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Whale Watching Tour with Exclusive Upper Deck Access 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 view of the upper deck of a boat, lined with white railings, providing a clear perspective of the vast blue sea under a clear sky. A Canadian flag flutters in the background, gently swayed by the wind.
  • A humpback whale partially emerges from the water, its white body and pectoral fins visible beneath the clear surface. The surrounding water is a deep blue, highlighting the whale's striking presence.
  • A seal with a spotted coat emerges from the water, with only its head visible. Its large eyes gaze around as it is surrounded by calm blue water.
  • A humpback whale breaches spectacularly out of the water, creating splashes around it. The blue sea glistens under a clear sky, with a distant horizon line.
  • A tour boat cruises on calm water, with passengers on board enjoying the view. The Canadian flag waves at the back of the boat, and green hills and shores are visible on the horizon under a clear sky.
  • 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.
1/8
  • 8+ images
  • 8+ images
    A view of the upper deck of a boat, lined with white railings, providing a clear perspective of the vast blue sea under a clear sky. A Canadian flag flutters in the background, gently swayed by the wind.
  • 8+ images
    A humpback whale partially emerges from the water, its white body and pectoral fins visible beneath the clear surface. The surrounding water is a deep blue, highlighting the whale's striking presence.
1/8
  • Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise
  • A view of the upper deck of a boat, lined with white railings, providing a clear perspective of the vast blue sea under a clear sky. A Canadian flag flutters in the background, gently swayed by the wind.
  • A humpback whale partially emerges from the water, its white body and pectoral fins visible beneath the clear surface. The surrounding water is a deep blue, highlighting the whale's striking presence.
  • A seal with a spotted coat emerges from the water, with only its head visible. Its large eyes gaze around as it is surrounded by calm blue water.
  • A humpback whale breaches spectacularly out of the water, creating splashes around it. The blue sea glistens under a clear sky, with a distant horizon line.
  • A tour boat cruises on calm water, with passengers on board enjoying the view. The Canadian flag waves at the back of the boat, and green hills and shores are visible on the horizon under a clear sky.
  • 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

$169.99 /adult

Buy my tickets

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

Enjoy Exclusive Access to the Upper Deck!

Enhance your whale-watching experience with our exclusive option that offers priority boarding and access to our observation deck on the upper level of the AML Grand Fleuve. From this prime vantage point, you'll enjoy 360-degree views, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos or videos of the giants of the sea!

Our naturalist guides regularly comment on sightings from the upper deck, which accommodates up to 30 passengers, giving you a unique opportunity to interact with them.

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 Guide: All our whale-watching cruises are led and narrated by experienced and certified naturalist guides.
  • Panoramic Views: Enjoy exclusive access to the 360-degree panoramic views from the upper deck observation area. You also have access to all other common areas on the boat, including our two fully glass-enclosed indoor rooms.
  • 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 (exclusive upper deck access not included).
  • 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-Sustainability

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.

  • Whale Watching Boat Tour in Charlevoix
    Whale Watching Boat Tour in Charlevoix
    • Bistro onboard
    • Washrooms
    • Indoor and outdoor terraces
    $134.99 /adult
    Learn more
  • 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
  • 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 Tour with an Upper Deck Exclusive Access
Adults Ages 13 and up $169.99 /person
Children Ages 0 to 12 $139.99 /person
Buy my tickets

Boarding

Additional Information

  • Boat icon

    AML Grand Fleuve

    Board the AML Grand Fleuve: a safe ship, with passionate naturalist guides and high-quality staff that will make your cruise worthwhile.

  • 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.

FAQ

  • Why choose the whale watching tour with upper deck exclusive access?

    This package includes priority boarding and exclusive access to the observation platform located on the upper level of the AML Grand Fleuve. Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views, the best vantage point for spotting and photographing whales. Our naturalist guides frequently share sightings from this area, offering a unique opportunity to interact with them and learn more about marine wildlife.

  • How many passengers are allowed on the upper deck?

    The upper deck observation platform accommodates a maximum of 30 passengers, providing an exclusive space with plenty of room to move around and enjoy panoramic 360-degree views, ideal for whale watching.

  • What are the departure times and tour duration?

    Departures are offered at 10:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., from May 9 to November 1, 2026, from the Baie-Sainte-Catherine Wharf. The tour lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours, depending on tides and sea conditions, with boarding beginning 30 minutes before departure.

  • Do I still have access to the rest of the vessel?

    Yes. In addition to the exclusive upper deck area, you have access to all other public spaces aboard the AML Grand Fleuve, including the two fully glazed indoor lounges and the onboard bistro offering a variety of meals and beverages. Please note that access to the VIP Lounge is not included. For this experience, choose the Whale Watching Tour with St. Lawrence VIP Lounge Access.

  • What is the price of this package with exclusive upper deck access?

    The price is $169.99 per adult (ages 13+) and $139.99 per child (ages 0 to 12), plus taxes.

  • Does the Whale Warranty apply to this tour?

    Yes. If the captain determines that no marine mammals were observed during the tour, you will receive a complimentary pass for a future whale watching boat tour. Please note that the exclusive upper deck access is not included with the complimentary pass.

  • What observation distances are respected in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park?

    Croisières AML’s certified captains strictly follow marine park regulations regarding wildlife approach distances: 200 metres for species such as fin whales and minke whales, and 400 metres for species such as blue whales and belugas.

Whale Watching Tour with Exclusive Upper Deck Access in Charlevoix

Charlevoix, Baie-Sainte-Catherine Dock

Starting at

$169.99 /adult

Buy my tickets

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

Starting at

$169.99 /adult

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

Buy my tickets

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