North America Budget Whale Watching Trips & Packages Small Group Tours & Trips

52 North America Budget Whale Watching Trips & Packages trips. Tours from 24 tour companies. 24 reviews.

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Small Group Tour
Kayak with Orcas - Johnstone Strait
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Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Enjoy with wildlife-watching, we kayak in the heart of orca territory in Johnstone Strait.
  • Our basecamp location provides opportunity for hiking, tide-pooling, and learning about the natural history of the area.
  • Admire an entire ecosystem including starfish, anemones, porpoises, eagles, and sea birds.
  • All tours are fully-catered (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour) with gourmet meals prepared daily by our guides—from scratch. Each day, you enjoy scrumptious meals before laying your head on a pillow merely meters from passing orcas.
  • This trip is ideal for families with older teens, novice to intermediate kayakers craving adventure, and whale lovers who want to experience up-close encounters with orcas! Guides bring hydrophones on all tours so you can hear the orcas communicating underwater while watching them interact.
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

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Kayaking & Camping in Quebec’s Saguenay Fjord
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Québec City
  • Explore Fjord du Saguenay
  • Explore the area and learn more about its unique vegetation and history from our guide before sitting down for dinner
  • Visit historical sawmill village of Ste- Étienne

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

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Kayak & Whale Watching Combo
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Loreto
  • Enjoy whale watching session
  • Enjoy Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Scuba Diving, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Isla San Jose Kayak Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Have a chance to see giant blue whales swim by, or fin whales or orcas
  • Explore La Paz
  • Visit the beautiful Sea of Cortez island has dozens of long beaches of golden sand, perfect for beach combing.
  • Discover Isla San José

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

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Humpback Base Camp Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Visit Port McNeill
  • Experience the Broughton Archipelago Marine Provincial Park
  • Enjoy first Nations culture as you slowly paddle through this pristine wilderness and go hiking through ancient island rainforests

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

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Alaskan Highlights Lodging Tour
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

  • Goldstar Service Coastal Classic Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Seward
  • Visit Exit Glacier/Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Mitch Seavey Dog Sled Tour
  • 7.5 hour Kenai Fjords National Park Wildlife Cruise w Alaskan Salmon/Prime Rib Buffet
  • Visit Russian River, city of Kenai, & Deep Creek Recreation Area
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Wonderful 7 days southwest camping trip, very well organised. Awesome tour guide, going beyond his duties to get everybody happy. Highly recommended."

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Glacier Bay Kayaking & Wildlife Adventure
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Southeast Alaska with the original kayaking pioneers on this one-of-a-kind adventure through Glacier Bay National Park
  • Paddle among icebergs and marvel at whales and glaciers up close—a rarity given that MTS is one of only two companies to have permits to kayak Glacier Bay
  • Visit Point Adolphus, a world-renowned humpback whale feeding ground, where you’ll also see sea lions, porpoises, and bald eagles
  • Camp for four nights on isolated, pristine beaches and enjoy delicious meals prepared by your local, expert guides

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

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Baja Day Tours and Trip Extensions
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Experience the Baja that few visitors see. Get a closer look at Baja's history and culture.
  • Explore Loreto Bay National Marine Park/UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Isla Coronado (Coronado Island) is a hat-shaped cinder-cone island off the coast of Loreto
  • Staying an extra day in Mexico experience snorkeling with whale sharks in the shallow bay of La Paz.

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."

Trip dates & details
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13 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Group Tour

North America Budget Whale Watching Trips & Packages Reviews

K

Kraig

Oct 2021

Written on

I love your tour program

I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips ...

K

Kate Findlay-Shirras

Sep 2019

Written on

A trip to remember forever

Wow- what a magical four days with our guides. Everyday we felt so looked after, and we were overwhelmed by the beauty of all the wildlife and natural beauty around ...

J

Jaime and Allyssa

Aug 2019

Written on

Best trip ever!

We only have great things to say about this trip! From booking to trip end we had nothing but positive experiences with staff. Our guides were amazing, food was deli...

M

Michelle

Oct 2019

Written on

Fabulous Culture and Kayaking!

This was an incredible cultural, culinary and kayaking experience. Quebec City was way beyond my expectations and offered a tremendous place to begin and finish the ...

M

MD

Nov 2016

Written on

Incredible adventure in the Saguenay Fjord wilderness and Quebec City

This trip provided incredible access to remote parts of Quebec and the Saguenay Fjord, while still allowing you to soak in the beauty of Québec City and Tadoussac, t...

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