On the water · DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING BY SPEEDBOAT

Best Dolphin & Whale Watching by Speedboat — Our Top 15

143 trips  ·  from $7 a head

Speed buys range, and range is what finds animals. These 15 are compared on trip length, the sighting record the operator will actually stand behind, and whether a blank day gets you back on another boat.

Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Benagil Cave, seen quickly and safely
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Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

1.Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 6,316 reviews · 2 - 2.5 hours · from $40 a head Our pick

Set out from Albufeira Marina on a 2 to 2.5-hour small-group speedboat trip with a skipper and live guide. Cruise the Algarve coast to Benagil, São Rafael, and Marinha, pause for a swim if conditions allow, and search for dolphins. Guides such as Ana, Ruben, and Diogo add local detail, though cave access and dolphin sightings depend on the sea.

“Had the best time, so lucky the dolphins were there on my trip and got to watch the pod . Amazing . The guide was lovely informative& answered all questions . No option was offered to swim which we were informed it would be . This didn’t ruin the trip as it was nice . The caves are a true wonder -amazing .”

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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour - The Zodiac ride: close, open, and exposed
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Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

2.Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,716 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $98 a head

Set out from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac for two to two and a half hours on the St. Lawrence. Bilingual naturalists explain whale behavior while you watch for belugas, humpbacks, minke, and fin whales. Waterproof gear is supplied, but you still need warm layers, gloves, and closed shoes.

“Loved this excursion! Saw my first whales, couldn't be happier!”

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Hurghada: Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch - The dolphin search takes patience
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Hurghada: Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch

3.Speedboat Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,141 reviews · from $40 a head

Take a small speedboat from Hurghada to search for dolphins, snorkel at two or three Red Sea reefs, and relax on a sandy island or shallow sandbank. Captain Islam, Ahmed, Karim, Momo, and other local crews are praised for patient water guidance. Lunch, fruit, drinks, equipment, hotel transfers, and optional parasailing are included.

“Fantastic experience. Captain Karim & Ahmed couldn’t do enough for us. Thank you both for the perfect end to our trip to Egypt!! 🌟🌟🌟”

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Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim - What happens when dolphins do not appear
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Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

4.Puerto del Carmen: Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Tour with Swim

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 1,807 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $41 a head

Set out from Puerto del Carmen aboard the low-slung Biosfera Jet, scanning for dolphins, whales, turtles, and other sea life with help from the crew and binoculars. Guides such as Carlos, Teddy, or Elsa may add commentary in English, Spanish, or French. Finish with a swim in the Atlantic, conditions permitting.

“Never expected the amount of dolphins there were so many ❤️”

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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat - Puffin Island between April and August
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Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

5.Húsavík: Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,221 reviews · 2 hours · from $175 a head

Join Gentle Giants in Húsavík for a two-hour RIB speedboat trip with up to 12 passengers. After a safety briefing and warm overall fitting, you’ll visit Puffin Island in season, then search Skjálfandi Bay for humpback, blue, and other whales. Guides such as Matteo, Clara, and Jo add live wildlife commentary.

“Honestly, this was an amazing experience. I may have cried a little. The RIB is the best way to see whales. The tour guides make sure everyone gets a good look. No one is blocking your view or standing in front of you. It was perfect.”

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Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat - Leaving from the port of Los Gigantes
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Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

6.Los Gigantes: Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruise by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,063 reviews · 2 hours · from $33 a head

Set out from Los Gigantes on a small RIB speedboat with a Spanish-speaking skipper such as Luca or Alejandro. Search for pilot whales and dolphins in the Teno-Rasca Whale Sanctuary, cruise beneath the 600-meter cliffs, then stop at Masca Bay or another cove for a swim. The boat holds up to 12 passengers.

“Amazing value for money and we came within 5 metres of several whales, including one with their calf. It clouded over while we were out so it got a bit cool (it was February) so I’d recommend packing a jumper or jacket. But I wasn’t cold. There’s also a stop for swimming (or jumping in and quickly out of the Atlantic) so pack a towel and wear swimming stuff if you fancy it.”

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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour - The opening run toward Lundey Island
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Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

7.Húsavík: Big Whales and Puffin Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 979 reviews · 2 hours · from $198 a head

Join a 12-seat RIB boat from Húsavík for two hours of whale watching in Skjálfandi Bay. Your guide and captain search for humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, porpoises, and more, with a stop at Lundey Island for puffins from April 15 to August 20. Warm overalls, rain gear, and life vests are provided.

“Amazing tour with very knowledgable staff! I remember Robert the boat drivers name but spacing the tall guides name from spain- both were AMAZING. Made sure we saw some whales and were equally as excited about it. Amazing guide!! Im sorry i dont remember your name but you were awesome!!❤️❤️”

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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure - Three Hours Searching the Salish Sea
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Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

8.Victoria Zodiac Boat Whale Watching Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 916 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $154 a head Top rated

Set out from Victoria Harbour in a 12-passenger open-air Zodiac with guides such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan. You’ll wear an all-weather flotation suit, speed toward whale country, and watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and more. The ride is lively and exposed, so dress warmly and expect some spray.

“We had an incredible me time on the zodiac. It was unforgettable. The highlight was seeing the pair of orcas gliding through the water near the shore as they made their way further out. Watching them in their own habitat was humbling -they were so close, it was surreal. At one point, we all thought a nearby harbor seal was going to become lunch but he wasn’t spotted and lived another day. There were several sea lions on some rocky outcrops I wish we had spent a few minutes with. I know it’s a whale watch but these guys were beautiful and impressive to see and hear. We had a…”

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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour - The Zodiac ride is half the attraction
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Victoria: 3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

9.3-Hour Zodiac Whale-Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 651 reviews · 3 hours · from $140 a head

Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip on the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, Liam, or Mick drives the 12-passenger boat, using hydrophones and current sightings to seek orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and sea lions. Full flotation suits help keep you warm.

“Great boat trip out & got to see lots of humpbacks”

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Vrsar: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Adventure with Speedboat - The search comes before the show
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Vrsar: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Adventure with Speedboat

10.Vrsar: Dolphin-Watching Sunset Adventure with Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 624 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29 a head Best value

Join an English-speaking skipper such as Peter, Ivan, Dino, or Aleks for a 90-minute sunset search from Vrsar marina. You will ride a speedboat, look for wild Adriatic dolphins, and watch them from a respectful distance. The tour carries up to 15 people per boat, welcomes pets, and refunds your money if no dolphins are found.

“It was absolutely amazing. We drove to Vrsar only for this, and it was worth it all. we were surrounded by dolphins for at least 30min non stop and the guide was very friendly and helpfull. Can only recommend!”

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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat - Watching whales in open water
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Reykjavik: Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

11.Whale Watching by RIB Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 621 reviews · 2 hours · from $200 a head

Ride a 12-seat RIB from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor through Faxaflói Bay, looking for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and puffins. Guides such as Claudia, Julian, and Bianca bring marine knowledge to the trip, while warm overalls, gloves, goggles, and a free return trip help take the edge off Iceland’s cold, changeable weather.

“Unbelievable experience! At least a dozen Humpback whales, dolphins, puffins, Minke whales. Unforgettable experience. Best day ever!!! 🐳 😍😍”

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Koh Samui: Pink Dolphin Spotting & Pig Island Speedboat Tour - From Koh Samui hotels to Thong Krut Pier
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Koh Samui: Pink Dolphin Spotting & Pig Island Speedboat Tour

12.Pink Dolphin Spotting & Pig Island Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 596 reviews · 6 hours · from $72 a head

Travel by van and speedboat from Koh Samui to search for wild pink dolphins, then snorkel at Koh Taen and visit Ko Madsum, better known as Pig Island. Your Thai or English-speaking guide provides gear, water, fruit, and lunch. Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, and groups may be large.

“It was a great experience! We saw a pink dolphin and a few regular dolphins. The pig island was a lot of fun; it had pigs of all sizes, from little ones to massive ones. We have had a good time!”

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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat - The speedboat ride along the Black River coast
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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

13.Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 595 reviews · 5 hours · from $129 a head

Set out from Grande Riviere Noire on a speedboat carrying up to 14 people and two skippers. After a wildlife briefing, swim with spinner and bottlenose dolphins, watch whales from the boat only, and finish at a coral reef. English and French guides, gear, drinks, and lifejackets are included.

“The activity was brilliant. We were unlucky with the weather on the original day that we booked but the lovely representative helped us secure spaces on the following day and woke up at 5am to update us on the weather. The guides on the day were amazing. I am 6 months pregnant and they went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable throughout the trip amd enjoying myself. We saw whales and my husband swam with dolphins. I could not recommend this trip more highly, it is a brilliant day out and a great company.”

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45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD - What the 45-minute route feels like
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45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD

14.45-Minute Sea Rocket Speed Boat & Dolphin Cruise in Ocean City MD

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 585 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $39 a head

Join the Sea Rocket at 307 Dorchester Street for a 45-minute coastal cruise from downtown Ocean City. Captain Ashton, Owen, Ash, Riley, and other crew members have been praised for finding dolphins and keeping the ride lively. You’ll see the inlet, skyline, and Atlantic coast, with fast waves, music, and a good chance of getting wet.

“Big boat was not available so he took us out on the parasail boat. The ride was awesome, you could feel everything and we even saw the dolphins close up!”

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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour - Searching Madeira’s coast for whales and dolphins
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Funchal: Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

15.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56 a head

From Ventura Nature Emotions at Funchal Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on a small speed boat with an experienced skipper and marine biologist guide. Lookouts on land help locate whales and dolphins, while the boat gets you there quickly. Expect close-to-water views, useful species identification, and possible splashes.

“Great fun activity. Very well organised. The speed boat was excellent and being amongst the whales was incredible”

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