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Whale watching in Alaska

Whale Watching Cruises & Tours

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There's nothing more awe-inspiring than seeing a mighty humpback whale breach the glassy surface of the ocean and splash thundering back into it, and these whale-watching tours allow you to witness it up close from the deck of your boat or even closer from a dinghy. Our tour operators know just where to find the whales and how to spot them, which means that you are almost guaranteed to see this majestic feat of nature on any of these expedition cruises through the Arctic, and Antarctic waters. 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. Let us know when you're ready to start planning your whale-watching adventure!

Top 10 Whale Watching Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

Top 4 Destinations for Whale Watching

10 Best Antarctic Whale Watching for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise $15,995 8 Nov 21, 2025 Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise on 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 $9,700 13 Dec 16, 2025 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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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake $18,995 8 Dec 10, 2025 Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest and most direct way to Antarctica on this 8-day polar expedition. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition $6,995 10 Mar 26, 2026 Embark on this 10-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the Drake Passage to the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula where you will search for wildlife and explore the surrounding landscape.
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Antarctica Express Air Cruise $4,995 6 Jan 14, 2026 The fastest possible trip to Antarctica, and one of most economical is this 6-day cruise/flight starting in Ushuaia. Sail the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and mythical Drake Passage to experience a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica! Return on a flight from King George Island to Patagonia's Punta Arenas, Chile.
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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise $11,495 8 Dec 02, 2025 Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Ocean Nova Air Cruises. Fly over the Drake Passage 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 the surrounding landscape.
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Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition $23,795 12 Feb 08, 2026 Get a chance to observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat. Spend 12 days aboard the Sylvia Earle exploring Antarctica's huge white continent. Additionally, fly through the Drake Passage during this expedition.
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Spirit of Antarctica $14,895 12 Nov 19, 2025 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: Discovering the 7th Continent $12,195 11 Nov 06, 2025 On this 11-day adventure to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula you'll cruise through sea ice, witness penguins building their nests, kayak along icebergs, and experience exhilarating encounters with abundant wildlife including penguins, seals and whales.
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Antarctica Complete $32,295 23 Dec 20, 2025 Explore Antarctica along with South Georgia and the Falkland - Malvinas islands on this 23-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy the wildlife experiences and the unique adventures while on this journey to the deep south.
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Top 10 Whale Watching Tours in the Arctic for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Discover Iceland $2,727 8 May 20, 2025 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 $12,713 8 Jul 06, 2025 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 $0 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 $22,221 8 May 24, 2025 Experience the classic spring floe edge 8-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 $0 7 Aug 01, 2025 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 $13,792 9 Jul 29, 2025 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 $18,573 10 Jun 01, 2025 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 $9,965 4 Jun 01, 2025 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 $3,809 8 May 20, 2025 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 $3,468 8 May 20, 2025 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 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Last Frontier Adventure $5,095 8 May 23, 2025 Chichagof Dream's 8-day Last Frontier Adventure offers more time in the woods and a higher level of adventure. On this journey, visit Baranof Island, Endicott Arm Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park.  
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Last Frontier Adventure $5,395 8 Jun 21, 2025 This Last Frontier Adventure aboard Admiralty Dream is an 8-day small-ship cruise that offers more time in wilderness areas and a higher level of activity as you explore Alaska from Sitka to Juneau. The dynamic itinerary features hiking rainforest trails, kayaking in a glacial fjord, and scouting marine animals in Frederick Sound.
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Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn $5,995 9 Jun 03, 2025 Sail through Alaska's Inside Passage on this 9-day Alaskan cruise on the Baranof Dream. Visit Ketchikan, Misty Fjords, Glacier Bay, and more. Encounter wildlife, visit indigenous sites, and experience the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier.
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Alaska's Inside Passage $6,604 8 May 24, 2025 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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Alaska's Glacier Country $6,500 8 May 23, 2025 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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Ice of the Inside Passage $6,395 9 May 26, 2025 Sail through Alaska's Inside Passage on this 9-day Alaskan cruise on the Baranof Dream. Visit the ports of Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Kasaan. Explore Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm, and Frederick Sound in search of wildlife such as humpback whales, porpoises, and sea lions as you sail along the coastline.
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Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands and Tracy Arm Fjord $4,202 6 May 22, 2025 Board the National Geographic Sea Lion on this 6-day Wild Alaska Escape cruise exploring the coasts and forests of Alaska. Visit ports such as Sitka, Juneau, and Haines, and wild islands of the inside passage.
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North to True Alaska Expedition $4,695 6 Jul 08, 2025 Experience Alaska’s famous wildlife, pristine wilderness bays and rainforest, kayak and skiff adventures, stunning Glacier Bay National Park, and three of the Inside Passage’s most historical and charming towns—Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau—on this 6-day cruise aboard Alaskan Dream.
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North to True Alaska Expedition $3,995 6 May 31, 2025 Experience Alaska’s famous wildlife, pristine wilderness bays and rainforest, kayak and skiff adventures, stunning Glacier Bay National Park, and three of the Inside Passage’s most historical and charming towns—Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau—on this 6-day cruise aboard Admiralty Dream.
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North to True Alaska Expedition $3,895 6 Jul 05, 2025 Experience Alaska’s famous wildlife, pristine wilderness bays and rainforest, kayak and skiff adventures, stunning Glacier Bay National Park, and three of the Inside Passage’s most historical and charming towns—Sitka, Skagway, and Juneau—on this 6-day cruise aboard Chichagof Dream.
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Top 10 Galapagos Whale Watching Vacations for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
West & Central Islands + Genovesa $9,990 8 Jun 15, 2025 Enjoy an exceptional trip to the West & Central Galapagos Islands as you sail across one of the most magical destinations in the world. Discover the enchants of Fernandina, Genovesa, Isabela, Rabida, Santa Cruz and Santiago on this 8-day cruise aboard the glamorous M/C Endemic.
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Western Islands $4,700 6 May 24, 2025 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 $123,790 8 May 31, 2025 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 $93,290 6 Jun 14, 2025 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 $5,200 6 May 26, 2025 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 $79,040 6 May 26, 2025 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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Western & Eastern Islands $9,990 8 May 24, 2025 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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Diving Cruise (Visiting Galapagos) $7,344 8 Jun 05, 2025 Discover the North Central Galapagos Islands on this 8-day voyage, balancing activity and relaxation perfectly in one of the world's premier wildlife-viewing destinations. Dive in the most stunning locations including Cousin Rock, Cape Marshall, Punta Shark Bay, and Cape Douglas.
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Luxury West & Central Galapagos Cruise $7,490 6 Jun 03, 2025 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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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita $60,800 7 May 25, 2025 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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