baffin Island where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and other wildlife congregate at the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”.
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Polar Bears & Glaciers of Baffin Island $20,990 7 Discover the remote and rugged beauty of the Arctic on this 7-day tour of Baffin Island. Experience the long Arctic summer days from the comfort of your safari-style base camp, and spend your time roaming the land in search of polar bears & wildlife in the beautiful silence of the Arctic as you explore Auyuittuq National Park.
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Arctic Discovery $16,811 9 Discover the hidden gem of Hudson Bay in Northern Manitoba, Canada, and stay in a remote luxury eco-lodge on a 9-day Arctic Discovery safari. Explore this unique and wild wilderness known for its stunning ecosystems, wildlife, and rich cultural history with the help of the Churchill Wild Ecotour.
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Icebergs and Islands of Greenland $20,861 10 Explore the icebergs and islands of Greenland on this 10-day trip. Experience stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, on this unforgettable adventure. Traverse icy waters, marvel at towering icebergs, and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Greenland's rugged terrain. This journey promises awe-inspiring moments and lasting memories.
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Nuuk Adventure: Camp Kiattua $10,252 4 Set out on a 4-day Nuuk adventure at the remote Camp Kiattua, ideal for activities in the Arctic. Take an open-air Zodiac boat ride to start the adventure, then hike to a nearby waterfall. Enjoy the wilderness and a boat trip to Kapisillit. Try deep-sea fishing, hike to Nuuk's ice fjord, kayak through ice, and swim with icebergs for a unique experience
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Best of Iceland - Private Tour $7,985 8 Explore the best of Iceland on this exciting 8-day tour starting and ending in Reykjavik. As you visit the Golden Circle and drive the Ring Road, beautiful glaciers reach across the landscape. This complete Iceland tour features Iceland's most legendary places and experiences.
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Discover Iceland - Private Tour $7,271 8 Explore the best of Iceland on this 8-day tour, covering Reykjavik and the highlights along the famed Ring Road. Visit a shimmering glacier, spouting geysers, incredible volcanoes, and stunning waterfalls, and go whale watching in the north.
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Arctic & Antarctic Whale Watching Travel Guide

10 Best Alaskan Whale Watching Cruises for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka $5,800 8 Set sail aboard the SafarI Endeavour from Juneau to Sitka, Alaska, on an 8-day voyage to the Glacier Bay National Park, Chichagof Island, and Peril Strait. By boat, kayak, and paddleboard, you may explore this breathtaking area and its animals. Also, hike Chichagof Island's waterfall coast and Glacier Bay National Park.
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Alaska's Inside Passage $6,516 8 Explore Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Venture on its 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Sitka. Hike over the spongy earth and float past massive icebergs, glaciers, and, with some luck, bears , humpback wales, wolves, moose, sea otters, orcas, sea lions, or mountain goats.
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Wild, Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay $5,500 8 Sail round-trip from Juneau on an 8-day Alaska cruise aboard Wilderness Legacy. Explore Robert and Crow Islands, LeConte Glacier, Thomas Bay, Kuiu Island, Chichagof Island, and rarely visited Glacier Bay. Spot whales, bears, otters, and sea lions. Experience kayaking, skiff rides, hikes, and breathtaking landscapes in remote wilderness.
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Alaska's Glacier Country $8,800 8 Make the most out of this 8-day cruise aboard Safari Quest as you explore the wilderness and encounter marine animals by kayaking, paddle boarding and taking a skiff into remote inlets. Never miss the beautiful Blue glaciers that can capture your heart while looking at it.
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Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay $7,500 8 Embark on an 8-day Alaska family cruise from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy. Explore Robert and Crow Islands, LeConte Glacier, Thomas Bay, Kuiu Island, Chichagof Island, and Glacier Bay’s rarely visited Outer Bay. Spot whales, sea lions, sea otters, black and brown bears, and hike trails. Discover Alaska’s wild beauty by skiff, kayak, or snorkel.
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Adult Tranquility, Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay $5,500 8 Set sail on an 8-day Alaska with Glacier Bay Adult-only cruise Juneau roundtrip aboard Wilderness Legacy. Enjoy a unique adventure in Alaska’s untouched wilderness, making unforgettable memories.
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Alaska Fjords & Glaciers $4,400 8 Begin your 8-day Alaskan journey aboard Wilderness Discoverer in the state's capital, Juneau. This cruise takes you through some of Alaska's most dramatic landscapes with opportunities to view a myriad of wildlife. Visit local towns along the way and learn about local cultures. End your cruise in Ketchikan, Alaska's first city!
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Glacier Bay National Park Adventure $4,400 8 Make the most out of this 8-day cruise aboard Wilderness Adventurer as you explore the wilderness and encounter marine animals by kayaking, paddle boarding and taking a skiff into remote inlets. Never miss the beautiful Blue glaciers that can capture your heart while looking at it.
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Glacier Bay Adventure Cruise with 2 Days in Glacier Bay $4,400 8 Join the Wilderness Discoverer on this exceptional 8-day Alaskan Cruise where you'll discover Glacier Bay National Park, a 3,223,384 acre park located in Alaska's panhandle, Spend your days viewing wildlife like black and brown bears, eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, sea birds and more as you sail from Sitka to Juneau.
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Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers with Ketchikan $4,800 8 Journey from Juneau to Ketchikan on an 8-day Alaska expedition cruise aboard the Discoverer. Navigate fjords, glaciers, and remote waterways. Spot whales in Frederick Sound, seals at Dawes Glacier, and bears near Behm Canal. Experience kayaking, hiking, and skiff excursions through Alaska’s pristine wilderness and Misty Fjords.
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Top 10 Galapagos Whale Watching Vacations for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
West & Central Islands + Genovesa $9,990 8 Embark on an 8-day Galapagos cruise aboard the M/C Endemic. Visit key locations like Santa Cruz, Isabela, Genovesa, and Fernandina. Hike volcanic terrain, snorkel with sea life, and spot rare birds and tortoises. This 8-day itinerary includes guided activities, landings, and wildlife viewing across diverse ecosystems.
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Western Islands $5,100 6 Enjoy the Galapagos Islands aboard EcoGalaxy in 6 days, where you explore magical landscapes with unique wildlife like giant tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and sharks. There is an endless list of activities to do on the different islands: Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida and Santiago.
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - West Aboard Ocean Spray $129,690 8 Circumnavigate the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this 8-day private charter cruise aboard the Ocean Spray. Explore striking volcanic landscapes and spot incredible wildlife with your expert guides on this unforgettable voyage.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Ocean Spray $96,890 6 Experience Galapagos penguins, Elizabeth Bay, and more on a cruise through the Western Islands aboard Ocean Spray. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling and dinghy rides on this 6-day private Galapagos tour.
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Western Islands $5,700 6 Embark the Alya on this 6-day catamaran cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz, snorkeling in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela, kayaking around Urbina Bay at Fernandina, and hiking the Chinese Hat Islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, plus much more!
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Alya $86,640 6 Board the Alya on this 6-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands, visiting some of the most popular sites including the Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz, snorkeling in Elizabeth Bay on Isabela, kayaking around Urbina Bay at Fernandina, and hiking the Chinese Hat Islet near the southeast coast of Santiago, plus much more.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita $66,120 7 Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded lagoons, and pristine snorkeling locations for an unforgettable week-long tour of the Galapagos.
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Western & Eastern Islands $9,990 8 Join the M/C Elite on a spectacular 8-day small ship cruise of the Galapagos Islands. Visit San Cristobal, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Bartholomew and many more islands.
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West & Central Islands $5,536 8 Board the Galapagos Legend and set sail for an 8-day cruise adventure around the west and central islands of the Galapagos. This cruise allows you to experience all the wildlife, landscapes and highlights of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Santa Fe, Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina.
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Luxury West & Central Galapagos Cruise $7,490 6 The Galapagos are some of the world’s most famous and beguiling islands the M/C Endemic offers you the perfect opportunity to discover and enjoy this natural wonder. Sailing across Baltra, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Santa Cruz and more!
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