Zodiac Whale Watching Tour on the St. Lawrence from Quebec city
Join this guided excursion from Quebec City and set off to encounter the whales of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park with an expert naturalist guide!
Practical information
A day-long excursion combining a coach journey from Québec City with whale-watching from a Zodiac in the Saguenay–St Lawrence Marine Park.
- Enjoy a comfortable return coach journey included in the price, departing from the centre of Québec.
- Set off on a Zodiac, which offers an unrivalled sense of being close to the water (there is no food, sheltered space or toilets on board).
- Listen to the informative, bilingual commentary provided by expert nature guides.
Course of events
Please allow 11 hours on site for the entire experience.
- Meet the team and board the coach at the Fontaine de Tourny (30 minutes).
- Enjoy a guided panoramic coach tour through the magnificent Charlevoix region (3 hours).
- Arrive in Baie-Sainte-Catherine, complete formalities and receive waterproof clothing (30 minutes).
- Attend a full safety briefing delivered by the captain before boarding the boat.
- Set off on a whale-watching cruise accompanied by a nature guide (2 to 3 hours).
- Return to the quay, hand back the waterproof equipment and transfer back to the coach.
- Travel comfortably back to the Fontaine de Tourny in Québec, with arrival scheduled for approximately 8:00 p.m. (3 hours).
Activity requirements
Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time to ensure we can set off on time.
Closed-toe shoes (no sandals) must be worn.
Special terms
Zodiac trips are not recommended, and may even be prohibited for certain people, including young children (under the age of 6), pregnant women, people with joint problems, back pain or reduced mobility, and wheelchair users. If you or any member of your group falls into any of these categories, we recommend opting for the boat trip instead, so that you can enjoy an equally exciting and comfortable whale-watching experience.
‘Whale’ guarantee: the sighting rate is extremely high. However, as the marine park is a natural environment, these mammals can sometimes prove more elusive. Don’t worry! If no whales are sighted, Croisière AML will offer you another boat trip to go whale-watching.
Cruises take place whatever the weather, unless weather conditions pose a risk to passenger safety.
For personal expenses, only credit card payments are accepted on board (no cash).
You can either bring a packed lunch and/or snacks with you, or buy a ready-made packed lunch from the Croisières AML catering service on arrival at Baie-Sainte-Catherine (subject to availability). These packed lunches can also be ordered in advance.
We recommend that you wrap up warm, even in summer, as the temperature on the water can be cooler than on land.
To ensure your safety and in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, departure times may be subject to change in the event of adverse weather conditions or technical issues.
Pets are not permitted on this activity.
This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Included
- Return journey by air-conditioned coach
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Certified expert nature guide on board the Zodiac
- Whale Guarantee
- Quebec taxes
Excluded
- Meals and drinks (not available on board)
- Binoculars
- Tips
- Picnic (see special conditions)
- Toilets on board the Zodiac
Do not forget to bring
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long-sleeved top
- Trousers
- Gloves
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Warm clothes
- Credit card
- Picnic
- Water
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Practical information
About the activity
Dreaming of meeting the world’s largest mammals during your stay in Québec City? You can do exactly that without leaving the city centre! Croisières AML invites you to meet in front of the Tourny Fountain in the heart of Québec City before setting off on a full-day bus excursion to experience whale watching aboard one of their zodiacs departing from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, near Tadoussac.
Your journey begins with a comfortable coach ride from Québec City through the beautiful landscapes of the Charlevoix region. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the surroundings of Québec, with its forests, lakes and sweeping scenery before heading out onto the waters of the St. Lawrence River.
Québec offers countless unforgettable experiences, but whale watching remains one of its true highlights. Every year, these remarkable marine mammals travel thousands of kilometres to feed in the vast natural feeding grounds of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, recognised as one of the world’s finest whale-watching destinations.
In the heart of this exceptional natural environment, your captain-naturalist will guide you in search of whales while respecting the park’s strict wildlife observation regulations, before concluding the excursion with a journey into the majestic Saguenay Fjord. Among the species most frequently observed are belugas, fin whales, minke whales, blue whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and grey seals.
Aboard the zodiac, you will enjoy an unmatched closeness to the water and a truly immersive experience in the marine environment. While this type of boat prioritises adventure over comfort (there are no toilets, covered areas or onboard café facilities), it remains the best option for those looking to feel fully connected to the landscapes and wildlife of the fjord. Waterproof outerwear is provided, but it is strongly recommended to dress warmly and bring a change of clothes. If a zodiac experience does not suit you, the same excursion is also available aboard a larger and more confortable boat.
Choose adventure and book this zodiac whale-watching excursion from Québec City for an unforgettable encounter with the giants of the St. Lawrence!
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