Where to Sail with Whales and Dolphins: the 15 Best Trips Worldwide

Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

1.Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,291 reviews · from $69Top of the fleet

Sail Aruba’s coast aboard *The Dolphin* for two snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. Guides such as Frederick, Oscar, Rio, Jay, and Brandon help with the fun, while you get a light wrap-and-fruit lunch, drinks, a rope swing, and a spinning water slide. The three-hour trip leaves from Delphi Watersports near the Hyatt Regency.

“Best snorkeling/catamaran experience we’ve ever been on—and we’ve been on a lot. The vibe was low key and family friendly. Could have had maybe a tad more time at the shipwreck site (that’s where we saw a turtle), but the generous snorkeling time at the next site made up for it. We saw some corals doing a-okay and some unique reef fish. Ending the adventure with the rope swing was awesome! Highly recommend!”

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Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

2.Tenerife: Los Gigantes Whale Watching Cruise by Sail Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,040 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

Join David, Eileen, Jaime, or another member of the multilingual Third Element crew for a three-hour sailing trip from Los Gigantes. With no more than 10 people aboard, you will search for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life, then swim and snorkel near the cliffs. Fruit, sandwiches, and drinks are included.

“It was excellent 🤩 The guides were super friendly. We got to see pilot whales, turtles and flying fish. The swim was perfect. I totally recommend this activity 🥰”

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Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

3.Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Sailing Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,325 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

From Funchal Marina, you sail up to 3 miles offshore with an English- or Portuguese-speaking crew, often including Bruno or Joseph. Look for dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, then stop near Cabo Girão for swimming and snorkeling. The small yacht, usually limited to about 15 to 20 people, offers a quieter alternative to large catamarans.

“Very professional staff, it was a wonderful day! :) There were big waves, it was an experience. I saw dolphins too. It was a wonderful 3 hours on the water. The beer is delicious ;)”

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Fuerteventura: Sailing with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching

4.Fuerteventura: Sailing with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,083 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $104

Meet near Restaurante Cofradía in Morro Jable for a 3.5-hour sailing trip with Flounder Yacht Sailing. Captain Younes, Carlos, Víctor, Charly, and other crew members may guide the outing. Watch for dolphins and whales, see manta rays near the harbor, swim and snorkel from the boat, then enjoy local tapas, wine, beer, and soft drinks.

“It was amazing, we saw so many dolphins and whales- right next to the boat. We stopped for a great amount of time to see them. Snorkelling was fun, the water is so clear! Our guides were amazing, so friendly and funny! Great tapas as we stopped to snorkel. Overall great day”

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Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

5.Marbella: Sailing & Dolphin Watching with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,062 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $71

Set sail from Puerto Banús on a 12 to 14-meter boat with an English- or Spanish-speaking captain. Choose a shared or private trip, watch for dolphins and tuna, and enjoy water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, and snacks. Captains such as Agustin, Vinny, Juan, and Tony are praised for friendly, attentive hosting.

“Amazing experience. Although we didn’t get to see any dolphins, we did find tuna! And our tour guide was very friendly and kept snacks/drinks refilled. Can’t fault it!”

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Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

6.Sunset Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 709 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best loved

Set out from 4114 Jan Cooley Drive for a two-hour sunset cruise on the 52-foot Privateer catamaran. Captain Mike, Lamar, Chelsea, and other crew members keep the ride lively while you watch for dolphins, deer, sea turtles, and the Gulf sunset. One drink is included, with snacks and cocktails available for purchase.

“I went with my 8 year old son. So much fun!!! We would go back. We saw so many dolphins. There was music playing and it was so relaxing and beautiful.”

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Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

7.Key West Sunset Sail: Dolphin Watching, Wine, and Tapas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 699 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Set out from Key West’s Historic Seaport for a 2.5-hour catamaran cruise past Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Sunset Key. The crew, including captains such as Daniel and hosts such as Jordan or Gracie, serves wine, champagne, beer, soda, and small bites. Dolphins are possible, not promised.

“Wonderful experience, excellent hors d’oevres, drinks, beautiful sunset, well worth the price - would have liked to be under sail instead of engine for the trip”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

8.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Tour – Los Gigantes (3H)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 691 reviews · 3 hours · from $76

Sail from Los Gigantes aboard the 14-meter yacht El Mojo Picón with captain Antonio or another multilingual guide. In three hours, you may see pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish, then stop in a cove for swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and cold tapas-style snacks. Groups are limited to nine, or you can book a private charter for up to 10 people.

“Awesome. We saw turtles and pilot whales, great views of the island and had a swim using snorkels provided. Bit of lunch was great too.”

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Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

9.Tenerife: Sailboat Tour Whale Watching Food and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 652 reviews · 3 hours · from $70

Join a small group of up to 10 people aboard the 12-meter Roulette with a two-person crew, often including Captain Salvador. Sail Tenerife’s south coast, watch for pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, then stop to swim and snorkel. Sandwiches, snacks, cake, and drinks are included.

“Very kind and caring travel guides made us feel so special. We saw so much beautiful wild life! We were surrounded by whales and dolphins and saw a turtle. Just an absolutely beautiful experiance and perfect day. my husband and the other husband from the couple on board turned into the most adorable and excited 10 year old boys, just thrilled a d pointing out and naming all that we saw. we were just overwhelmed and so excited and happy. One of the most special experiences of our life 🥰”

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Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran

10.Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · from $59

Spend about two hours off Aruba’s north coast aboard a 45-foot Dolphin Catamaran. Check in with Olga or John at Delphi Watersports by the Hyatt Regency towel hut, then ride a shuttle boat to the catamaran. Expect Caribbean music, an open bar, light snacks, sunset views, and a swim stop with a rope swing and waterslide.

“I did this cruise on my first night in Aruba, and it was the perfect way to kick off my trip! The sunset was absolutely stunning, and the friendly crew made the experience even more enjoyable. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, with great music and beautiful ocean views. I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the island!”

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Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

11.Afternoon Schooner Sightseeing Dolphin Cruise on Charleston Harbor

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 620 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Board the 84-foot Schooner Pride at Aquarium Wharf for a 90-minute, mostly quiet sail past Fort Sumter, Patriots Point, the USS Yorktown, Waterfront Park, and the Ravenel Bridge. The friendly crew may let you help raise the sails. Bring snacks, buy drinks on board, and watch for dolphins.

“Super relaxing and enjoyable My husband and I really enjoyed it. The crew was very nice and accommodating”

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Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

12.Los Gigantes Whale Watching Charter by Sail Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 608 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $90

Sail along Tenerife’s Los Gigantes coast aboard a 45-foot Bavaria Cruiser with no more than 10 people. Guides such as Jaime, Eileen, and David explain the marine life, then anchor near the cliffs for swimming and snorkeling. Expect fruit, snacks, custom sandwiches, drinks, and about three hours on the water.

“We saw a pod of pilotwhales and dolphins. Had a lovely snorkel, fab views. Crew were excellent, very knowledgeable and helpfull. 😀”

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Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

13.Whale and Dolphin Watching Sailing Boat with Drinks, Snacks and Swimming Time

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 511 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $78

Cruise from Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje on a sailing boat limited to 11 people. Your captain searches for pilot whales and dolphins, explains local marine life, then stops for swimming and snorkeling. Guy, Alex, Dani, and Maximilian have led departures. Champagne, sandwiches, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included.

“It was nice :) despite strong wind, we had a great time. The dolphins were swimming quite close to our boat.”

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Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

14.Estepona: Dolphin Watching Sailboat Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Join Captain Manuel and his crew aboard the Intrépido for a relaxed two-hour sail from Estepona’s Puerto. You’ll search for dolphins, enjoy one beer, wine, or soft drink, and may stop for a swim if conditions allow. The small boat, shaded seating, friendly hosts, and resident dog make this a personal outing rather than a large party cruise.

“Superb, the team were so friendly and helpful. The boat was wonderful and the tour excellent, we got a chance to swim in the sea and near the end we got to see a group of 4 dolphins which was amazing. Of course this is good luck to come across them but credit to the captain for finding them at the end of the tour and spending time to watch them. Highly recommended”

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Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat

15.Whales & Dolphins watching in exclusive sailboat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 461 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $71

From Puerto Colón in Costa Adeje, you sail for about three hours with a skipper and up to 11 people. Look for pilot whales and dolphins, stop for a swim, and enjoy sandwiches, drinks, and water on board. Crews such as Raul, Álvaro, Victor, and Ismael have been praised for calm handling and respectful wildlife viewing.