Cetacean Boat Tours in the Basque Country
Overview
The cetacean excursion is a unique adventure of its kind! We suggest you board our boat in a small group for an excursion to observe cetaceans in their natural environment.
The observation area is located off the coast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, 45 minutes of navigation. An oceanic fault called Gouf de Capbreton is the meeting place for many species of cetaceans, fish and birds.
We are fortunate to be able to come across more than fifteen species of cetaceans in the Basque Country, including dolphins, whales and porpoises.
Observing them in their natural environment is a privileged experience.
What's Included
- Professional Skipper
- Professional boat
Meeting Location
Quai de l'Infante
64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
You will embark on a cetacean-watching excursion off Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The rendezvous is at 8:30 at the pontoon, little Briefing, we embark, and for this boat trip, we will set sail, direction the Gouf of Capbreton.
The Gouf is an ocean rift. Deep only a few dozen meters in front of Capbreton, it descends into the abyss at a depth of more than 4000 meters. This canyon is a very important place of biodiversity. The entire food chain, from plankton to fish, to cetaceans, of which there are more than 15 species on the Gouf.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to the Gouf de Capbreton observation area.
On site it is important to be careful to locate cetaceans.
Small groups of a few individuals may be encountered up to groups of several hundred dolphins.
For the lucky ones it may also happen to meet the race of a whale.
In any case their approach will be in a way that respects as much as possible their tranquility.
Return around 12:30 to the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Contact us for more information!
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 20 minutes before Check-out.
- Please don’t go down to the pontoon and wait on the dock: a member of the team will pick you up.
- Plan: Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Windproof - Jersey / towel if you want to swim - Bottle of water.
- Plan to arrive early on Saint-Jean-de-Luz to park.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-420024P4
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Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 5 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Cetacean Boat Tours in the Basque Country. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Professional Skipper.
- Professional boat.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Cetacean Boat Tours in the Basque Country is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Cetacean Boat Tours in the Basque Country will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Professional Skipper
- Professional boat
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 20 minutes before Check-out.
- Please don’t go down to the pontoon and wait on the dock: a member of the team will pick you up.
- Plan: Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Windproof - Jersey / towel if you want to swim - Bottle of water.
- Plan to arrive early on Saint-Jean-de-Luz to park.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
