If you’re heading to St. Lucia and love wildlife and coastal scenery, a whale watching and dolphin spotting cruise from Choc offers a memorable way to spend a few hours. This 3-hour adventure is designed for nature lovers eager to see marine mammals in their natural habitat, all while soaking in the island’s stunning northern coast. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a well-organized, engaging experience perfect for those wanting a blend of education, scenery, and wildlife encounters.
What really makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides and crew who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making you feel well looked after. Second, the opportunities for stunning photos of the coast, dolphins, and whales in their environment. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed — patience is key. This tour will appeal most to travelers who are curious about marine life, appreciate scenic boat rides, and enjoy sharing a small-group experience (max 20 people) with knowledgeable guides.
Key Points
- Authentic Marine Experience: Expert guides help you learn about whales and dolphins native to St. Lucia’s waters.
- Scenic Coastline: The boat skirts the island’s northern coast, offering impressive views of fishing villages and remote coves.
- Wildlife Encounters: Sightings of Bottlenose, Spinner dolphins, pilot whales, sperm whales, and even melon-headed whales are common.
- Great Value for Money: At $88 per person, with included pickup and drinks, it offers a lot of adventure for the price.
- Flexible and Accessible: Most travelers can participate; pickup from North Island hotels makes logistics easier.
- Unpredictable Wildlife: Sightings depend on nature’s schedule, but the crew’s experience gives you the best chances.
An In-Depth Look at the Cruise Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Choc.
Starting with Convenience and Comfort
The tour begins with hotel or pier pickup from select North Island accommodations, a big plus for travelers who want to avoid extra transport hassle. The meeting time is early at 8:00 am — a smart choice to beat the afternoon winds and maximize wildlife sightings. Once at the pier, you’ll meet your boat, which comfortably seats up to 20 passengers, ensuring it’s a personal experience without feeling crowded.
The boat itself is equipped for comfort, with plenty of space and shade available. The crew is described as friendly, helpful, and highly experienced — crucial for feeling secure and well-informed during your trip. As you settle in, the crew offers water, soda, or beer, keeping you refreshed for the hours ahead. Many reviews mention that the trip is well-organized, with a smooth boarding process and timely start, setting a positive tone.
The Voyage: What to Expect
After setting sail, your captain will steer away from the coast, heading towards the best spots for marine life. The journey typically lasts around 3 hours, providing ample time to explore the waters and enjoy the scenery. The cruise is about relaxing and scanning the horizon, so keep your camera ready as the boat glides through calm waters.
The crew’s expertise shines here. They’re skilled at spotting signs of whales and dolphins — spouts, dorsal fins, and playful jumps. Several reviews highlight how the crew’s knowledge and attentiveness increased the chances of sightings, with some guests saying, “We saw two sperm whales and a pod of pilot whales right beside the boat.” Others note that dolphins — including bottlenose and spinner varieties — often swim close, sometimes jumping out of the water in playful displays.
Highlights Along the Route
- Wildlife Spotting: Expect to see a variety of whales and dolphins, with some tours even witnessing melons-headed whales or orcas. Multiple reviewers mention the thrill of spotting sperm whales, pilot whales, and large pods of dolphins. One guest exclaimed, “We saw too many dolphins to count,” which really captures the abundance some travelers experience.
- Photo Opportunities: As the boat cruises past sleepy fishing villages and secluded coves, you’ll find yourself snapping pictures of the rugged coastline and marine mammals. The scenic North Island coast, with its lush hills and pastel-colored villages, complements the wildlife sightings perfectly.
- Educational Value: Your guides share insights about the marine mammals, their behaviors, and the local ecosystem. This adds a layer of understanding to what you’re observing, making the experience more meaningful. One reviewer noted, “The crew was very knowledgeable and friendly,” which contributed to their enjoyment.
What Some Travelers Loved
Many reviews rave about the abundance of dolphins, with some stating they saw “dolphins all around the boat” and “eight sperm whales, one with a calf.” The enthusiasm and knowledge of the crew consistently earn praise. Several travelers mention that the crew’s attentiveness and friendliness made the trip memorable, with comments like “the staff was very friendly and helpful,” and “the captain did a great job of not scaring the whales.”
A few guests highlight the value of included drinks and snacks, enhancing comfort and enjoyment. One reviewer appreciated the local rum punch, joking that they’d see mermaids if they had a few more drinks!
Challenges and Considerations
While most reviews describe a successful trip, wildlife watching is inherently unpredictable. Some travelers mention not seeing whales or dolphins on their particular day, which can be disappointing but is an inherent risk in nature-based tours. For instance, a guest expressed regret about “only seeing dolphins in the distance,” emphasizing that patience and luck play a role.
Plus, a couple of reviews mention rougher boat rides or slightly hard outdoor seating. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s wise to take precautions, though most say the boat remains stable. Also, be prepared for the possibility of seeing little to no wildlife if conditions aren’t favorable.
Overall Value
At $88 per person, including pickup, drinks, and expert guidance, this tour offers strong value. For many, encountering multiple whale species and large dolphin pods makes it worthwhile. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction with guides and better chances to spot animals. Reviews suggest that the trip is well-organized, with friendly staff and good logistics, which all contribute to a smooth and enjoyable outing.
Who Is This Tour For?
This cruise suits adventurous and curious travelers who enjoy marine wildlife and scenic boat rides. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided expertise and are okay with the unpredictability inherent in wildlife spotting. Families, couples, and solo travelers will all find value here, especially if they want a memorable experience that combines nature, education, and beautiful views. If you’re looking for a relaxing, well-organized adventure with the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment, this tour deserves serious consideration.
However, if you’re strictly seeking guaranteed sightings or have limited mobility, it’s worth noting that sightings are not guaranteed, and the boat ride can be bouncy for some.
The Sum Up
The Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting Cruise in St. Lucia offers an engaging, scenic, and educational outing that many travelers find well worth the $88 price tag. The knowledgeable guides, beautiful coastal vistas, and opportunities to see a variety of marine mammals make it a standout activity. While nature doesn’t always cooperate, most reviews show guests leaving with stories of dolphins swimming close and whales spouting in the distance — moments that truly make the trip memorable.
This tour is best suited for those who love wildlife, enjoy boat rides, and are happy to embrace the unpredictability of seeing marine mammals in their natural habitat. It’s a fun, relaxed way to spend part of your day, gaining insight into the local marine environment and receiving a healthy dose of island scenery.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included if you are staying at North Island hotels.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the boat ride and wildlife spotting.
What should I bring?
Bring your camera, a hat, sunscreen, and possibly snacks for added comfort, especially since some reviews suggest bringing extra snacks.
Are drinks included?
Yes, water, soda, and beer are offered during the trip.
Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, and some reviews mention that staff are helpful and accommodating.
What if I don’t see any whales or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings depend on conditions, but most trips do see marine mammals. If you’re unlucky, you’ll at least enjoy the scenic coast and knowledgeable guides.
Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s family-friendly nature and small group size suggest it’s appropriate for children, especially those interested in wildlife.
If you’re after a lively, authentic experience with a good chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment, this cruise could be just the ticket. Prepare for a day of scenic views, marine discoveries, and perhaps some delightful surprises.