United States · Marine life encounters
Marine life encounters in the United States: only operators with a confirmed program
About this list
When you look for marine life encounters in the United States, the first problem is telling whether an operator actually runs it. This page lists only the 12 operators in the United States on Maptlantis whose structured activity data confirms a marine life encounter program. Operators that turned up only because a word in their name or description happened to match are left out. They span 11 regions, including Alaska & Seward, Florida Keys & Key Largo, Florida Keys & Key West, Florida Keys & Tavernier, Hilo and Honolulu. 11 of the 12 operators (92%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, May–Nov and Dec among them. There is no single season for the United States, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. 7 are listed as open to beginners and 4 as open to children. Operators with structured encounter data list steller sea lion, harbor seal, sea otter, dall’s porpoise and orca as target species. Ways to meet them: boat-based watching, snorkeling and scuba diving. 12 operators are backed by an official source or a government registry. Each operator page shows the address, opening hours and source links, and how to contact the operator.
12 listed operators

United States · Alaska & Seward
Major Marine Tours
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Mar–Oct
- Price
- Adults USD 149 / person
- Checked
- Official source

United States · Florida Keys & Key Largo
Silent World Dive Center
Scuba divingMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- USD 75
- Checked
- Official source

United States · Florida Keys & Key West
Southpoint Divers
Scuba divingSnorkelingMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- USD 259 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · Florida Keys & Tavernier
Conch Republic Divers
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- USD 110 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · Hilo
Hilo Ocean Adventures
Scuba divingMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- US$249 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · Honolulu
Hawaiian Diving Adventures
Scuba divingMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- USD 495
- Checked
- Official source

United States · Massachusetts, Stellwagen Bank
New England Aquarium Whale Watch
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Nov
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf
Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Marine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Adults from USD 76.32
- Checked
- Official source
United States · Orange County & Dana Point
Ocean Institute
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Dec
- Price
- Ages 3+ USD 40 / person
- Checked
- Official source
United States · San Diego County & Oceanside
Oceanside Adventures
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Oct
- Price
- Adults USD 67 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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United States · San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch
San Diego Whale Watch
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Apr
- Price
- From USD 58 per person
- Checked
- Official source

United States · San Diego & Mission Bay
Waterhorse Charters
Scuba divingSnorkelingMarine life encounters- Season
- Feb–May, Sep–Dec
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source
Other activities in the United States
- Scuba diving in the United States186
- Island hopping and boat trips in the United States55
- Snorkeling in the United States42
- Family water activities in the United States15
- Freediving in the United States15
- Surfing and SUP in the United States10
- Liveaboards in the United States5
- Beaches and water play in the United States3
Marine life in the United States
Frequently asked questions
How many operators run marine life encounters in the United States?
12 are listed now. Only operators whose marine life encounter program is confirmed by the structured activity classification are included; ones that merely mention the word in their description are not.
Can I see prices for marine life encounters in the United States before I book?
11 of the 12 operators (92%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.
When is a good time for marine life encounters in the United States?
Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, May–Nov and Dec among them. There is no single season for the United States, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.
Where in the United States can you find marine life encounters?
Operators are listed in Alaska & Seward, Florida Keys & Key Largo, Florida Keys & Key West, Florida Keys & Tavernier, Hilo, Honolulu, Massachusetts, Stellwagen Bank and Monterey Bay & Fisherman's Wharf, 11 regions in all. Each region page shows only that region's operators.
Can beginners or children join?
On record, 7 accept beginners and 4 accept children. Age limits and requirements differ by operator, so check before you book.