Humpback whale · Island hopping & boat trips
Where to find boat trips to see humpback whales
About this list
When you look for boat trips to see humpback whales, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species and actually run island hopping or boat trip programs, 145 in all. Countries and regions on record include Amami & Kagoshima, Jervis Bay Territory, British Columbia & Richmond Steveston, Samana Bay, Moorea and Nosy Be & Sakatia. 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. 123 of the 145 operators (85%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jan–Mar, Apr–Oct and Aug–Nov among them. There is no single season for boat trips to see humpback 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.
145 listed operatorsShowing the top 60
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Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
Amamico Diver / 阿麻弥姑ダイバー
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- JPY 27,300 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Australia · Jervis Bay Territory
Jervis Bay Wild / Dolphin Watch Cruises
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Adults AUD 135 · Children AUD 80 · Family AUD 295
- Checked
- Official source

Canada · British Columbia & Richmond Steveston
Vancouver Whale Watch
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Apr–Oct
- Price
- Adults CAD 195
- Checked
- Official source

Dominican Republic · Samana Bay
DDD Whale Watching Samaná
Beach & water playIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- Adults USD 45 · Children USD 36
- Checked
- Official source
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French Polynesia · Moorea
Moorea Deep Blue
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Aug–Nov
- Price
- XPF 12,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Madagascar · Nosy Be & Sakatia
Baleines Rand'eau
FreedivingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Aug–Nov
- Price
- Adults €70 · Under 12 €45
- Checked
- Official source
Mexico · Baja California, Bahia de Los Angeles
Silver Shark Adventures
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Nov
- Price
- US$2,550
- Checked
- Official source

Norway · Alta & Kvaenangen
Orca Norway / Strømsholmen
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Oct–Jan
- Price
- NOK 42,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Tonga · Haapai, Uoleva
Pepa's Ha'apai
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source

South Africa · Eastern Cape Algoa Bay
Raggy Charters
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Aug–Oct
- Price
- Adults ZAR 3,250 · Under 12 ZAR 2,100
- Checked
- Official source

Greenland · Ilulissat
I Love Ilulissat Tours
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- DKK 750 / adult
- Checked
- Official source

Mozambique · Inhambane
Diversity Scuba
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jun–Apr (peak Oct–Mar)
- Price
- MZN 1,800 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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La Réunion · Le Port
Le Dodo Palmé
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- €60 / person
- Checked
- Official source

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
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Mauritius · Black River
JPH Charters
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Sep
- Price
- From MUR 24,000/boat
- Checked
- Official source
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Niue · Alofi & Tamakautoga
Niue Blue Island Experiences
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- NZD 320 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Tanzania · Mafia Island & Utende
Big Blu Mafia Island Dive Centre
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jun–Mar
- Price
- US$90 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Turks and Caicos Islands · Grand Turk
Deep Blue Charters
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- US$225 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Bermuda · Bermuda marinas, islandwide
KS WaterSports Bermuda
SnorkelingBeach & water playIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Mar–Apr
- Price
- USD 295 and up
- Checked
- Official source

Brazil · Bahia & Abrolhos
Escama Turismo
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jun–Apr (peak Jun–Nov)
- Price
- BRL 300 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Colombia · Choco Pacific
Bahía Solano Me Llama
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- COP 250,000
- Checked
- Official source

Comoros · Moheli & Nioumachoua
Mohéli Laka Lodge
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- EUR 125 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Cook Islands · Aitutaki
Whale Swim Aitutaki
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- NZ$200 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Costa Rica · Puntarenas, Uvita
Bahia Aventuras
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct, Dec–Feb
- Price
- Adults USD 95 · Children USD 60
- Checked
- Official source
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Gabon · Pongara National Park
La Baie des Tortues Luth
Island hopping & boat tripsKayak & paddleSurfing & SUP- Season
- Jul–Sep, Nov–Mar
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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Hawaii · Maui
PacWhale Eco-Adventures
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Nov–Apr
- Price
- Adults US$99.05 · Ages 5–12 US$55.55 · Ages 4 and under free
- Checked
- Official source

Iceland · Husavik
Gentle Giants Whale Watching Húsavík
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Apr–Nov
- Price
- ISK 12,490 / adult
- Checked
- Official source

Mayotte · Grande Terre
Sea Blue Safari
SnorkelingBeach & water playIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Mar–Oct
- Price
- €110 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Peru · Mancora & Los Organos
Pacífico Adventures
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Multiple sources

Portugal · Azores, Pico
CW Azores
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Mar–Jul
- Price
- Adults €79 · Children €50
- Checked
- Official source

Saint Helena · Jamestown
Sub-Tropic Adventures
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source

São Tomé & Príncipe · São Tomé Island
Navetur
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Dec
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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Sierra Leone · Banana Island & Freetown Peninsula
Banana Island · Banana Divers & Water Activities
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- May–Oct
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source

Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
Dandelion Amami
FreedivingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Dec–Jan
- Price
- JPY 30,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Australia · Byron Bay & North Coast, New South Wales
Out of the Blue Adventures
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Nov
- Price
- AUD 129 and up
- Checked
- Official source

Canada · British Columbia & Vancouver Island
Ocean EcoVentures
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Mar–Oct
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source

Dominican Republic · Samana Bay
Moto Marina Tours
Beach & water playIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Jan
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Multiple sources

French Polynesia · Moorea
Native Mozcean
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Nov
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source

Madagascar · Nosy Be
Diving Cattitude
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Aug–Sep
- Price
- €80 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Mexico · La Paz, Baja California Sur
Baja Expeditions
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jan–May, Jul–Oct
- Price
- US$1,922
- Checked
- Official source

Norway · Skjervøy
Skjervøy Experience
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Oct–Jan
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source

Tonga · Haapai, Uoleva
Sea Change Eco Retreat / Ha'apai Whale & Sail
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source

South Africa · Umkomaas & Aliwal Shoal
ScubaCo Diving & Travel
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- From ZAR 700 / dive
- Checked
- Official source
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Greenland · Ilulissat
Whale Tours Ilulissat
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Sep
- Price
- DKK 1,195 and up
- Checked
- Official source

Mozambique · Inhambane
SEE Activity Center Mozambique
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Price
- USD 67 / MZN 4,200 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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La Réunion · Saint Gilles & West Coast
Geckobleu
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Sep
- Price
- Humpback whales €120 · Dolphins €90
- 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

Mauritius · Black River
Meridian Adventures — Whale Experience
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- EUR 490 per boat
- Checked
- Official source
Niue · Alofi & West Coast
Explore Niue
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- Adults NZD 300
- Checked
- Official source

Tanzania · Pwani
Mafia Island Diving · Utende
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Mar
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source

Turks and Caicos Islands · Salt Cay
Salt Cay Divers
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- US$245 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
Dive Service BLUE GATE
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jan–Mar, May–Sep
- Price
- JPY 23,000 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Australia · Byron Bay & North Coast, New South Wales
Sundive Byron Bay
Scuba divingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Price
- AUD 330 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Canada · British Columbia & Victoria
Prince of Whales — Victoria
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Mar–Nov
- Price
- From CAD 199 per adult
- Checked
- Official source
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Dominican Republic · Samana Bay
True Experience DR — Humpback Whales
Beach & water playIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- USD 60
- Checked
- Official source
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French Polynesia · Tahiti Iti & Taravao
Tahiti Iti Diving
FreedivingScuba divingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Aug–Nov
- Price
- XPF15,900 / person
- Checked
- Official source

Madagascar · Nosy Be
Ginot Guide Nosy Be
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- €70 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Mexico · Baja California Sur, Loreto
Wild Loreto
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Dec–Apr
- Price
- USD 139 per adult
- Checked
- Multiple sources

Norway · Tromso
Brim Explorer Tromsø
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jan, Oct
- Price
- NOK 1,990 / adult
- Checked
- Official source
Tonga · Tongatapu
Tahi Tonga
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- TOP 650–700 / person
- Checked
- Official source
All 85 other listings
Operators not shown in the cards above. Select a name to open its page.
- Ocean Odyssey Knysna · South Africa · Western Cape Garden Route
- Greenland Cruises Nuuk · Greenland · Nuuk
- Tofo Scuba · Mozambique · Inhambane
- Scubananas · Réunion Plongée · La Réunion · Saint-Leu
- San Diego Whale Watch · United States · San Diego & Mission Bay Whale Watch
- 沖永良部島むがむがダイビング · Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
- Wild Byron · Australia · Byron Bay & North Coast, New South Wales
- Gatherall’s Puffin & Whale Watch · Canada · Newfoundland and Labrador & Bay Bulls
- Whale Samaná · Dominican Republic · Samana Bay
- Mobydick Tahiti · French Polynesia · Tahiti West Coast
- Maningory Hôtel-Restaurant · Madagascar · Sainte Marie & Ile aux Nattes
- Cabo Adventures · Mexico · Los Cabos
- Orca Norway (Stromsholmen Sjosportsenter AS) · Norway · Tromso
- Endangered Encounters · Tonga · Vava'u
- Southern Right Charters · South Africa · Western Cape
- マリンスポーツ奄美 · Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
- Dive Forster at Fisherman’s Wharf · Australia · NSW, Mid North Coast
- O’Brien’s Whale & Bird Tours · Canada · Newfoundland and Labrador & Bay Bulls
- Aggressor Adventures — Silver Bank · Dominican Republic · Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary
- Manatea Ocean Experience · French Polynesia · Tahiti
- Lakana Hotel Whale Watching · Madagascar · Sainte-Marie
- Whale Watch Cabo · Mexico · Los Cabos
- Whalesafari Andenes / Whale2Sea · Norway · Vesteralen, Andenes
- Explore Vava'u · Tonga · Vava'u
- ひかるダイバーズダイビング · Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
- CoastXP · Australia · NSW, Newcastle
- Iceberg Quest Ocean Tours — St. John’s · Canada · Newfoundland and Labrador & St John's
- Aquatic Adventures · Dominican Republic · Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary
- ダイビング&ペンション RIKI · Japan · Amami & Kagoshima
- Imagine Cruises · Australia · NSW, Port Stephens
- Sea of Whales Adventures · Canada · Newfoundland and Labrador & Trinity
- Conscious Breath Adventures · Dominican Republic · Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary
- Alter Dive · Japan · Kerama & Zamami
- Moonshadow–TQC Cruises · Australia · NSW, Port Stephens
- Essipit Whale Watching Cruises · Canada · Quebec & Les Bergeronnes
- Dive Center NO-Y · Japan · Kerama & Zamami
- Seal Swim Australia · Australia · NSW, South Coast
- Croisières AML — Tadoussac · Canada · Quebec & Tadoussac
- Diving Team Anata no Kiyoshi · Japan · Kerama & Zamami
- Captain Cook Cruises Sydney · Australia · NSW, Sydney
- Diving Team Ushio · Japan · Kerama & Zamami
- Ocean Extreme · Australia · NSW, Sydney
- Drifter Zamami · Japan · Kerama & Zamami
- Oz Whale Watching · Sydney Princess Cruises · Australia · NSW, Sydney
- Native Color Ogasawara · Japan · Ogasawara
- Gold Coast Whale Watch · Australia · QLD, Gold Coast
- Alpha Dive Okinawa · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Sea World Cruises · Australia · QLD, Gold Coast
- Blue Vista · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Whale Watch Queensland · Australia · QLD, Gold Coast
- Clown Crown · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Freedom Whale Watch · Australia · Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast, Queensland
- Dive Journey · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Spirit of Hervey Bay · Australia · Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast, Queensland
- DIVEIN Okinawa · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- EP Cruises – Fowlers Bay Whale Tours · Australia · Eyre Peninsula west coast, South Australia
- Guma · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- The Big Duck Boat Tours · Australia · SA, Fleurieu Peninsula
- Haisai · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Wineglass Bay Cruises · Australia · Freycinet & East Coast, Tasmania
- Happy Island · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Wildlife Coast Cruises · Australia · Vic, Phillip Island
- Island Message · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Wildlife Coast Cruises – Wilsons Prom · Australia · Wilsons Prom & Gippsland, Victoria
- JAM Marine Club · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Albany Ocean Adventures · Australia · Albany & Bremer Bay, Western Australia
- Johnny’s Diving · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Albany Whale Tours / Sail-A-Way · Australia · Albany & Bremer Bay, Western Australia
- Lifetime · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Whale Watch Western Australia · Australia · Albany & Bremer Bay, Western Australia
- Dive Linker · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Absolute Ocean Charters · Australia · Broome & Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia
- Marine Club BERRY / SEASIR · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Broome Tours · Australia · Broome & Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia
- Marine Product · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Broome Whale Watching · Australia · Broome & Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia
- Mogurina · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Naturaliste Charters · Australia · Busselton & Dunsborough, Western Australia
- NEWS · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Coral Bay Ecotours · Australia · WA, Coral Bay
- SeaWorld Okinawa · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Reefwalker Ocean Discovery · Australia · WA, Kalbarri
- SEAMAX Okinawa · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- South to South · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
- Superfish Diving · Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Other ways to meet humpback whales
- Wildlife trips to see humpback whales164
- Snorkeling with humpback whales94
- Family trips to see humpback whales69
- Scuba diving with humpback whales58
- Swimming with humpback whales57
- Freediving with humpback whales14
- Beach trips to see humpback whales11
- Liveaboards to see humpback whales8
- Surfing and SUP with humpback whales7
- Kayak and paddle trips to see humpback whales3
Humpback whales by country
Island hopping & boat trips by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find boat trips to see humpback whales?
145 operators on Maptlantis name the humpback whale as a target species and run island hopping and boat trips. The list shows them by country and region.
Will I definitely see humpback 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 humpback whales?
Seasons the operators give: Jan–Mar, year-round, Apr–Oct, Aug–Nov and Jun–Nov. 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.