Skip to content
Maptlantis

Blue whale · Island hopping & boat trips

Where to find boat trips to see blue whales

Operators 15Countries and regions 13Published prices 14Encounter formats 6
See the location on the map

About this list

When you look for boat trips to see blue whales, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the blue whale as a target species and actually run island hopping or boat trip programs, 15 in all. Countries and regions on record include Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles, Albany & Bremer Bay, Western Australia, Azores, Pico, Dili, Ombai Wetar Strait, Orange County & Dana Point and Quebec & Les Bergeronnes. Not every island hopping or boat trip program is the same experience. Approach distance, whether you may enter the water and group size limits differ by country, and by operator within a country. 14 of the 15 operators (93%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jun–Nov, Jan–Nov and Mar–Jul among them. There is no single season for boat trips to see blue whales, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator running wildlife programs can guarantee an encounter. Treat any trip that promises one with suspicion.

15 listed operators

Other ways to meet blue whales

Blue whales by country

Island hopping & boat trips by country

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find boat trips to see blue whales?

15 operators on Maptlantis name the blue whale as a target species and run island hopping and boat trips. The list shows them by country and region.

Will I definitely see blue whales?

No. They are wild animals, and there are days you will not meet them because of the season, sea conditions and their movements. If an operator promises an encounter, treat that wording with suspicion.

When is the season for boat trips to see blue whales?

Seasons the operators give: Jun–Nov, Jan–Nov, Mar–Jul, Oct–Nov and Dec. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.

How is island hopping and boat trips different from boat-based watching?

Watching from a boat and getting in the water differ in both rules and price. Some countries ban getting in the water or allow it only with licensed operators, so check which kind of trip you are booking.