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Humpback whale · Island hopping & boat trips

Where to find boat trips to see humpback whales

Operators 145Countries and regions 87Published prices 123Encounter formats 7

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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Other ways to meet humpback whales

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.