Minke whale encounters
Where to see minke whales: seasons and ways to meet them
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see minke whales around the world is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the minke whale as a target species, 4 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record include British Columbia & Vancouver Island, Newfoundland and Labrador & Trinity, Quebec & Les Bergeronnes and Quebec & Tadoussac. Encounters are split into boat-based watching. Two "minke whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 2 of the 4 operators (50%) 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, Jun–Oct and May–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
4 listed operators
Canada · British Columbia & Vancouver Island
Ocean EcoVentures
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Mar–Oct
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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Canada · Newfoundland and Labrador & Trinity
Sea of Whales Adventures
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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Canada · Quebec & Les Bergeronnes
Essipit Whale Watching Cruises
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Price
- Adults CAD 90
- Checked
- Official source
Canada · Quebec & Tadoussac
Croisières AML — Tadoussac
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- May–Nov
- Price
- Adults from CAD 134.99
- Checked
- Official source
Minke whale season
How to meet minke whales
Minke whales by country
Other marine life
Frequently asked questions
Where in the world can you see minke whales?
4 operators name the minke whale as a target species. Main regions: British Columbia & Vancouver Island, Newfoundland and Labrador & Trinity, Quebec & Les Bergeronnes and Quebec & Tadoussac.
Do you have to get in the water to see minke whales?
Formats on record: boat-based watching. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is minke whale season?
Operators list different seasons, Mar–Oct, Jun–Oct and May–Nov among them. There is no single season for these operators, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Minke whales are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.
How much do minke whale tours cost?
2 of the 4 operators (50%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown.