Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise From Quebec City

Exploring the majestic St. Lawrence River from Quebec City offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible marine life that inhabits its waters. This full-day whale watching cruise provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to embark on a journey of discovery. Whether opting for a speedy zodiac boat or a spacious 3-level observation vessel, travelers can expect to encounter a variety of whales, seals, and belugas, all while learning about the delicate ecosystem from a knowledgeable naturalist-guide. With ample indoor and outdoor viewing areas, this tour promises an intimate encounter with the thriving wildlife of the region. But what truly sets this experience apart is the chance to…

This experience made our list of the 21 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Quebec City.

Key Points

• Departs from Fontaine de Tourny in downtown Quebec City and travels along the Saint Lawrence River to Baie-Sainte-Catherine for a 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale watching cruise.
• Offers a choice between a speedy zodiac boat or a 3-level observation vessel, both led by a certified naturalist-captain.
• Provides opportunities to see a variety of marine life, including whales, seals, and belugas, with informative commentary from the expert naturalist-guide.
• Includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, but excludes gratuities, food, and pick-up/drop-off from private accommodations.
• Accommodates a maximum capacity of 650 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Cruise Details

The whale watching cruise departs from the Fontaine de Tourny in downtown Quebec City, taking passengers along the scenic Saint Lawrence River to the prime whale watching spot of Baie-Sainte-Catherine.

Travelers can choose between a speedy zodiac boat or a large 3-level observation vessel to get up close to the whales, seals, and belugas. During the 2.5-hour or 3-hour cruise, a certified naturalist-captain provides insightful commentary about the marine life.

The tour also includes a guided panoramic bus ride, allowing guests to soak in the beautiful landscapes of the region.

Warm clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, as the weather can be chilly on the water. The cruise departs daily and is suitable for all ages, except for pregnant travelers and those with back problems.

Whale Watching Opportunities

On the whale watching cruise, passengers have the opportunity to spot a variety of marine life, including whales, seals, and belugas. Travelers may choose between a speedy zodiac or a large 3-level observation vessel to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.

The certified naturalist-captain provides insightful commentary about the different species and their behaviors throughout the 2.5-hour or 3-hour journey.

Whether it’s the majestic humpback whale or the captivating beluga, the cruise offers a chance to witness the marine life thriving in the Saint Lawrence River.

With the knowledgeable naturalist-guide on board, passengers gain a deeper appreciation for the ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts.

Vessel Options

Travelers can choose between two vessel options for the whale watching cruise from Quebec City: a speedy zodiac or a large 3-level observation vessel.

The zodiac is a fast, nimble boat that can navigate closer to the whales, offering an exhilarating and intimate experience. In contrast, the 3-level observation vessel provides a more stable and comfortable platform, with ample indoor and outdoor viewing areas across multiple decks.

Both options are led by a certified naturalist-captain, who shares expert knowledge about the marine life and environment.

Regardless of the vessel chosen, participants can expect incredible opportunities to spot whales, seals, and belugas during the 2.5-hour or 3-hour cruise along the Saint Lawrence River.

Naturalist-Guide Services

A certified naturalist-captain leads the whale watching cruise, providing expert commentary and insights about the marine life and surrounding environment throughout the excursion.

As you journey along the St. Lawrence River, the naturalist-captain will share their deep knowledge about the whales, seals, and belugas you may encounter. They’ll explain the unique behaviors and characteristics of these magnificent creatures, as well as the importance of the region’s delicate ecosystem.

With their guidance, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the incredible wildlife that inhabits this area. The naturalist-captain’s engaging narration and passion for conservation will enrich your whale watching experience from start to finish.

Included and Excluded

The whale watching cruise package includes an air-conditioned vehicle, either a 2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise, and a certified naturalist-captain to guide the tour. However, gratuities, food and drink, and pick-up/drop-off from private accommodations are not covered in the package.

Included	Excluded
Air-conditioned vehicle	Gratuities
2.5-hour or 3-hour whale-watching cruise	Food and drink
Certified naturalist-captain	Pick-up/drop-off from private accommodations

The cruise departs from and returns to the Fontaine de Tourny in Quebec City. Warm clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back problems.

Meeting and End Point

The whale watching cruise from Quebec City departs from and returns to the Fontaine de Tourny in the city center. This convenient meeting point allows participants to easily access the tour and find their way back after the excursion.

The cruise travels along the Saint Lawrence River to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where the best whale watching opportunities can be found.

Once the tour concludes, guests are dropped off right back at the starting point, making for a seamless experience. This setup ensures that travelers don’t have to worry about transportation or getting lost, allowing them to fully enjoy the whale watching adventure.

Additional Considerations

Participants should dress warmly and wear closed-toe shoes for the whale watching cruise, as the weather on the Saint Lawrence River can be quite cool and blustery. Plus, the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems, as the rocking motion of the boats may be uncomfortable. Wheelchair-accessible options are available, making the experience accessible to a wide range of travelers. Children aged 6 and up are welcome on the zodiac boat, ensuring a family-friendly adventure. With a maximum capacity of 650 travelers, guests can enjoy a personalized and intimate experience while exploring the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Additional Considerations	Details
Recommended Attire	Warm clothing, closed-toe shoes
Accessibility	Wheelchair-accessible options available
Age Restrictions	Minimum age 6 years for zodiac boat
Group Size	Maximum of 650 travelers
Suitability	Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems

Tour Capacity

With a maximum capacity of 650 travelers, the whale watching cruise allows for a personalized and intimate experience as guests explore the stunning natural beauty of the Saint Lawrence River region.

The limited group size ensures that everyone has ample opportunity to spot the majestic whales, seals, and belugas that call this area home.

Some key benefits of the tour’s capacity include:

1. Easier navigation and movement around the observation vessel, providing unobstructed views.
2. More one-on-one time with the certified naturalist-guide, who can provide detailed information and answer questions.
3. A quieter, more peaceful atmosphere that enhances the overall whale watching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel the Tour if I Can’t See Any Whales?

According to the information provided, there is no refund or cancellation policy if customers are unable to see whales during the tour. The tour is focused on whale watching, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Do I Need a Passport to Join the Cruise?

You typically don’t need a passport to join a whale watching cruise departing from Quebec City. However, it’s always best to check the specific tour requirements, as the rules may vary depending on the cruise operator.

Is There a Guide Who Can Translate to My Language?

The cruise provides a certified naturalist-guide who can translate information into various languages. Travelers can expect to receive guidance and commentary throughout the excursion in their preferred language.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on board the whale watching cruise. However, meals are not included in the tour price, and there are options to purchase food and drinks on the larger observation vessel.

How Often Do These Whale Watching Tours Run?

The whale watching tours typically run daily during the peak whale viewing season, which is generally from May to October. The frequency can vary depending on demand and weather conditions.

Recap

The full-day whale watching cruise from Quebec City offers an immersive and personalized experience along the Saint Lawrence River.

Passengers can choose between a speedy zodiac boat or a 3-level observation vessel, both led by a certified naturalist-captain.

The tour provides ample opportunities to witness a variety of marine life, including whales, seals, and belugas, while learning about the region’s delicate ecosystem.