Sailing trips · WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING SAILS
Under canvas a hull is quiet, so the pods stay put. These 15 sails list the species you can reasonably expect, the season they are around and whether the boat carries a hydrophone or a biologist.
Join Travelin Lady for a 90-minute whale and dolphin trip from Los Cristianos. You’ll ride a stable, low-emission eco-yacht, look for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles and more, visit the Cave of Love, and swim if sea conditions allow. Guides including Ines explain the wildlife in four languages.
“It was a great trip. And yes, we saw whales and dolphins. Thanks to the yacht team!”
Join Magic Dolphin Atividades Maritimas in Funchal for a three-hour wildlife cruise aboard a 2022 hybrid-electric catamaran. Land-based spotters help locate dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds, while certified guides explain the animals and coastal sights. Bring warm, waterproof layers for the open sea.
“Great tour, saw some whales and the crew was great. Just like described.”
Set out from Funchal Marina on Catamaran Seaborn for a three-hour search for dolphins, whales, and turtles. The English and Portuguese crew explain the species you see, then stop beneath Cabo Girão for a summer swim. Expect an open, stable boat, onboard drinks for purchase, and no guaranteed sightings.
“We enjoyed a cruise along the coast in an Easterly direction. We were very lucky to spot a pod of Pilot Whales including a mother and baby swimming along together. This put the icing on the cruise cake! We celebrated with a small glass of beer and wine from the onboard bar on the way back! I can recommend this 3 hour activity to anyone looking for a shortish trip out on the ocean. I should also say that we had very calm weather which helped make the trip comfortable.”
Set sail from Puerto Base near Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for up to two hours of dolphin and whale watching. Then stop near Taurito or Puerto de Mogán for swimming, snorkeling, and the onboard slide. Hotel pickup is optional, and the crew speaks English and Spanish.
“Thoroughly enjoyed our boat trip and we got to see Dolphins!! The crew were lovely! Highly recommend!”
Join Go Shalabi for an 8-hour yacht trip from Hurghada to Orange Bay, Giftun, and Magawish. You get two snorkeling stops, dolphin watching, breakfast, seafood lunch, fruit, and unlimited drinks. Guides such as Fouad, Ahmed, Saef, and Ashraf help beginners feel safe in the water.
“Despite having picked a day of strong winds, our boat still sailed and it ended up being one of the nicest experiences we've had in Hurghada. Warm clothes and big towels are a must. We stopped first on Orange Bay, took some photos, then sailed to the first snorkeling stop near Giftun island. Although the water in February is colder, snorkeling was worth it, seeing the corals and the many different color fish made my day. Seafood lunch on board was delicious. Finally, we stopped on Magawish for another round of snorkeling in less deep waters and sunbathing. Our guides Fouad, Ahmed and Saef expertly coordinated the group and ensured…”
Sail from Panama City Beach aboard Island Time’s broad, stable catamaran, with time to search for wild dolphins, snorkel at Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay, paddleboard, swim, or use the waterslide. Captain Heath, Clay, Keith, Sarah, Emma, and other crew members have earned strong praise for friendly service and practical help on board.
“This was absolutely so much fun, such an amazing group of staff. Soooo cool- saved it for our last little extravaganza & it was absolutely worth it.”
Sail from Puerto Colón with guides such as Lucy, Danny, Dani, and Lucia, watching resident pilot whales and dolphins near Tenerife’s southwest coast. Choose two hours for wildlife, or three hours for a swim and snorkel stop at Playa Espagueti. Drinks, equipment, and a crew of up to 50 are included.
“Excellent crew saw plenty of pilot whales and bottle nose dolphins free drinks on board overall very good”
From Long Wharf, you’ll ride a high-speed catamaran to Stellwagen Bank with a naturalist guide, watching for humpback, fin, minke, and pilot whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Expect about 3.5 hours on the water, indoor seating, restrooms, and snacks for purchase.
“Saw a humpback blow and dive several times, including one up close. The narrator was great and enthusiastic.”
Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for up to three hours aboard the Amelia Rose yacht. Search Faxaflói Bay for humpback and minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, and possibly orcas, with guides such as Lucky and Roman sharing useful facts from three viewing decks.
“The excursion did not disappoint. The Amelia Rose is clean and well maintained. although it holds alot of people there is plenty of room and we never felt crowded. Our guide, Lucky, was very informative and enthusiastic, especially when she spotted whales and dolphins. We were fortunate to see both on our trip.”
Set out from Puerto Colón on Monte Cristo Catamaran for three hours of whale and dolphin watching. A small group of up to 24 people, onboard guides, drinks, tapas, coastal views, and a swimming stop keep the outing relaxed. South Tenerife hotel pickup is available by request.
“Lovely trip, excellent value for money, amazing guides and most importantly, saw the whales! And they were beautiful 😍”
Join Atlantic Pearl Catamaran in Funchal for a three-hour cruise with Portuguese- and English-speaking guides. Search for dolphins and whales, learn about marine life, then stop near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The boat carries up to about 20 people, with shaded seating, hammocks, bathrooms, and drinks for sale.
“Terrific , good access to the boat, good seating. Great staff and we were lucky and saw both sperm whales and dolphins.”
Sail aboard The Dolphin from Noord for a three-hour Aruba cruise with two snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. You get fresh gear, wraps, fruit, an open bar, a spinning slide, and rope swing. Crew members including Frederick, Oscar, Rio, Jay, and Brandon have earned warm praise.
“Whole Lotta fun! Catamaran beautiful. Snorkeling, swing and slide were great!! Drinks were good! Had a ball!”
Cruise Barbados’ west coast aboard the 60-foot El Tigre, limited to 36 people for extra room. Snorkel for 45 minutes with turtles, then explore a fish-filled shipwreck. The five-hour trip adds lunch and a third stop. Hotel pickup, equipment, breakfast snack, and drinks are included.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the catamaran trip. The crew were excellent, friendly, polite and helpful. Lunch was very good and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were available for the whole trip. All necessary equipment was provided for snorkeling.”
Set out from Los Cristianos on the Travelin Lady, a low, stable eco-yacht built for whale watching. Ines, Sergio, Fede and other multilingual guides may point out pilot whales, dolphins, turtles and more while you watch sunset views of Tenerife and Mount Teide. A swim stop is possible if time allows.
“Excellent well worth if you haven't seen whales before”
Sail from Kewalo Basin to Turtle Canyon aboard the 40-passenger Honu Lani. Snorkel with green sea turtles under crew guidance, then enjoy lunch and drinks on the midday trip. Chris, Natalie, Greta, Joey, and other crew members have earned praise for calm, attentive service.
“Great experience!! Joey and crew did a great job giving us the turtle/snorkeling experience! Hawaii on a catamaran is definitely a must!! Get out there with them and experience this thrilling adventure! The dolphins were also so beautiful! My tik tok will definitely be awesome with these shots! 100% guys!!!”
Pick the boat, the hour on the water or the country.
