Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise in St Lucia

Set out on a captivating journey to witness the remarkable marine life of St. Lucia. This half-day whale and dolphin watching cruise departs from the Vigie Marina in Castries, offering the chance to spot a variety of species including humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as diverse dolphin populations. Guided by a local marine expert, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the stunning coastal landscapes while enjoying complimentary beverages. With an average rating of 4.5 stars, this adventure promises an unforgettable wildlife encounter – but what makes this cruise truly unique is the chance to…

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In St Lucia.

Key Points

• A half-day excursion from Vigie Marina in Castries, St. Lucia, offering opportunities to spot humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as various dolphin species.
• The tour is led by a local marine expert and includes complimentary beverages like bottled water, soft drinks, and rum punch.
• Early tours are recommended for better chances of spotting active marine mammals, with potential sightings of sea turtles, seabirds, and flying fish.
• The cruise is accessible for strollers and service animals but not wheelchair-friendly, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from 116 reviews.
• Cruise ship passengers must provide booking details for a smooth experience, and late arrivals may miss the tour, which departs at 8:00 am.

Cruise Overview

The whale and dolphin watching cruise in St. Lucia offers a half-day excursion for visitors to search for various marine mammal species, including humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as spinner, spotted, Fraser, and common dolphins.

The cruise departs from the Vigie Marina in Castries, with a local marine expert on board to provide information about the wildlife. Participants can enjoy complimentary beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and rum punch during the tour.

While hotel pick-ups aren’t included, the cruise is accessible for those with strollers and service animals. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

The tour has received an average rating of 4.5 stars from 116 reviews, with most travelers praising the sightings and friendly crew.

Location and Duration

The whale and dolphin watching cruise in St. Lucia takes place in the beautiful waters surrounding the island, with the tour departing from the Vigie Marina in Castries.

This half-day excursion offers visitors the chance to see a variety of marine mammals, including humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as spinner, spotted, Fraser, and common dolphins.

Early tours are recommended to increase the chances of spotting these magnificent creatures.

The tour lasts for a few hours, providing ample time to explore the local wildlife and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for an adventurous experience, this cruise is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Wildlife Sightings

Visitors on the whale and dolphin watching cruise in St. Lucia often spot a variety of marine mammals, including humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as spinner, spotted, Fraser, and common dolphins. The early tours increase the chances of sighting these majestic creatures, as they are more active in the mornings. Along With these target species, the cruises may also provide opportunities to observe other marine life, such as sea turtles, seabirds, and even flying fish.

Marine Mammals	Whale Species	Dolphin Species
Humpback Whale	Sperm Whale	Spinner Dolphin
Pilot Whale	N/A	Spotted Dolphin
		Fraser Dolphin
		Common Dolphin

Included Amenities

Along With the chance to spot a variety of marine life, the whale and dolphin watching cruise in St. Lucia includes several amenities to enhance the experience for passengers.

Travelers can enjoy the following on-board offerings:

• Refreshing bottled water, soft drinks, and the local favorite – rum punch

• Insights and expertise from a knowledgeable local marine expert, who provides information about the wildlife

• Gratuities included, so passengers don’t have to worry about tipping

• No need to arrange hotel pick-ups, as the tour departs from the convenient Vigie Marina location

• Accessibility for those with strollers or service animals, though the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly.

These inclusive amenities ensure passengers can relax and fully enjoy the adventure of spotting whales and dolphins off the coast of St. Lucia.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at Captain Mikes, located within the Vigie Marina in Castries, St. Lucia, to begin the whale and dolphin watching cruise. The tour departs from this central meeting point at 8:00 am, and returns to the same location upon completion.

While the excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, guests are welcome to bring strollers and service animals.

Cruise ship passengers must provide specific information at the time of booking to ensure a seamless experience. The operator emphasizes the importance of punctuality, as the tour can’t wait for late arrivals, especially those from cruise ships, which may not always arrive on schedule.

Traveler Experiences

Guests have largely raved about their experiences on the whale and dolphin watching cruise, praising the friendly crew and enjoyable atmosphere. Many travelers reported incredible sightings of dolphins and whales during the tour.

However, a few guests did experience some challenges, such as:

• Occasional sea sickness due to rough waters

• Missing the tour altogether due to late arrival of cruise ships

• Complaints about the long duration of the excursion

• Discomfort caused by the effects of the elements on the open-air boat

• Requests for better communication regarding potential delays

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the whale and dolphin watching cruise in St. Lucia starts at $65.00, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Travelers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later, though the tour has a maximum capacity of 40 guests.

Unfortunately, refunds aren’t issued for missed tours due to late arrival of cruise ships. This policy is in place to ensure the smooth operation of the excursion.

Guests are encouraged to arrive on time and plan accordingly to make the most of this half-day adventure in search of marine mammals.

Additional Information

Although the whale and dolphin watching cruise primarily focuses on marine mammal sightings, the tour also offers the opportunity to spot additional wildlife in St. Lucia’s coastal waters.

Passengers may catch glimpses of sea turtles, seabirds, and a variety of tropical fish during the excursion. The local marine expert on board is knowledgeable about the diverse marine ecosystem and can provide information about the various species encountered.

Guests should keep an eye out for the following:

• Sea Turtles

• Seabirds (e.g., frigatebirds, pelicans, terns)

• Tropical Fish (e.g., parrotfish, angelfish, snappers)

• Colorful Coral Formations

• Unique Coastal Landscapes

The variety of wildlife sightings can enhance the overall experience and provide a deeper appreciation for the rich marine environment surrounding St. Lucia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers can typically bring their own food and drinks on the cruise, unless explicitly prohibited by the tour operator. It’s best to check the tour details or ask the operator about any restrictions prior to the excursion.

Is There an Opportunity to Swim With the Dolphins?

There is no opportunity to swim with the dolphins on this cruise. The tour focuses on observing the marine life from the boat, not directly interacting with them. Swimming with dolphins is not included in the advertised activities.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator offers a discounted rate for children, but doesn’t specify a senior discount. It’s best to check with them directly for the latest pricing information and any available age-based pricing options.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Merchandise on the Cruise?

On the cruise, travelers can purchase additional souvenirs and merchandise. These may include items like t-shirts, hats, and other marine-themed keepsakes. However, the availability and selection of items can vary on each tour.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Spot the Most Marine Life?

The best time to spot the most marine life is typically during the early tours, as they increase the chances of seeing humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as various dolphin species.

Recap

The Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise in St. Lucia offers an exhilarating opportunity to witness diverse marine life in a stunning coastal setting.

Departing from Vigie Marina, the half-day excursion provides the chance to spot humpback, sperm, and pilot whales, as well as various dolphin species, guided by a local expert.

With complimentary beverages and an average rating of 4.5 stars, this adventure is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters in St. Lucia’s rich marine environment.