Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Come aboard Newport Surfrider for an adventure of a lifetime, one of the nicest RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) boats in Newport Harbor. Captain has over 20 years of experience working on the water and is a certified naturalist. State of the art vessel will do 40+mph to optimize chances of finding marine mammals.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Newport Beach
Our Coast Guard Licensed Captain and Certified Marine Naturalist will welcome you aboard Surfrider. You will get a tour of Newport Harbor. Followed by a fast boat ride out on the Pacific Ocean through Newport, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point in search of the abundant Marine Mammals off our beautiful coast. You will be given a narration by our expert Marine Naturalist about these amazing mammals
Options
Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach
What‘s Included
40 mph speed boat with all the latest tech and coast guard safety equipment.
Coast guard licensed captain and certified marine naturalist.
Food and Drink, bring anything you would like (cooler on board for use)
Gratuities, never mandatory however always always greatly appreciated by our crew.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
71 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Such a fun experience!
jenniferpB1744IU,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dustin was awesome! He was so knowledgeable about the marine life and the boats in the harbor! Lots of fun facts! My son asked to come do it again before we even finished our ride. The ride was super chill and Dustin was easygoing and answered all of our questions!
Outstanding trip
corybY658XS,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip! We saw at least 1000 strong pod of dolphins. Hump back whale and a large gathering of sea lions. Our trip guide Dustin was incredible! I suggest requesting him by name. Very knowledgeable about the Newport Harbor. Plus outstanding insight into the area and animals off shore. Within 10 minutes of leaving the harbor we were on the huge dolphin pod and then came the star. The humpback whale.
Amazing Dolphin and Whale Watching Experience
Erinvan1253,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely amazing experience on the Private Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. The captain was knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone had a great view of the wildlife. We were fortunate to see multiple pods of dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and the experience of watching them in their natural habitat was unforgettable. The private tour made the trip feel personalized and relaxing, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The boat was comfortable, the service was exceptional, and the captain’s passion for marine life was evident throughout the excursion. If you’re looking for a memorable and unique Southern California experience, I highly recommend this tour. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip!
An absolute blast!
G35FGjerryr,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dustin was great! Very easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable. No whales visible on our tour, but tons of dolphins, Common and Bottlenose, plus Sea Lions. A small group private tour is the way to go.
Don’t pass this trip up! Worth every penny!
michael Z,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip started with great communication on where to meet and park. Justin our guide made the trip relaxed as he was easy going and really knows the area well! We saw so many dolphins along with great scenery of the next level real estate surrounding us. If you’re in Newport Beach this trip is a no brainer and a must! Request Justin if you’re looking for next level knowledge a relaxed trip and want to see the dolphins and whales! 10 out 10
We had a fun experience!...
Jessica J,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fun experience! We saw sea lions, dolphins, and a whale. The kids had a blast and Dustin was great. Highly recommend!
Wonderful experience. We...
Sarah S,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. We loved all the dolphins and sea lions. Perfect length and the guide was very knowledgeable
Dolphins galore!
Han,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Dustin knew where to go to see dolphins. We estomated that there were about 500 dolphins inn the area. They were swimming right by the boat and leaping out of the waters, putting on a show for us. We also saw some sea lions very upclose. The boat is small and very fast, and very comfortable. The size of the boat was an advantage as it let us get very close to the dolphins. A wonderful experience, and we highly recommend it.
Unforgettable Dolphin Adventure!
Eugene C,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! We saw hundreds of dolphins up close, and my wife and kids absolutely loved it. The boat ride was smooth, fast, and fun, and the captain shared great insights along the way. Truly unforgettable family adventure!
Best of all vacation experiences
P5969FTchristopherc,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve got an hour of video surrounded by dolphins!! Probably the most memorable vacation I’ve ever had!! Absolutely amazing!!
Related Experiences
Operated by Newport Surfrider