Humpback whale · Liveaboard
Where to find liveaboards to see humpback whales
About this list
When you look for liveaboards 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 liveaboard programs, 8 in all. Countries and regions on record include Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary, Alta & Kvaenangen, Bahia & Abrolhos, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Maputo & Ponta do Ouro and Tromso. Not every liveaboard 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. 7 of the 8 operators (88%) 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–Apr, Oct–Jan and Jan–May, Jul–Oct among them. There is no single season for liveaboards 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.
8 listed operators
Dominican Republic · Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary
Aggressor Adventures — Silver Bank
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jan–Apr
- Price
- USD 4,695 / person
- Checked
- Multiple sources
Norway · Alta & Kvaenangen
Orca Norway / Strømsholmen
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Oct–Jan
- Price
- NOK 42,000 / person
- 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
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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
Mozambique · Maputo & Ponta do Ouro
Maputo Dive Center
Scuba divingBeach & water playLiveaboard- Season
- Jun–Mar
- Price
- US$100 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Dominican Republic · Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary
Aquatic Adventures
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsLiveaboard- Season
- Dec–Apr
- Price
- USD 4,495 / person
- Checked
- Multiple sources
Norway · Tromso
Orca Norway (Stromsholmen Sjosportsenter AS)
FreedivingSnorkelingLiveaboard- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official website
Dominican Republic · Silver Bank Marine Mammal Sanctuary
Conscious Breath Adventures
SnorkelingSwimmingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jan
- Price
- 2027 Standard US$5,095 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Other ways to meet humpback whales
- Wildlife trips to see humpback whales164
- Boat trips to see humpback whales145
- 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
- Surfing and SUP with humpback whales7
- Kayak and paddle trips to see humpback whales3
Humpback whales by country
Liveaboard by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find liveaboards to see humpback whales?
8 operators on Maptlantis name the humpback whale as a target species and run liveaboards. 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 liveaboards to see humpback whales?
Seasons the operators give: Jan–Apr, Oct–Jan, Jun–Apr (peak Jun–Nov), Jan–May, Jul–Oct and Jun–Mar. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.
How is liveaboards 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.