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Orca Inside Passage Alaska USA North America
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Humpback Whale Alaska USA North America
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Southern Right Whale Alaska USA North America
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Minke Whale Alaska USA North America
Whale-watching holidays & tours
You’ll always remember your first encounter with a whale: whether it’s the tail of a frolicking humpback or an orca breaching, it’s awe-inspiring. From freezing Polar wastesregions to tropical shores, we have chosen the best destinations for whale watching holidays on our cruises and tours.
Ranging from the Southern tip of Africa to Vancouver Island in Canada, our whale-watching holiday destinations also include California, New Zealand, the Azores and Hawaii. Our whale-watching tours find the best vantage points for spotting southern Right, Pacific Grey, Beluga, Humpback, Minke and Finback whales, orcas, porpoises and white-sided dolphins. On our whale-watching cruises you may also see other unique animals, such as penguins, puffins and giant sea turtles. On a whale watching cruise to the Galapagos Islands, you may also see exotic iguanas and blue-footed Boobies.
Our whale-watching tours take in some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, from the mighty glaciers of Alaska to South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route. Many of our whale watching holidays also offer the chance to explore fabulous cities like Cape Town and Vancouver.
With expert guides to help you make the most of these amazing opportunities, your whale-watching holiday will be a gigantic thrill.
Holiday Options
We know everyone is different so we have a range of flexible options to make your holiday special.
Archers Direct Reviews
Please click here if you would like to read a selection of our most recent reviews.
Our Available Holidays
Chicago, Rockies train and Alaska Cruise
15 days from £2399
Departing:
Combine major cities with incredible American landscapes on a journey across the heart of the USA. Board the Amtrak® 'Empire Builder' train in Chicago's 'Windy City', travel alongside the Rockies to Seattle, and end with a breathtaking cruise on Alaska's Glacier Bay.
The Rocky Mountaineer + Alaska Cruise
17 days from £2789
Departing:
Enjoy this unique chance to see glittering cities, wildlife and mountainous scenery with a two day rail journey through the Canadian Rockies and a cruise on the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage to Alaska.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 07 May 2013 to 10 Sep 2013
Heart of the Canadian Rockies
11 days from £1469
Departing:
Journey through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Rockies to Canada's West Coast to the 'Gem of the Pacific', Vancouver and Victoria.
Save £100 per couple on selected departures. Subject to availability.
Valid on Departures:
- 19 Jul 2012
- 20 Sep 2012
- 24 Sep 2012
View available holiday extensions
Heart of the Canadian Rockies + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights
Staying at
Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver
Discover more of the pleasures of Vancouver the hub of Canada's West Coast and one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in North America. Extend your holiday with two extra nights at the Sandman Hotel Downtown.
Cape Town & the Garden Route
9 days from £1599
Departing:
* Includes a stay in Tsitsikamma
* Non stop flights with South African Airways
* Not to be missed; Wine or Winelands
View available holiday extensions
Cape Town & The Garden Route + Kariega Game Reserve
+ 2 extra nights from £416
Staying at
Kariega Game Reserve
Why not extend your stay in South Africa with two nights at the Kariega River Lodge in the beautiful Kariega Game Reserve? This picturesque game reserve offers a combination of the 'big five' game viewing, an expansive variety of flora and fauna, birdlife, dramatic views and vistas.
Cape Town and the Garden Route + The Blue Train
+ 2 extra nights
Prior to exploring Cape Town and the magnificent Garden Route, why not depart a couple of days earlier and arrive in style, travelling on the ultimate in luxury rail travel, on board the Blue Train.
Cape Town & the Garden Route + Cape Town
+ 2 extra nights
Staying at
Premier Hotel Cape Manor
Start your holiday a little earlier with two pre nights in the vibrant city of Cape Town.
Alaska Cruise & Vancouver (Zuiderdam)
11 days from £1749
Departing:
Experience the trip of a lifetime, cruising the Inside Passage in luxury, past the magnificent landscapes of British Columbia and Alaska with time in cosmopolitan Vancouver.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 09 May 2013 to 19 Sep 2013
View available holiday extensions
Alaska Cruise & Vancouver (Zuiderdam) + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights from £30
Staying at
Georgian Court Hotel Downtown Vancouver
A chance to immerse yourself fully in the splendours of one of Canada's most spectacular cities. On Day 10 of your holiday, transfer to your Vancouver hotel, the Quality Hotel Downtown, for the next two nights. On Day 12 an included transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Canadian Rockies
13 days from £1819
Departing:
Enjoy the amazing sightseeing and unique experiences as you travel through Canada's stunning lakes and mountain scenery.
View available holiday extensions
Canadian Rockies + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights from £124
Staying at
Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver
Canada's 'Gem of the Pacific' is one of the country's most beautiful cities with plenty of sightseeing opportunities including Gastown, Chinatown and Stanley Park. On day 12 continue your stay at your Vancouver hotel, the Sandman Hotel Downtown Vancouver, for the next two nights. On day 14 transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Canadian Rockies + Hawaii
+ 7 extra nights from £536
Staying at
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
For a complete contrast, why not extend your holiday in an exciting resort in Hawaii, famous for its white sand beaches and beautiful scenery?
The Rocky Mountaineer
10 days from £1839
Departing:
A combination of glittering cities and mountainous scenery, with a two-day rail journey through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean.
View available holiday extensions
The Rocky Mountaineer + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights from £20
Staying at
Quality Hotel Vancouver Downtown
Stay a little longer in the city Canada has proudly named the 'Gem of the Pacific'. Why not re-visit Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown or visit the resort of Whistler? On day 10 of your tour check into your Vancouver hotel, the Quality Hotel Downtown Vancouver, for the next two nights, before transferring to the airport on day 12 for your overnight flight home.
Canadian Coastal Adventure
14 days from £1905
Departing:
An inspirational journey taking in the picture-postcard harbours of New Brunswick and the maritime adventure of Nova Scotia, as well as Canada's birthplace - Prince Edward Island.
View available holiday extensions
Canadian Coastal Adventure + Ocean Train to Montreal
+ 3 extra nights from £360
Why not extend your holiday with a famous train journey and visit to the stylish and exciting city of Montreal?
On day 13 of your tour board the VIA Rail® Ocean Train in the afternoon, for an overnight ride to Montreal. Accommodation on the train is in comfortable, private double bedrooms. On arrival the next morning (day 14), transfer to your hotel, the Maritime Plaza, for two nights. Montreal is Canada's premier and most sophisticated city. It offers vibrant and modern shopping, historic architecture, excellent restaurants, lively nightspots and countless festivals. Be sure to visit the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica. On day 16, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK.
Alaska Cruise & Vancouver (Volendam)
11 days from £2065
Departing:
Experience the trip of a lifetime, cruising the Inside Passage in luxury, past the magnificent landscapes of British Columbia and Alaska with time in cosmopolitan Vancouver.
View available holiday extensions
Alaska Cruise & Vancouver + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights from £74
Staying at
Georgian Court Hotel Downtown Vancouver
A chance to immerse yourself fully in the splendours of one of Canada's most spectacular cities. On Day 10 of your holiday, transfer to your Vancouver hotel, the Quality Hotel Downtown, for the next two nights. On Day 12 an included transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island - NEW
11 days from £2075
Departing:
Discover the incredible wildlife of British Columbia on this journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver Island.
View available holiday extensions
Wildlife of British Columbia + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights from £104
Staying at
Quality Hotel Vancouver Downtown
A chance to immerse yourself fully in the splendours of one of Canada's most spectacular cities. On day 11, remain at your Vancouver hotel, the Quality Hotel Vancouver Downtown for the next two nights, before transferring to the airport on day 13 for your overnight flight home.
Heart of the Canadian Rockies + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam)
18 days from £2229
Departing:
Journey through the awe inspiring scenery of the Rockies before joining your Holland America cruise through the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage and on to Alaska.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 02 May 2013 to 12 Sep 2013
Hawaiian Islands
15 days from £2255
Departing:
A warm 'Aloha' welcome awaits you on the lovely islands of Hawaii, with their famously idyllic beaches and beautiful scenery.
View available holiday extensions
Hawaiian Islands + San Francisco
+ 3 extra nights from £200
Staying at
Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf
Why not take the opportunity to break your return journey home and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the world famous sights such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge and the sweeping panoramas of the 'City By The Bay', considered by many to be America's most beautiful city. On day 13 of your tour transfer to the airport for your flight to San Francisco and your hotel, the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf for the next three nights, before transferring to the airport on day 16 for your overnight flight home.
Hawaiian Islands + Maui & San Francisco
+ 5 extra nights from £314
Extend your tour with an extra two nights in wonderful Maui followed by three nights in cosmopolitan San Francisco. On day 13 remain at your hotel, the Sheraton Maui for the next two nights, before transferring to the airport on day 15 for your flight to San Francisco and the Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf for the next three nights. Transfer to the airport on day 18 for your overnight flight home.
Best of Western Canada
14 days from £2315
Departing:
Join us on this exciting tour from British Columbia's coast, taking in an enchanting cruise through the Inside Passage, VIA Rail's Jasper-Prince Rupert train and four magnificent national parks.
View available holiday extensions
Best of Western Canada + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights
Staying at
Ramada Inn & Suites Vancouver
The Queen City of the Pacific offers fine dining and shopping in a setting of stunning natural beauty. On day 13 of your tour, remain at your Vancouver hotel, the Ramada Inn & Suites, for the next two nights, before transferring to the airport on day 15 for your overnight flight home.
Trans-Canada Explorer
18 days from £2369
Departing:
The best of Canada from East to West - this ultimate Canadian experience reveals the beauty and diversity of this extraordinary country.
View available holiday extensions
Trans-Canada Explorer + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights
Staying at
Park Inn & Suites on Broadway, Vancouver
Canada's 'Gem of the Pacific' is one of the country's most beautiful cities with plenty of sightseeing opportunities. On day 17 of your tour continue your stay at your Vancouver hotel, the Sandman Hotel Downtown, for the next two nights. On day 19 included transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
Heart of the Canadian Rockies + Alaska Cruise (Volendam)
18 days from £2369
Departing:
Journey through the awe inspiring scenery of the Rockies before joining your Holland America cruise through the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage and on to Alaska.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 29 Apr 2013 to 09 Sep 2013
South African Explorer + Hermanus Staying at Arabella Resort & Spa
17 days from £2429
Departing:
9117011.JPG "Kruger National Park")
Extend your South African adventure with a two night stay at the Arabella Resort & Spa. Just 20 minutes away from the seaside town of Hermanus, it is a perfect base from which to explore the nearby mountains and national parks. Depending on the time of year, you may also spot southern right whales off the coast. Alternatively, spend the two days just relaxing at the resort.
Alaskan Adventure + Alaska Cruise (MS Statendam)
14 days from £2515
Departing:
B970_125611_00216.JPG "Mount McKinley, Denali National Park")
See Alaska's great wilderness, glaciers and mountainous peaks on this fantastic tour, combined with an unforgettable cruise aboard Holland America's luxurious MS Statendam.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 20 May 2013 to 09 Sep 2013
Pacific Coast Explorer + Alaska Cruise
23 days from £2539
Departing:
Trace the Pacific Coast from San Diego in Southern California to Alaska. Visit cosmpolitan San Francisco and Seattle before joining your cruise ship for a weeks' Alaskan cruise.
Alaskan Adventure + Alaska Cruise (MS Zaandam)
14 days from £2625
Departing:
See Alaska's great wilderness, glaciers and mountainous peaks on this fantastic tour, combined with an unforgettable cruise aboard Holland America's luxurious MS Zaandam.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 27 May 2013 to 02 Sep 2013
Rockies, Rail & Cruise - NEW
16 days from £2729
Departing:
Experience the breathtaking Canadian Rockies before boarding the Rocky Mountaineer for spectacular views en route to Vancouver. Then cruise the Alaska's inside passage in search of wildlife and glaciers.
View available holiday extensions
Rockies, Rail & Cruise + Vancouver
+ 2 extra nights from £150
Staying at
Quality Hotel Vancouver Downtown
Stay a little longer in the city Canada has proudly named the 'Gem of the Pacific'. Why not visit Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown or visit the resort of Whistler? On day 15 of your tour check into your Vancouver hotel for the next two nights, before transferring to the airport on day 17 for your overnight flight home.
Grand Canadian Rail & the Rockies + Alaska Cruise
21 days from £2729
Departing:
A classic rail journey across Canada's heartland, with an exploration of the Canadian Rockies and time to visit Vancouver and Victoria; followed by a cruise along Alaska's stunning coastline.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 29 Apr 2013 to 09 Sep 2013
Bears, Whales & Vancouver Island + Alaska Cruise
17 days from £2879
Departing:
Discover the awe-inspiring wildlife of British Columbia on this truly breathtaking tour amidst the spectacular scenery of Vancouver Island; followed by a cruise on the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage to Alaska.
Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Volendam)
25 days from £2939
Departing:
The best of Canada from East to West followed by a cruise of the awe-inspiring Inside Passage and on to Alaska - this ultimate experience reveals the beauty and diversity of this extraordinary environment.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 22 Apr 2013 to 02 Sep 2013
Trans-Canada Explorer + Alaska Cruise (Zuiderdam)
25 days from £2999
Departing:
The best of Canada from East to West followed by a cruise of the awe-inspiring Inside Passage and on to Alaska - this ultimate experience reveals the beauty and diversity of this extraordinary environment.
2013 departures now on sale. Save £100 per couple - book by 31 May 2012. Free insurance - book by 30 June 2012.
Valid on Departures:
- 25 Apr 2013 to 05 Sep 2013
Alaska & the Yukon + Alaska Cruise (MS Statendam)
20 days from £3065
Departing:
A fascinating journey by road, rail and sea to the 'Top of the World', combined with an unforgettable cruise aboard Holland America's luxurious MS Statendam.
Heart of the Canadian Rockes Calgary Stampede Special Departure + Alaska Cruise
19 days from £3085
Departing:
Enjoy this unique chance to see some spectacular scenery and wildlife, as you sail the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage and on to Alaska.
On day 12 of your tour, transfer to your five star cruise ship the MS Volendam, for the next seven nights, before transferring to the airport on day 19 for your overnight flight home.
Alaska & the Yukon + Alaska Cruise (MS Zaandam)
20 days from £3249
Departing:
A fascinating journey by road, rail and sea to the 'Top of the World', combined with an unforgettable cruise aboard Holland America's luxurious MS Zaandam.
Patagonian Discovery - NEW
15 days from £3285
Departing:
Experience the dramatic mountains, incredible wildlife and breathtaking glaciers of Argentina and Chile on this epic odyssey around southern Patagonia.
View available holiday extensions
Patagonian Discovery + Atacama Desert
+ 3 extra nights from £514
Complete your Chilean adventure with a visit to the otherworldly Atacama Desert. Dotted with geysers, strange rock formations and snow-tipped volcanoes, its salt lakes are refuge to hundreds of flamingos, looking out of place in their moon-like surroundings.
The Rocky Mountaineer & Canadian Rail + Alaska Cruise
21 days from £3345
Departing:
Climb aboard the legendary Canadian and Rocky Mountaineer for a spectacular trip before witnessing awe-inspiring scenery on a cruise of the Inside Passage and on to Alaska.
The Rocky Mountaineer Calgary Stampede Special Departure + Alaska Cruise
18 days from £3829
Departing:
Enjoy this unique chance to see some spectacular scenery and wildlife, as you sail the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage and on to Alaska.
On day 11 of your tour, transfer to your five star cruise ship the MS Volendam, for the next seven nights, before transferring to the airport on day 19 for your overnight flight home.
Highlights of Peru, Ecuador & the Galápagos
16 days from £4589
Departing:
Truly the experience of a lifetime, marvel at the magnificence of Machu Picchu, the enchanting beauty of Ecuador and the captivating natural wonders of the Galápagos on this unforgettable tour and cruise.
View available holiday extensions
Highlights of Peru, Ecuador & the Galapagos + The Amazon
+ 3 extra nights from £516
Immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Amazon with a stay in the heart of the luxuriant, tropical rainforest.
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
