Tadoussac whale watching tour: Zodiac or boat option

Spot whales from a Zodiac or observation boat in the Saguenay Fjord

A whale watching tour departing from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine (Charlevoix) aboard either a speedy Zodiac or a larger observation boat, led by a bilingual naturalist guide. You'll spend 2.5 to 3 hours on the water in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, where up to 13 whale species live. If no whales are sighted, the operator offers another tour at no extra cost. Zodiacs include waterproof jackets and pants. Boats work for families with strollers and infants. Children under 6 cannot ride Zodiacs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching boat or Zodiac tour

• Choose boat or Zodiac experience
• Embark on whale watching tour
• Listen to bilingual naturalist commentary
• Observe up to 13 whale species
• Enjoy views of Saguenay Fjord

The experience

Tadoussac sits at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, one of the world's richest whale-watching sites. The tour runs from either Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine (a closer starting point if you're coming from Québec City or Charlevoix). You choose between two vessel types: a Zodiac, a smaller inflatable boat that moves fast and sits low on the water, or a larger observation boat with an enclosed cabin for warmth. Both are led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide who explains the whale species, their behavior and the marine ecosystem as you travel.

The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park draws belugas, fin whales, minke whales and humpbacks, among others. The guide will help you spot them and describe what you're seeing in real time. On a Zodiac, you'll wear a waterproof jacket and pants. The boat option is better if you have young children or prefer to stay dry and warm inside. The tour lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. Cruises run rain or shine unless weather poses a safety risk, and the boat has an enclosed area if conditions get rough. The operator's sighting rate is high, but since this is a natural environment, whales aren't guaranteed. If none appear, you get another tour free.

Dress warmly even in summer. The water temperature is cooler than the air. The boat fleet varies in size for logistical reasons, so you won't know the exact vessel until closer to your departure. Credit card only for any onboard purchases. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat but not on Zodiacs. Children under 6 are not permitted on Zodiac tours.

What’s included

• Expert certified bilingual naturalist guide providing commentary throughout the tour.
• waterproof jacket and pants if you choose the Zodiac option.
• all fees and taxes.
• and the whale sighting guarantee: a free return tour if no marine mammals are spotted.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cruise from TadoussacGuide in English or French · 13:00Duration: 3 hours. Boat: Our large vessels hold between 240 and 650 passengers and have outdoor terraces and panoramic views. Bistro and bar service: Bistro and bar service is available on board at your own expense. Starting point: 177 Rue des Pionniers, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0, Canada

Cruise from CharlevoixGuide in English or French · 13:30Duration: 3 hours. Boat: Our large vessels hold between 240 and 650 passengers and have outdoor terraces and panoramic views. Bistro and bar service: Bistro and bar service is available on board at your own expense. Starting point: 159 Rte 138, Baie-Sainte-Catherine, QC G0T 1A0, Canada

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 13:00 and 13:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (5 to 12 years) · Child (2 to 4 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 400

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Croisieres AML

Is this one for you?Choose the Zodiac if you want speed and closeness to the water and have no children under 6. Pick the observation boat if you're traveling with young children, prefer staying warm and dry, or want to bring a stroller. Both depart from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine and cover the same waters.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 12 years); Child (2 to 4 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happens if we don't see any whales on the tour?

The operator offers a whale sighting guarantee: if no marine mammals are spotted, you'll receive another whale watching boat tour at no extra charge.

Which departure point should I choose? Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine?

If you're traveling from Québec City or Charlevoix, Baie-Sainte-Catherine is the recommended departure because it's closer. The experience and route are identical from both locations, as the boat picks up passengers from both.

What's the difference between the Zodiac and the observation boat?

The Zodiac is a smaller, faster inflatable boat that sits low on the water for an immersive experience. It includes waterproof jackets and pants. The observation boat is larger, more spacious, has an enclosed cabin for warmth, and works better for families with strollers or anyone preferring comfort and shelter.

How long does the whale watching tour last?

The tour runs for 2.5 to 3 hours on the water in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Dress warmly even in summer, as the water is much cooler than the air on land. On a Zodiac, waterproof jackets and pants are provided. On the observation boat, bring your own warm layers. The boat has an enclosed area if weather turns rough.