Top USA Wildlife Watching

With a 99% success rate, this is how you up your odds of seeing whales on your visit to Monterey. On board one of the industry’s most comfortable boats, you’ll float out to a protected sanctuary to view humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, killer whales, sperm whales, and other wild creatures, including dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, otters, and more.

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signals indicate that humpback, minke, grey, finback, or giant blue whales are nearby. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour.

Immerse yourself in Sarasota's coastal mangrove forests, look out for dolphins and manatees, and practice kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding skills on this immersive, small-group tour. After departing from the Turtle Beach Boat Launch, paddle out on Sarasota Bay and practice with your equipment. Then, head into the mangrove islands of the Jim Neville Preserve for your best chance to see local marine life including dolphins.

The Gulf of Mexico is known for wild dolphin sightings and this tour from Clearwater Beach helps you discover the pods. Climb aboard the Little Toot, a tugboat-style boat, that creates a big wake that dolphins like to play in. While you’re out on the water, enjoy lively commentary about the dolphins and the surrounding area.

Climb from the streets of the "Mile High City" to Rocky Mountain National Park, on a day trip that showcases the rugged beauty of Colorado's mountains. Weave through small, historic towns and drive over alpine passes, as you scan the horizon for mountain wildlife such as elk, black bears, or moose.

Snorkel with manta rays at night on this tour from Kona. After a boat ride on a small 23-foot Zodiac-style boat carrying up to 11 passengers, jump into the water to observe the gentle giants. Wetsuits are optional and available to rent at check-in. Learn about manta ray biology and behavior through guided commentary during this safe and awe-inspiring experience.

Sail the waters of Resurrection Bay in search of Californian gray whales on a half-day cruise from Seward. These huge mammals arrive here every March through May on their annual migration northward into Alaska’s waters. Watch for these incredible beasts and other whale species, as well as other wildlife, and view the luminous blue glaciers crowning the surrounding mountains.

See Alaskan wildlife on this whale-watching tour in Hoonah that takes you out onto the waters of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, where humpback whales arrive each year to feed before heading south for the winter. The Hoonah whale season is roughly May to September. From the boat, you may also spot orcas, seals, and sea otters.

Don’t leave Alaska without witnessing its most incredible creatures: whales, otters, and more. On this 16-person tour—smaller than most local offerings—you’ll grab a seat in the heated cab or out on the deck, following your captain’s search for wildlife. Beyond the wild Alaskan scenery, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, seals, eagles, porpoises, and more.

Experience the beauty and diversity of Florida's Everglades on a kayak tour. Join a small group and paddle through mangrove forests in search of local wildlife. During the winter months, manatees can be spotted congregating in the cooler waters of deep canals. You can also observe other animals like river otters, alligators, and several bird species during your tour.

Take in the coastal wilderness of southeastern Alaska from the water with this RIB adventure. Don a waterproof suit, goggles, and gloves and skirt the shoreline to marvel at the pristine coves, natural waterfalls, and the only fjord in North America. Stop to snap photos and spot wildlife plus savor the silence when the captain cuts the motor.

See all sorts of fish that you might not spot if you snorkeled from land on this Maui snorkeling cruise. Head to the Molokai Crater where you might manta rays, sea urchins, eels, or even a harmless shark. This tour also stops at a spot called Turtle Town along the Maui coastline, where you have the chance to swim alongside enormous Hawaiian Green sea turtles.

Maximize your chances of seeing migrating humpback whales while in Maui. This whale-watching boat tour offers uninterrupted views from a spacious multi-level vessel as well as an underwater hydrophone so that you can hear the whales singing. As you cruise, learn all about whale behavior from your crew.

Snorkel with manatees in the Crystal River on a wildlife tour that gets you close to the West Indian Manatees that flock to the Crystal River's many freshwater springs. Learn about the remarkable manatees and the ecosystem they depend on, then slip into the water to see the manatees as they swim and feed. Wetsuits and all snorkeling equipment are included in this Crystal River manatee tour, with warm drinks served on board the boat.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's Upper Antelope Canyon on a guided tour. Walk through the canyon’s vibrant red rock formations and marvel at the famous sunlight beams, while learning about how the sandstone walls were sculpted by water and wind. Avoid waiting in long ticket lines by pre-booking your visit to this sought-after, photogenic location.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliott Bay and Seattle Harbor on this narrated cruise. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the world's largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the ship.

After dark is an excellent time to see manta rays in the waters around the Island of Hawaii. This tour is designed for snorkelers; Ride Alongs stay on the boat and may or may not see manta rays. Enjoy watching the manta rays feeding at night and snorkeling close to them during this approximately 1-hour experience.

Maui is one of the best spots in the Pacific to spot whales in the wild. With this small group tour from Lahaina, you'll head out to sea, where you'll likely not only spot whales, but also dolphins. There's also a hydrophone on board if you want to listen to whale songs. And if for some reason you don't see any whales on the day of your adventure, you'll be invited to take another trip at no extra charge.

Get a closer look at the gentle Florida manatee as you embark on an educational snorkel tour in Crystal River. Join a small group and don your gear for an underwater adventure with the sea cows. Observe the manatees from a safe distance in the water, or, if you prefer not to get wet, stay on board to see them from the boat.

Explore the stunning Colorado Rockies on an intimate small-group half-day tour led by a local guide. Enjoy scenic drives, short walks at picturesque stops, and breathtaking mountain views. Relax in a comfortable vehicle and experience the tranquility of lesser-known areas. Perfect for connecting with nature and discovering hidden gems.

Immerse into a developing working farm of 1+ year! Choose to play with goat kids, lambs, calf, and chicks, learn to milk, or walk a mini cow while discovering how it all connects to sustainability

Experience the night sky in Joshua Tree with a guided stargazing tour designed for clarity and ease. Learn to identify constellations, planets, and celestial objects with the help of a guide using laser pointers and pre-programmed telescopes. This structured setup removes the complexity of independent stargazing, allowing you to focus on observing and understanding the sky in a dark, desert environment.

Maui's Molokini Crater is a submerged crater from an ancient volcano. Discover the abundant underwater world around the volcano during this snorkel tour from Maui. Depart from Kihei with a small group and enjoy plenty of time to snorkel inside the crater observing several aquatic species that call the crater home.