Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Overview

During your whale-watching cruise, learn fascinating details about all types of California sea life from the onboard naturalist with the beautiful coastal scenery of Newport Beach & Laguna Beach as backdrop. Year-round whale-watching cruises like this one are rare, so don’t miss this chance to see giant blue, finback, grey, minke and humpback whales. Over half dozen different types of dolphin including giant Risso Dolphin at over 12 feet in length, white sided dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and common dolphin. See super pods of dolphin sometimes numbering over 1000 dolphin strong.

The luxury option includes a spacious yacht with numerous features including 360 degree walk around deck, a lower passenger count and greater speeds for going the distance to see mammals.

City: Newport Beach

Wed 14 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

Wed 14 May

Starting at $36.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

All Fees and Taxes

2.5-hour whale-watching cruise

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. No high heels are allowed.
Outside alcohol, ice chests, coolers or glass containers are strictly prohibited.
Vessel may change depending on availability.
Arrive at least 1 hour early for all tours- especially during summer months. Parking may be challenging, especially on weekends.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (753)

Abai_D

Feb 2025

Nice, had a good time but didn’t see any whales. Felt like this was already a given and they should have told us before going on. None of there boats seen a whale all day.

olgak91208

Feb 2025

A few friends and I decided to go whale watching, and wow—am I glad I tagged along! The entire experience was nothing short of amazing, and the highlight? We didn’t just see one or two gray whales—we saw three! As if that wasn’t magical enough, we also witnessed a breathtaking dolphin race with hundreds of dolphins, including adorable baby ones keeping up with their moms. It was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences I’ve had in a long time. Watching these incredible creatures just being themselves in the open water was truly life-changing. Even better, all the boats were respectful, keeping a safe distance to let the wildlife roam freely. Thanks to another ship’s drone, we got some incredible photos—and that’s when it really hit me just how massive these whales were! Huge shoutout to Jill and her team for making our day unforgettable. The ship was well-equipped, featuring a clean bathroom (a definite plus!) and plenty of snacks for purchase. Parking can be a bit tricky, but we found a hack—park on Balboa Blvd and walk a few blocks to avoid parking fees. Whether you end up being "whale watchers" or just "whale lookers," it’s still a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours. 🐋✨

Vanessa M

Feb 2025

Went on 2/20/25. Saw a gray whale! Wasn’t expecting that considering reviews from past couple of weeks so that was a perk. Overall nice cruise.