Whitby Boat Trips and Whale Watching

Short trips from the harbour

Whitby Coastal Cruises runs the yellow boats, Summer Queen and Esk Belle III. Its 20 minute trips follow the coast towards Sandsend. They run daily from 10.15am and board at Brewery Steps on the harbourside, subject to conditions.

You do not need to book these short trips; you can walk aboard. Longer trips are booked online. Check Whitby Coastal Cruises on the day.

Coastal and wildlife cruises

Longer coastal trips include sailings towards the grey seal colony at Ravenscar. Sunset and twilight sailings run in summer. Seals and seabirds are the usual sightings.

See the Ravenscar seals guide and Ravenscar village guide. Check the available coastal sailings with Whitby Coastal Cruises.

Whale watching from Whitby

Whitby Whale Watching runs dedicated trips, mainly in late summer and autumn. Herring shoals draw marine life to the coast, with September the main month. Trips run for several hours depending on conditions.

Minke whales are the main species. Fin, sei and humpback whales, white-beaked and bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen at times, along with grey seals and seabirds. Sightings are never guaranteed.

Check age limits and dates with Whitby Whale Watching before booking.

The Bark Endeavour

The Bark Endeavour is a scaled-down replica, about 40% size, of HM Bark Endeavour. Captain Cook sailed on the original ship on his 1768 voyage.

Short sailings of about 25 minutes leave from the Fish Quay near the West Pier, subject to weather and tides. Check Bark Endeavour Whitby for current sailings.

River trips and rowing boats on the Esk

Whitby Coastal Cruises runs river trips on Dash II up the Esk. Further upriver, Ruswarp Pleasure Boats hires rowing boats on the sheltered water at Ruswarp.

Check Whitby Coastal Cruises for river trips and Ruswarp Pleasure Boats for rowing boats.

Sea fishing trips

Whitby has a number of charter skippers offering sea fishing trips. Ask at the harbour or search for the Whitby Charter Skippers Association.

Boat trips from Staithes

Three Sisters Sea Trips runs small group trips from Staithes for up to 7 people, with wildlife the focus. Check Three Sisters Sea Trips for current arrangements and read the Staithes guide before travelling.

Tips before you go

• Trips depend on sea state. Short trips can be cancelled at short notice.
• Bring a warm layer even in summer.
• Check where to find Whitby tide predictions.
• For getting to the harbour without a car, see buses to and from Whitby.

Whitby boat trips: FAQs

Can you go whale watching in Whitby?

Yes. Dedicated trips run mainly in late summer and autumn, with September the main month and minke whales the most likely species. Check dates with Whitby Whale Watching; sightings are never guaranteed.

Where do Whitby boat trips leave from?

The yellow Whitby Coastal Cruises boats board at Brewery Steps on the harbourside. The Bark Endeavour leaves from the Fish Quay near the West Pier.

Do you need to book a boat trip in Whitby?

Not for the 20 minute harbour trips, which you can walk on to. Longer cruises and whale watching trips should be booked in advance.

Can you see seals from a boat at Whitby?

Grey seals are often seen on the longer coastal trips. There is a grey seal colony at Ravenscar, but sightings on a sailing are never guaranteed.

Sailings, times and boarding points change with the season, tides and weather. Check current arrangements with Whitby Coastal Cruises, Whitby Whale Watching, Bark Endeavour Whitby, Ruswarp Pleasure Boats and Three Sisters Sea Trips before you travel.