Private Tour
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
There is simply no other place like Newport Harbor...a gorgeous 3-mile-long sheltered body of water with beautiful views of fabulous multi-million-dollar homes, yachts, and historic sites. Because I am the captain, I drive and free up your time so that you can eat, drink and be merry! This relaxing two-hour tour provides you with local history.
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers who cannot easily get into a low boat.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Your captain, boat rental, and an historic tour are included in your payment.
Parking, food and drink are excluded from the cost of the tour.
Newport Beach
Step back in time as we cruise around the historic sites of Newport Harbor. From the tales of early fishermen to the rise of a luxury seaside community, you’ll experience a rich tapestry of maritime history and modern glamour, all from the comfort of our Duffy boats.
Balboa Island
This charming island offers a picturesque setting with its quaint homes, boutique shops, and eateries. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the island, take a ferry ride, or indulge in famous frozen banana treats.
7 Person Boat Size
11 Person Boat Size
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
kathyrobinson1971,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I made a mistake on booking date for this boat tour, but did not realize it until the day before it was to happen. The operator refunded my full amount and was a pleasure to work with. I was happy to rebook and looking forward to this experience the end of October!
Douglas O,
Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kathy was a wonderful host. She was fun and knowledgeable. We will definitely use her services again! The facility including parking was easy to access and exceptionally clean. Thank you Kathy


courtneyrC4353YS,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the best time and really enjoyed this experience! Kathy was wonderful and gave us many fun facts about the Harbor and the weather was perfect. We would definitely do this again and I highly recommend this option for those who want to enjoy a duffy boat without having to have one person drive the boat the whole time.
shawndV168OH,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour was great. We went with 6 adults and 3 children under 6 and the timeframe was perfect. The guide was very knowledgeable about the area and made our time on the water memorable.
janelled690,
Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We enjoyed our Duffy boat ride and tour so much! Kathy was amazing and brought such a fun energy. We enjoyed the ride as we visited with our family and got historical stories and tidbits along the way. Would 100% do it again!

724ruthannj,
Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a family reunion with our daughters and little granddaughters (ages 1 1/2, 2, and 5) in Newport. The highlight of our trip for everyone was our historic Newport Duffy boat ride with Captain Kathy. My husband and I are from Tustin where our kids grew up and my husband grew up in Huntington Beach, yet Kathy still surprised him with historical facts about Newport. We would definitely hire Captain Kathy again.
sugv2025,
Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My family enjoyed a relaxed and informative historic boat tour with Kathy Ochiai this summer at Newport Harbor. Kathy was an amazing guide. She was a pleasure meet and so easy to talk to as well. She provided us with a wonderful experience. She also provided us with a ton of great local recommendations to check out during our visit. Thank you again for the great experience Kathy!
pacificwhim,
Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We used to be OC Coast locals, so this was extra special for us because we got to share the harbor and Newport with our daughters. Kathy, our guide, was fabulous. So knowledgeable, so friendly—she made the trip an even bigger treat. If you're looking to take a break from the art festivals and the beach, spend two hours gliding through Newport Harbor and learning about Roy Rogers and John Wayne and Shirley Temple. Book Kathy and take this tour.
RANDALL G,
Jul 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
Kathi was a great tour guide—quite knowledgeable about the harbor, its history and current and former residents.
D1610TEkimberlyh,
Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kathy was awesome! Seeing Newport from this water view and learning how it came to be the place it today was so interesting. There is so much more there than I knew!
Operated by Newport Beach Historic Harbor Boat Tours