Top Europe Dolphin Watching in 2026

Sail out for to sea for the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat with this catamaran adventure. Along with searching for aquatic mammals, you’ll get the chance to sunbathe on deck as you snack on sandwiches and sip on included drinks. You'll also have plenty of time to swim and snorkel before making your way back to shore.

Head into the waters off Madeira on a high-speed wildlife cruise in search of dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Travel aboard a modern speedboat with 360-degree views and double-cushioned seating, while spotters on shore help direct the captain toward active wildlife sightings. If no marine animals appear during your trip, you're invited back for another cruise at no additional cost.

Large whale-watching boats can feel crowded and impersonal. This small-group tour from south Tenerife limits numbers to just ten guests, offering a more intimate, eco-friendly way to see marine life. Join onboard biologists as you search for whales and dolphins, and listen to their calls through a hydrophone for a deeper understanding of the ocean around you. It’s a quieter, educational alternative to standard sightseeing cruises.

Set sail from Las Palmas—and increase your chances of seeing marine life up close—on this dolphin and whale-spotting boat tour around the waters of Gran Canaria, including soft drinks while onboard. Cruise in waters known for cetaceans, keep a lookout for turtles and flying fish, and learn more about these creatures. Along the way, take in picturesque views you’d otherwise miss.

During your visit to Madeira, it is almost mandatory to take a sea tour to observe cetaceans. Its excellent location allows you to see these species throughout the year. Take a close look at some of the 28 species of cetaceans that inhabit or visit the waters of the Madeira Archipelago. On our boat trips, it is very common to find: The Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) The Painted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis) The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truincatu) The Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) The Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni). In the turtle family, the Boba Turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most sighted. Come and observe these friendly cetaceans and make your trip a truly unforgettable experience!

Enjoy a unique immersion into Sardinia's sparkling coastlines during this guided kayaking excursion to Cala Moresca and Figarolo Island. The tour includes a pre-departure kayaking lesson, making it suitable for all experience levels, including beginners. Get a chance to spot local wildlife — bottle-nosed dolphins, the elusive Sardinian mouflon, and even wild boars frolicking in the water — before winding down with a complimentary traditional aperitivo.

Explore the seas around Tenerife on this small-group cruise in a sailing boat. Enjoy snacks and drinks on board as you watch dolphins and whales swim by. The captain is an experienced local sailor who answers any questions about these spectacular animals. After an on-board lunch, jump in the water to swim or snorkel, or relax and sunbathe on board.

Avoid the potential hunger pangs of spending hours on the water without supplies and enjoy this whale and dolphin watching tour with a delicious lunch included. Sail out towards Los Gigantes cliffs, look out for local marine life, and have a chance to have a dip in the water too. Once you’ve worked up an appetite—a tasty lunch of paella, fresh fruit, beers, and soft drinks is provided.

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

Hop on a speedboat and embark on an adventure to see some dolphins at sunset. With extensive experience in locating and observing dolphins from a safe distance, your guides provide a fun journey. See these creatures in their natural habitat while learning how to interact with them without causing disruption. By treating them with respect, you're likely to see them jumping out of the water.

Sail off the coast of Tenerife and get the chance to spot dolphins and whales in the wild with this three-hour excursion. You'll also have the opportunity to jump straight into the waters to swim or snorkel, or you can just hang out on board and eat a catered lunch.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales in the wild on this half-day boat cruise from Akureyri. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting humpback whales; travel aboard a specially adapted ship that covers all the likely viewing areas to increase the odds of seeing them. Choose from several departure times to fit your schedule, and stay cozy on board with thermal overalls, and raincoats or blankets.

Embark on a unique whale watching experience in the south of Tenerife! This 2-hour excursion aboard an Italian-style yacht will allow you to see whales, dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat. With a small group of up to 12 passengers, you will enjoy an exclusive and personalized journey. Guided by marine wildlife experts, you will learn about these fascinating creatures as you navigate through crystal-clear waters. In addition, the activity includes refreshing drinks on board and a commitment to environmental conservation, collecting marine litter during the trip. Don't miss this opportunity to live an unforgettable adventure!

Explore the waters around Tenerife during a half-day whale-watching and snorkeling catamaran cruise from Costa Adeje. Look for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat as the expert crew shares live commentary about the marine wildlife of southern Spain. Pass by the cliffs of Los Gigantes and Masca Bay, and have free time for swimming and snorkeling. Includes unlimited drinks and snacks served on board.

Look for whales and dolphins off Gran Canaria on a marine-sightseeing cruise from Puerto Rico. Board a comfortable boat and sail into the Atlantic to spot dolphins, pilot, and minke whales, and more. Watch from the deck or through underwater windows, enjoy unlimited sodas, and purchase snacks and alcoholic drinks (own expense). Choose from different departure times, and upgrade to enjoy a longer cruise with a swim stop, and for convenient round-trip transfers from selected resorts.

Nature enthusiasts will love this dolphin- and whale-watching cruise from Funchal. Board your catamaran and kick back as you sail along Madeira’s south coast. Your crew guides you to the areas where whales and dolphins are most often seen. If the sea conditions are good in summer, take a dip in the waters beneath the Cabo Girão sea cliffs. Choose a morning or afternoon departure to suit your schedule.

The southwest coast of Tenerife is a prime spot for spotting whales and bottlenose dolphins, with sightings possible all year round. On this tour, set sail from Puerto Colón on-board the Royal Delfin, a purpose built catamaran with an underwater panoramic viewing deck that affords the best possible views of the majestic creatures. Along the way, admire spectacular views of the Los Gigantes cliffs, stop to swim in Masca Bay, and enjoy lunch on-board.

Admire the beauty of the Algarve coastline as you discover Portugal’s caves and dolphins during this cruise from Albufeira. Aboard your sleek boat, bask in the sapphire blue waters of the Atlantic and maneuver to the Beach of Carvoeiro to uncover the stunning rock caverns. During your cruise, dip into the Atlantic for a bit and enjoy a chance to see friendly dolphins.

Learn about conservation, whales, porpoises and dolphins from expert biologists on this small-group tour, with numbers capped at just 10 travelers. On sighting, the boat's engines fall silent and a hydrophone lets you listen to the sounds that marine mammals use to communicate or hunt.

Spend time on the water and look out for whales and dolphins in their natural habitat with this catamaran tour along the south coast of Tenerife. A much more convenient option than hiring a boat—benefit from experienced skippers who know the places where marine life has been spotted before. As an added perk, there is also a catering service on board with sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, and water to enjoy.

Hop on a boat at Pico Island, starting with a briefing presentation at Rua dos Baleeiros 15, then set off with a professional crew to explore waters that teem with dolphins. The Azores archipelago is home to more than 20 different species of cetaceans, and using the local knowledge of the onboard crew, you'll increase your chances of seeing some. The experience includes a 3-hour boat tour to spot marine life.

The south coast of Tenerife is one of the few places in the world where you can spot whales year-round, and the best views are from the water. On this eco-yacht cruise, maximize your chances of spotting whales and dolphins while minimizing your impact on the environment. Set sail from Los Cristianos and admire spectacular views as you cruise along the coast, stopping to swim and visit the Cave of Love.

Iceland’s Faxaflói Bay is home to diverse marine life, including dolphins, puffins, and whales—but knowing where the wildlife is likely to appear requires skill and experience. On this small-group rigid inflatable boat (RIB) tour from Reykjavik, zoom across the waves with your guide and reach the action swiftly. Wrapped up warm against the cold, discover scenic views along the way, and enjoy personal attention from your guide.

This family-friendly small-group tour starts at the Oceanic Lounge, where you can relax before boarding. Sail along the Tagus River with a marine biologist, spotting wild dolphins and supporting ocean research with data collection for Oceanário de Lisboa. Enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon’s landmarks from the water while learning about local marine life and conservation efforts from an expert.