N°1 in Canada

1-866-856-6668

Want to know more about our tours and cruises?

Contact us!

1-866-856-6668

Whale Watching Boat Tour in Charlevoix

  • Charlevoix, Baie-Sainte-Catherine Dock

  • From May 09 to November 1, 2026

  • Departures at 10:15 AM, 1:30 PM

  • Duration of about 3h00

  • A humpback whale leaps majestically out of the water, with its fins spread and splashes surrounding it. In the background, a lighthouse stands on a calm sea under a clear sky.
  • A whale swims peacefully at the water's surface, its dorsal fin visible, while a large tour boat sails in the background under a clear sky. Passengers onboard watch the scene.
  • A naturalist holds a microphone and gives a presentation on the deck of a boat, with a clear view of the blue ocean in the background. She is wearing a navy-blue sweater and stands near the white railing under a sunny, clear sky, sharing information about the surrounding nature.
  • A smiling boat captain, wearing a white uniform with black and gold epaulettes, stands in the ship's cockpit. Through the windows in the background, there is a clear view of the water and sky.
1/9
  • 9+ images
  • 9+ images
    A humpback whale leaps majestically out of the water, with its fins spread and splashes surrounding it. In the background, a lighthouse stands on a calm sea under a clear sky.
  • 9+ images
1/9
  • Whale Watching Cruise in Charlevoix
  • A humpback whale leaps majestically out of the water, with its fins spread and splashes surrounding it. In the background, a lighthouse stands on a calm sea under a clear sky.
  • Harbour seal
  • A whale swims peacefully at the water's surface, its dorsal fin visible, while a large tour boat sails in the background under a clear sky. Passengers onboard watch the scene.
  • A naturalist holds a microphone and gives a presentation on the deck of a boat, with a clear view of the blue ocean in the background. She is wearing a navy-blue sweater and stands near the white railing under a sunny, clear sky, sharing information about the surrounding nature.
  • A smiling boat captain, wearing a white uniform with black and gold epaulettes, stands in the ship's cockpit. Through the windows in the background, there is a clear view of the water and sky.

Starting at

$134.99 /adult

Buy my tickets

The price may vary depending on the cruise date. Optional products and taxes not included.

Meet the Giants of the Sea!

Set sail on our boats specially designed for marine mammal observation and meet the giants of the river. Our naturalist guides will share everything you've ever wanted to know about these magnificent creatures.

During this excursion in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, you will have the chance to spot up to 13 species, including the common ones: minke whales, humpback whales, belugas, porpoises, and common seals. You might even catch a glimpse of a blue whale, the largest animal on the planet!

What to Expect

  • The Location: Board from the beautiful Charlevoix region in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, internationally recognized as the world's best whale-watching site. 
  • Duration: This whale watching cruise on an observation boat lasts between 3:00 and 3:30, depending on the tides and maritime conditions.
  • Professional Guides: The whale-watching cruises are led and narrated by experienced and certified naturalist guides.
  • Panoramic Views: Enjoy specially designed outdoor observation decks or the comfort of our fully glass-enclosed indoor areas with 180-degree panoramic views.
  • Memorable Moments: Capture photos and create unforgettable memories with some of the planet's most majestic creatures.
  • Onboard Amenities: Savor a variety of meals at our bistro on one of our two fully glass-enclosed decks. Our boats are also equipped with complete restroom facilities. 
  • Whale Guarantee: Our observation rate is exceptionally high. As the marine park is a natural environment, whales may sometimes be elusive. No worries—if no whales are sighted, you can join another whale-watching cruise for free.
  • Tips and Tricks: If you are driving from Montreal or Quebec City for a day trip, consider departing from Baie-Ste-Catherine to avoid taking the ferry to Tadoussac, saving you some time.

Our Commitment to Eco-Responsibility

Our eco-friendly cruises operate in perfect harmony with the environment, incorporating best practices in sustainable development. Our certified and experienced captains strictly adhere to regulations in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park to ensure responsible interactions with marine life.

As a partner of the Green Alliance and a founding member of the Eco-Whale Alliance, we are dedicated to marine conservation and promoting environmentally respectful observation practices.

You are in Good Hands

Croisières AML is a family-owned company founded in 1972, still owned by the Hamel family. Despite our human scale, we are the largest cruise excursion company in Canada, operating in 10 ports across Quebec with over 750 employees.

Passenger safety is our top priority, and our crew and vessels are certified by Transport Canada.

Choose your experience

  • Whale Watching Boat Tour in Charlevoix
    Whale Watching Boat Tour in Charlevoix
    • Bistro onboard
    • Washrooms
    • Indoor and outdoor terraces
    $134.99 /adult
  • A cruise ship filled with passengers watches a humpback whale partially emerging from the water, with its pectoral fin visible. In the background, green hills under a clear sky frame the scene.
    Whale Watching Tour with Exclusive Upper Deck Access in Charlevoix
    • Upper deck with 360° view
    • Enhanced interaction with the naturalist guide
    $169.99 /adult
    Learn more
  • A bottle of rosé champagne and two filled glasses are placed on a wooden table, accompanied by sweet treats. In the background, a whale breaches from the water in a seascape with distant hills under a partly cloudy sky.
    Whale Watching Tour with St. Lawrence VIP Lounge Access in Charlevoix
    • Priority boarding
    • Private glass-enclosed lounge
    • Local delicacies
    • Bar service included
    • Upper deck access
    $209.99 /adult
    Learn more

Lunch box (optional)

We offer a lunch box service available for purchase on-site or for preorder ($26.99, excluding taxes).

Lunch box (optional)

  • Choice of sandwich

    • Ciabatta with organic ham, lettuce, and mozzarella cheese

    • Chicken with lettuce and mozzarella, on ciabatta bread

    • Ciabatta with eggs, herbs, lettuce, and mozzarella cheese

  • Salad

    • Rigatoni salad with sun-dried tomatoes and feta (vegetarian)

  • Snack

    • Québec cheese curds

  • Dessert

    • Homemade chocolate chip cookies (2)

  • Drink

    • Can of spring water

    • Gluten-free bread available upon request. Large 7-grain vegetable salad available for vegetarian and gluten free diets.

    • Taxes not included. Menu and price subject to change without notice. Sandwich selection available on-site, subject to availability. We cannot guarantee that food served on board is free of allergens.

About

  • Whale icon

    Whale Warranty

    If you don’t see any marine mammals during your cruise, don’t worry. We will provide you with a complimentary pass for another whale watching boat tour.

    Learn more
  • Whale icon

    World-Class Location

    The Saguenay-Saint-Lawrence Marine Park is recognized as the best site in the world for observing whales and other marine mammals.

    Find out why
  • Lifebuoy Icon

    Safe Cruise

    Your safety is our top priority. Our vessels are regularly inspected and maintained to the highest standards, and our crew is thoroughly trained in emergency procedures.

    Learn more
  • Speaker icon

    AML-FLEX and AML-FLEX+

    Pair this cruise with the AML-FLEX or AML-FLEX+ options, allowing you to reschedule your cruise once.

    Learn more

  • Payment Methods

    Please note that payments can only be made by debit or credit card. Cash payments are not accepted.

  • Paid Parking

    Paid parking is located nearby. The rate is $7 per day for cars and $14 per day for recreational vehicles.

Schedule and Pricing

  • Departure at 10:15 AM
  • Departure at 1:30 PM

Schedule is subject to change without notice.

Boarding will take place 30 minutes before your departure

Duration of about 3h00

Departures at

  • 10:15 AM
  • 1:30 PM

Pricing is subject to change without notice. Taxes are not included.

Pricing list

Pricing is subject to change without notice. Taxes are not included.

2026 Pricing Whale Watching Boat Tour
Adults Ages 13 and up $134.99 /person
Children Ages 5 to 12 $104.99 /person
Children Ages 2 to 4 $59.99 /person
Children * Ages 0 to 24 months Free
  • * To make a reservation for children between 0 and 24 months, please contact us.
Buy my tickets

Boarding

Additional Information

  • Accessibility icon

    Accessibility

    If you have functional limitations, please contact one of our agents by phone to make your reservation.

    Learn more about the accessibility conditions
  • Ban icon

    Restrictions

    • No smoking.

    • No animals allowed.

    • No alcohol or meal can be brought onboard our ships. Family snacks are allowed.

  • CAA or FADOQ member

    Are you a CAA or FADOQ member? Call us to get a discount on your reservation. 

    Nous contacter

FAQ

  • When and where does the whale watching boat tour depart from in Charlevoix?

    Boarding takes place at the Baie-Sainte-Catherine Wharf (159 QC-138, Baie-Sainte-Catherine, QC G0T 1A0). The tour is offered from May 9 to November 1, 2026, with departures at 10:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before departure.

  • How long is this whale watching boat tour in Charlevoix?

    The tour lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours, depending on tides and weather conditions.

  • What whale species can be observed during the tour?

    The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is home to up to 13 species of marine mammals. The most commonly seen are minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises, harbour seals and belugas. With a bit of luck, you may even spot the blue whale, the largest animal on Earth!

  • Is there a guide on board?

    Yes. The tour is hosted and narrated by an experienced, certified naturalist guide.

  • What amenities are available on board?

    The vessel features outdoor observation decks and fully glazed indoor lounges with 180-degree panoramic views. Guests will also find a bistro, full washroom facilities and an optional lunch box available for purchase ($26.99 plus taxes, available by pre-order or onboard purchase).

  • What is the whale warranty?

    Whale sightings are highly likely, but the marine park remains a natural environment. If the captain determines that no marine mammals were observed during the tour, Croisières AML will provide a complimentary pass valid for a future whale watching boat tour.

  • What are the 2026 rates and payment methods?

    2026 rates start at $134.99 per adult (ages 13+), $104.99 for children aged 5 to 12 and $59.99 for children aged 2 to 4 (taxes extra). Infants aged 0 to 24 months travel free of charge (telephone reservation required). Please note that payments are accepted by debit or credit card only. Cash payments are not accepted.

  • Is there parking near the boarding location?

    Yes. Paid parking is available near the boarding wharf. Fees are $7 per day for cars and $14 per day for recreational vehicles. If you have difficulty locating the parking area, visit the ticket office at the boarding wharf (159 Route 138, Baie-Sainte-Catherine, QC G0T 1A0), and our team will be happy to assist you.

Whale Watching Boat Tour in Charlevoix

Charlevoix, Baie-Sainte-Catherine Dock

Starting at

$134.99 /adult

Buy my tickets

The price may vary depending on the cruise date. Optional products and taxes not included.

Starting at

$134.99 /adult

The price may vary depending on the cruise date. Optional products and taxes not included.

Buy my tickets

You might also like

Newsletter

Please fill out this form to receive our newsletter.

Your language *