Many companies require reservations, though most can accommodate visitors who ring a day or two before. Of course, some operators can even take those who simply show up at the dock or booking office. Weekends, holidays and peak tourist seasons tend to be the busiest. Remember that tours can be cancelled on short notice due to weather or sea conditions. No tour can promise 100 percent satisfaction in terms of finding whales.
Some tours offer free rain checks if no whales are seen.
When bad weather cancels a trip, free trips are normally offered or a full refund. The best chance of enjoying a successful whale-watch trip is offered by operators with high educational, scientific, safety, and conservation values. As well, this kind of trip ensures that the whales will also benefit from your whale-watch trip. The listing of one or more categories below an operator's name and address indicates distinction in that category. If a category is not listed, that means the operator is lacking in this area, or we do not have sufficient information.