Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Tour, Tadoussac

About this activity

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

Nature and Wildlife Tours Private and Luxury Water Tours Seasonal Best Conversion Involves Animals Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 400 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English, French
Operated by: Croisieres AML

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–4 years) · Youth (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Expert and certified naturalist guide onboard
Included: Waterproof jacket and pants (if choosing the Zodiac option)
Included: Bilingual commentary
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Whale watching tour

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Parking
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Binoculars

Itinerary

Stop 1

2 hours

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This is the meeting point for Zodiac departures from Tadoussac. We’ll provide waterproof clothing and have you sign a release form. No parking here—use the paid lot at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (108, rue de la Cale Sèche), a short walk away.
This is the boarding point for Zodiac and boat tours from Baie-Ste-Catherine, Charlevoix. Collect your physical tickets at the nearby booth before boarding. No parking here—use the paid lot up the road. Ask a customer service agent for directions when picking up your tickets.
This is the ticket office for departures by boat. Before heading to the boarding point, head to the ticket office to pick up your physical tickets. It is only a short drive away from the boarding point (101, Rue du Bord de l'Eau, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0).

End point

This is the meeting point for Zodiac departures from Tadoussac. We’ll provide waterproof clothing and have you sign a release form. No parking here—use the paid lot at the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (108, rue de la Cale Sèche), a short walk away.
This is the boarding point for Zodiac and boat tours from Baie-Ste-Catherine, Charlevoix. Collect your physical tickets at the nearby booth before boarding. No parking here—use the paid lot up the road. Ask a customer service agent for directions when picking up your tickets.
This is the ticket office for departures by boat. Before heading to the boarding point, head to the ticket office to pick up your physical tickets. It is only a short drive away from the boarding point (101, Rue du Bord de l'Eau, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0).

Using your ticket

For Tadoussac departure: go to the Ticket office at 177, des Pionniers Street, Tadoussac. Please arrive 1 hour prior at the ticket office.

For Baie Ste-Catherine departure: 159, route de la Grande Alliance (Route 138) . Please arrive 30 minutes prior.

We recommend that you dress warmly even in summer, as the temperature on the water can get cooler than on land.

For the zodiac, closed shoes (not sandals) are required. The provided jacket and pants are waterproof but not insulated, so we recommend layering warm clothing underneath.

We suggest bringing suncreen and sunglasses.

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.

Options

Zodiac 2h30 - Charlevoix

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Zodiac: Our Zodiacs are inflatable boats that can accommodate between 24 and 60 passengers. Made for adventure and exploration.

Starting point:

159 Rte 138, Baie-Sainte-Catherine, QC G0T 1A0, Canada
Cruise from Charlevoix

Duration: 3 hours

Boat: Our large boats can accommodate between 240 and 650 passengers, and feature outdoor terraces and panoramic views.

Bistro and Bar Service: There is Bistro and bar service available on this boat (own expense).

Starting point:

159 Rte 138, Baie-Sainte-Catherine, QC G0T 1A0, Canada
Cruise from Tadoussac

Duration: 3 hours

Boat: Our large boats can accommodate between 240 and 650 passengers, and feature outdoor terraces and panoramic views.

Bistro and Bar Service: There is Bistro and bar service available on this boat (own expense).

Starting point:

177 Rue des Pionniers, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada
Zodiac 2h30 - Tadoussac

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Zodiac: Our Zodiacs are inflatable boats that can accommodate between 24 and 60 passengers. Made for adventure and exploration.

Starting point:

122 Rue de la Cale Sèche, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada

Traveller ratings

4.0 out of 5 · 512 reviews

5: 56%
4: 16%
3: 9%
2: 8%
1: 10%