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Book Your Whale-Watching Tour in Tadoussac & Charlevoix, Quebec
Set off from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine in Charlevoix for an unforgettable whale-watching adventure in Quebec where you can encounter up to 13 majestic whale species at the world’s best observation site; choose between our speedy Zodiacs or specially designed boats to suit your appetite for Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill experiences, enjoy stunning panoramic views from vessels optimized for marine mammal observation, and listen to insightful bilingual commentary from expert naturalist guides who will teach you everything about these giants and the other marine life you may meet while admiring the mountainous landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord.
About this activity in Tadoussac
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Head out from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine to see up to 13 whale species in what many consider the world’s best whale-watching site
- Pick the pace that suits you: fast, open-air Zodiacs or comfortable, purpose-built observation boats with large panoramic views
- Learn on the go from expert bilingual naturalist guides who explain whale behavior and point out other marine mammals in the Saguenay Fjord
- Enjoy sweeping mountain and fjord scenery from vessels designed for optimal marine mammal viewing and photography
Important Information
- An expert certified naturalist guide is aboard every cruise; tours include all fees and taxes-bring warm layers since conditions on the water are cooler than on land
- Zodiac bookings include waterproof jacket and pants; note that Zodiacs are not suitable for children under 6, some pregnant visitors, or people with certain mobility or back issues
- Stroller-accessible on board boats (not Zodiacs); infants and small children may remain in a pram or stroller during the cruise
- Cruises run rain or shine unless safety is affected by weather or mechanical issues; vessel type (24- or 60-passenger Zodiac or larger boat) is assigned for operational reasons and cannot be guaranteed
Meeting Point
Choose your departure when booking: Tadoussac or Baie‑Sainte‑Catherine (boats pick up passengers from both locations). If you’re traveling from Québec City or Charlevoix, we recommend selecting Baie‑Sainte‑Catherine. Exact boarding location and recommended arrival time will be provided on your confirmation-arrive early for check‑in.
Includes
- Expert, certified naturalist guide on board to enrich your whale-watching experience in Tadoussac and the surrounding area
- Waterproof jacket and pants provided if you choose the zodiac option
- Bilingual commentary in both English and French throughout the cruise
- All fees and taxes included for a hassle-free booking
- Whale-watching tour included - ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the region
Excludes
- Gratuities are not included
- Parking is not included
- Food and drinks are not included
- Binoculars are not included
Other
- Infants and small children may ride in a pram or stroller; stroller access is available on the boat but not on the zodiac
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels - the experience is accessible for most travelers
- Zodiac excursions restrict children under 6 years old and are not advisable for certain persons (including pregnant women or those with articulation, back, or autonomy problems)
- If you’re traveling from Québec City or Charlevoix, consider the Baie‑Ste‑Catherine departure instead of Tadoussac - the cruise picks up passengers from both locations and the experience is identical
- We recommend dressing warmly even in summer, as temperatures on the water can be cooler than on land
- Fleet includes 24- and 60-passenger zodiacs; the boat assigned will be based on logistical reasons and cannot be guaranteed
- Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk; an enclosed area is available on board for your comfort
- Departure times may be adjusted for your safety in accordance with Transport Canada standards if weather conditions or mechanical issues arise
Customer Reviews
8/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We had a great time on the Tadoussac Whale watching tour. We saw many types of whales, seals and birds. Our tour guide was very engaged and informative throughout the tour. The tour left and returned on time, which is always appreciated. I would highly recommend the tour and be sure to give yourself extra time to visit in the Tadoussac area.
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Summary:
Excellent tour- We saw fin and minke whales, some up close! Tour guide was very informative, even knowing the whales by name. It was COLD and wet!
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Summary:
We booked the whale watching tour out of Tadoussac. I booked in advance and my email said to go to the office in town to pick up our tickets. We went there for 8:00 am when it said it would be open but it was closed. We went and got breakfast and came back and it was still closed. We headed down to the boat and asked there. The man told us there were two offices and we went to the wrong one but it was no problem. He checked my email and gave us a piece of paper to use as our ticket. There was lots of paid parking at the docks ($3.25 per hour) although the docks are within walking distance of the village if you’re staying there. We had some time to kill so we walked along a trail that looked out over the water. In a very short period of time we saw two minke whales just from shore. We had paid extra to be able to go on the upper deck and were the first to board the boat. There were some muskoka chairs at the top and then another higher spot that was for standing only. We had to go over to Baie St Catherine to pick up more passengers and in a short period of time we saw a few belugas and a couple more minkes. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of insight into what we were seeing. As we got further out, we were lucky enough to see a fin whale and a blue whale. We spent quite some time watching them. Although none of the whales jumped out of the water, we were still able to see their fins and bodies and hear them spouting out when they surfaced. It really was an incredible experience that we would highly recommend.
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Experience Whale Watching, Kayaking and Hiking in Tadoussac, Quebec
Visit Tadoussac, Quebec for world-class whale watching and Nature & Wildlife experiences that put you on the water and close to marine life through guided Water-Based tours and sightseeing cruises. You’ll find Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill options like coastal hiking, kayaking, and family-friendly activities that make the area ideal for multi-day stays, Group-Friendly outings, and Romantic & Couples escapes. Book here to combine local Art & Culture, seasonal Events, and curated tours with seamless accommodation and transportation options that let you focus on exploring this destination.
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Know more about Tadoussac
You’ll visit the world’s best observation site for whales, where expert bilingual naturalist guides teach you about up to 13 majestic whale species and other marine mammals while you take in the dramatic Saguenay Fjord scenery from specially designed observation vessels.
Yes - bilingual naturalist guides provide insightful commentary onboard, explaining whale behaviour, species identification, and the marine environment so you’ll learn as you watch these giants in their natural habitat.
Yes - the tours are family- and Group-Friendly, offering engaging naturalist commentary and unforgettable wildlife sightings that appeal to visitors across age groups, with vessel options that prioritize both comfort and excellent viewing opportunities.
Choose between speedy Zodiacs for a more thrilling, close-to-the-water ride or our specially designed boats for panoramic, comfortable viewing; both options are guided by bilingual naturalists who provide insights into the whales and the Saguenay Fjord.
Beyond whale encounters, you’ll admire breathtaking views of the Saguenay Fjord and its mountainous landscapes, with panoramic observation areas on the vessels designed for optimal marine mammal viewing.
Prepare for the cooler conditions on the water by dressing warmly and bringing a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing; onboard facilities include panoramic observation areas to maximize your chances of spotting whales and other marine mammals.
