7 Whale Trips Worth Getting Wet For

1.Orca Cove Sea Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 322 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $175Our pick

Leave downtown Ketchikan by fast boat, then paddle 1.5 to 1.75 hours around rainforest islands and quiet coves. Your guide may be Lucas, AJ, David, or another local guide. Expect tandem kayaks, full rain gear, wildlife watching, and smoked salmon with drinks afterward.

“The owner was very accommodating when weather got bad but we were able to go to another area to kayak. The guides (Lukas and David) were amazing. Knowledgeable, fun, took us to see various places, etc. We saw a waterfall up and close, eagles, whales, sea lions. They had a great snack after which was great, as we ended up kayaking a little longer than typical of the excursion. Overall, highly recommend!”

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

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

Paddle from Makena Landing with a guide such as Jake, Kyle, or Madison, watching for humpback whales before snorkeling over reef habitat with Hawaiian green turtles. The three-hour tour uses easy-on, easy-off sit-on-top kayaks and includes gear, snacks, water, and juice.

“It was a great experience, even though we didn’t see any whales. Our guide made the most of it and snorkeling was superb.”

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3.Kayak, Whale Watch And Snorkel At Turtle Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 hours · from $109

Paddle from Olowalu’s sandy beach with guides such as Robbie, Alex, or John, watching for humpback whales in season before snorkeling near Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, and octopus. The three-hour tour uses new kayaks, supportive seats, and small groups capped at 10 people.

“Robbie is very easygoing, responsive and reliable. Had a good time try snorkelling first time ever in my life. Will definitely recommend this tour to beginners if you can (somehow) swim. This is the best tour ever I had in Hawaii to see the turtles swimming around.”

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4.Samaná: Whale, Cayo Levantado, & Kayak in Samaná Bay Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 9 reviews · 20 minutes - 7 hours · from $2Best value

From Samaná Port, you’ll cruise the Humpback Whale Sanctuary with a marine guide, stop for a Dominican buffet on Cayo Levantado, then kayak past Samaná’s small island bridges. Guides speak English, Spanish, and French. Jackson is one guide praised for warm, helpful service.

“On a pu apercevoir les baleines, l'île de Cayo Levantado est magnifique. Très belle excursion. Je recommande.”

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5.Campbell River: Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8 reviews · from $360

Join Campbell River Whale Watching and WILDCOAST Adventures for a full day of kayaking and wildlife viewing. Guides Laura and Stephen lead you to remote paddling areas, while the covered Wild 1 boat searches for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, seals, bears, and more. Lunch and kayak gear are included.

“Fantastic company Laura and Stephen were great guides took us to some amazing remote locations . Saw many humpbacks and even lucky enough to see two of them breaching .very organised and delicious packed lunch onboard .”

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6.Ketchikan: Orca Cove Fast Boat and Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $198

Take a 20-minute fast boat from Ketchikan to Orca Cove, then paddle for 1.5 to 1.75 hours among rainforest islands and quiet coves. Guide Matt leads the small group of up to six, while the boat ride offers chances to spot whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, eagles, bears, and deer.

“Very well organized! Our Guide was fantastic. The captain of the boat that brought us out to the kayak was also amazing.”

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7.Whale Watching by Sea Kayak in Batemans Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $128

Join Region X for a four-hour sea-kayak trip from Batemans Bay. Josh, Will, or Amy may guide you along the coast toward rocky islands and coves, watching for humpback whales, seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Stable kayaks, instruction, equipment, snacks, and a beach stop are included.

“Amazing experience, from booking to finishing the team have been amazing! We set off bright and early from a local beach, and cruised into open water on our way to toll gate islands. The whales were in the distance the whole time, until Read more”

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