Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Tour
Description
Head off to meet the whales in the world's best observation site on a whale watching boat or zodiac tour departing from your choice of Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine, Charlevoix! Our bilingual naturalist guides will teach you everything there is to know about these giants of the sea and the other marine mammals you will have the chance to encounter on this incredible adventure. - Witness up to 13 majestic whale species in the best whale-watching site worldwide - Choose your type of adventure between our speedy Zodiacs or our specially designed boats - Listen to insightful bilingual commentary provided by expert naturalist guides onboard - Admire breathtaking views of the Saguenay Fjord with its mountainous landscapes - Enjoy stunning panoramic views aboard our vessels, specially designed for optimal marine mammal observation
Tour Options
Itinerary
Embark on a thrilling journey at the world’s best whale watching site! Choose between our spacious, specially designed observation boats or an intimate Zodiac experience, all led by expert bilingual naturalist guides. Witness up to 13 whale species in their natural habitat while soaking in breathtaking views of the fjord. Majestic Whales: Our certified bilingual naturalist guides will share fascinating insights about the whale species that frequent the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. Boat or Zodiac Option: Step aboard our state-of-the-art observation boats, designed for maximum comfort and optimal whale watching, or opt for one of our sleek Zodiacs, designed for an immersive experience and minimal environmental impact. Whale Guarantee: Our sighting rate is extremely high, but as the marine park is a natural environment, sometimes mammals can be more elusive. If no sightings are made, we'll offer you another whale watching boat tour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Stroller accessible only on boat (not on zodiac).
- For zodiac children under 6 years old are not allowed.
- If you are traveling from Québec City or Charlevoix, it is recommended to choose the Baie-Ste-Catherine departure instead of Tadoussac. The experience is identical, as the boat will pick up passengers from both locations.
- We recommend that you dress warmly even in summer, as the temperature on the water can get cooler than on land.
- Our fleet contains 24 and 60-passenger Zodiacs. The choice of boat will be based on logistical reasons, therefore the size of the boat cannot be guaranteed.
- Cruises operate rain or shine unless weather conditions pose a safety risk to passengers. Rest assured, the boat features an enclosed area for your comfort.
- To ensure your safety and in accordance with Transport Canada standards, departure times may be adjusted if weather conditions or mechanical issues arise.
- For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (no cash)
- Zodiac excursions are not advisable, and even prohibited for certain persons such as young children (under the age of 6), pregnant women, people suffering from articulation, back, or autonomy problems.
Reviews(454)
Despite rain and fog and cold we had a great experience! We saw whales, seals and beautiful scenery in the fjord. Our guide was informative and answered all of our questions. We felt very safe.
Hello, thank you very much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience despite the weather conditions. Seeing whales, seals and the fjord scenery truly makes for a memorable outing. It’s also great to know you felt safe and well supported by your guide. — the Croisières AML team ⚓
We took the zodiac from Tadoussac, there is a large parking just in front on the place. They give you the waterproof clothing but be mindful that you need to dress in layers because out it’s pretty cold. We went mid June and it was pretty chilly. I also advise to get some waterproof cover for your phone, one of those that have a lace that you can keep around your neck if you want to take video and pictures easily without risk to lose your phone. The ride is pretty bumpy even though they stop as near as possible to the whales. Also you have to be patient and peel your eyes to see them since there is no guarantee you actually see one. We were lucky we saw one common whale and three beluga whales with the three moms. It was amazing. We recommend the experience and good luck to you all!
Hello, thank you very much for your detailed and helpful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience and were able to observe whales and belugas during your Zodiac outing. Your tips about clothing and preparation are greatly appreciated and will surely help future guests. We’re glad you enjoyed the adventure and thank you for your recommendation. — the Croisières AML team ⚓
Our guide was knowledgeable. We saw over a dozen whales and a few seals.
Bonjour, thank you very much for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the guide’s knowledge and that you had the chance to see so many whales and even some seals. These encounters truly make each outing special. We hope to welcome you again on board for another memorable experience! The Croisières AML Team
Really beautiful experience! Confortable chip, kindly crew and many many whales and Belugas’ sightings! Absolutely advised!
Bonjour, thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a beautiful experience on board. It’s great to know you enjoyed the comfort of the ship, the kindness of our crew, and the many whale and beluga sightings. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again soon! The Croisières AML Team
We definitely saw whales. So, from that perspective, the trip was successful. However, the operators were very rude. We drove 3+ hours from Quebec City (after 12+ hours from the USA). We started our trek very early to be sure we arrived on time. We arrived in Tadoussac more than a hour early. Our first problem was at “check in.” We had to present the exact credit card the tickets were purchased with. The tickets were already paid in full, but the credit card had a new number issued by the credit company just a week before the trip. We had to argue that the tickets were already paid in full AND we had photo ID, etc. They relented and we got the form to sign. Then, we were sent to a secondary location. At that location we were told to wait. And wait we did! Just as it was time to get suited and ready for our trip TWO FULL BUS tours arrived. They processed those people ahead of the individual families. We were then processed last and rushed to suit up. Then, they filled the Zodiac boats with the tour groups first, prioritizing the best seats on the boat for the large group. We were actually told that we “had to sit in the back of the boat.” We had the boat exhaust, were more wet than the passengers in the front, and our view of whales at the 12:00-3:00 positions were completely blocked by the center console from where the boat is navigated. Essentially, anyone who booked a ticket as a family or couple was discriminated against in favor of pleasing the large, loud tour groups. Even of you arrive first, booked months in advance, you cannot self select a seat on the boat. Be warned. But, they certainly collected the same amount of money (or more) from us as the members of the tour groups. We have seen whales in Alaska and were treated far more professionally.
Hello, thank you for taking the time to share your experience in such detail. We understand how frustrating and upsetting this situation must have felt, especially after your long journey and planning. We’re sorry that the check-in process, waiting time, and seating arrangement impacted your experience in this way. Feeling fairly treated and comfortable on board is important. Your comments are taken very seriously and deserve careful attention. Please feel free to contact our customer service so we can review your experience in detail. — the Croisières AML team ⚓
Enjoyable tour and well worth the money. The boat was large and offered views from both sides and rear. The guide talked almost non stop with a lot of repetitiveness, a little silence would have made the experience better.
Hello, thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found the tour enjoyable and a good value. It’s great that you were able to take advantage of the different viewing areas on board. We understand that the commentary may have felt a bit too continuous at times, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective. — the Croisières AML team ⚓
Knowledgeable guide, well organized process to board and delivered a fantastic whale watching experience. We saw multiple fin whales, minkes, belugas, a harbour seal, penguins and were almost close enough to touch a minke. Awesome.
Hi, thank you very much for your fantastic feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the organization of the boarding process and the quality of the guide’s explanations. Seeing such a variety of wildlife, including fin whales, minkes, belugas and more, makes for an unforgettable experience. We’re glad we could be part of this special moment. We hope to welcome you again on board soon! The Croisières AML Team
Took the cruise from Tadoussac. Paid for the VIP tickets, which was totally worth it. You get an exclusive lounge with full service. Food was great! Service was excellent. Comfortable and full view if you’re too cold outside. The staff were just wonderful. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly and guided the tour throughout the entire 3.5 hour trip. We saw plenty of whales and the whole thing was just great. Highly recommended. One note - they do not exchange or refund cancellations so make sure you buy the flex ticket so you can change dates.
Bonjour, thank you so much for your fantastic comment! We’re thrilled that you loved your VIP experience, from the lounge and service to the wildlife sightings. Your kind words about our team and guide mean a lot. Thank you as well for sharing your advice for other travelers. We’d be delighted to welcome you back for another memorable cruise! The Croisières AML Team
Very beautiful experience. The weather was magnificent, and we were able to observe whales, seals, and penguins. We recommend it.
Bonjour, merci beaucoup pour votre superbe commentaire. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez profité de cette sortie en Zodiac et des conditions idéales. Observer des baleines, phoques et autres espèces rend chaque expérience unique. Merci pour votre recommandation, c’est très apprécié. Au plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau à bord. — l’équipe de Croisières AML ⚓
Really exciting trip, good information about dressing warm. Despite the rain and wind we did not freeze, but we saw a lot of whales.
Bonjour, tak for din kommentar! Vi er glade for at høre, at du fandt turen spændende, og at vores anbefaling om varmt tøj var nyttig. Selv med regn og vind er det dejligt at vide, at I havde det godt og fik set flere hvaler. Vi håber at byde jer velkommen om bord igen! L'Équipe de Croisières AML
