Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
Overview
Mobile ticket
Onboard our 50’ pristine Catamaran Yacht, our always low passenger capacity makes for an intimate at sea experience. The luxury whale watching cruises feature a perfect balance of gorgeous nautical details, and spacious viewing areas which allow you and your family to get up-close views of wild marine mammals including giant blue whales, humpback whales, mega pods of dolphin, and so much more. The unique 360-viewing walk around feature, allows for a perfect view from almost any vantage point onboard and means you’ll never miss a moment. Our favorite spot onboard is up front, where you can gaze down at bow riding dolphin, which will glide just below your feet on one of the dual bows, so close they are almost within arm’s reach!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Arrive 1 hour or earlier during peak summer months for parking
Parking Fees located at Balboa Pier Municipal Lot and public lots
Trolley Information for the Balboa Peninsula can be found at the City of Newport Beach website
Trolley runs seasonally and not year round
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Balboa Fun Zone
All guests will check in at Davey's Locker and pick their boarding pass up from the office. The office will then direct all guests to the appropriate line where the crew will grab all guests and direct them to the vessel.
What‘s Included
Landing and facility fees
Alcoholic Beverages
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Binoculars
Parking
Options
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
Reviews
175 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful trip
Stacy I,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Trip was excellent. Very knowledgeable crew, comfortable seating, lots of sightings of whales and folphins
Great Tour!
Emily K,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience for my family. We saw whales, dolphin, and sea lions! The boat was very comfortable and we had a great time! The crew was very knowledgeable and engaging.
Fabulous experience! We...
Stacey M,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous experience! We followed a Fin Whale for quite some time and it was amazing. Crew was great, very knowledgeable. Comfortable ride as well.
Excellent experience!
N1031DCcindyp,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Forgot the Captain/Mates name but were female...both started with K. Kristi??? Anyways, both were very knowledgable and we saw Fin whales, dolphins, sea lions. Very exciting. Loved the information the ladies provided regarding the species. Would recommend to anyone!
Do it!!! No regrets here <3
J6309OQlisan,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing time!!!! I would definitely do this again - especially because the cost was so reasonable. Our captain was so fun - if she ever gives up being a captain she definitely has a future as a backup singer and songwriter the great Lady G. IFYKYK We were able to see both a whale and dolphins on our day so I consider us lucky or at least lucky to have the baddest captain around. Do this!!! You won’t regret it.
Definitely Recommend!
JKCrumpler,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spent this morning on the Catillac catamaran with Captain Danny and First Mate Chris. Only about 12 of us total and we had a great time. It was a fantastic experience seeing nature in the wild - we got lucky seeing a couple different pods of dolphins along with a Fin whale enjoying the surface, taking many breaths and giving us a show. Captain Danny was also very knowledgeable about seeing marine life in general from a safe distance and gave great facts about the animals we were seeing. Highly recommend and thank you for giving our girls an experience they will talk about for a long time and never forget!
Not as advertised.
Tyler E,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00I paid more for this experience over another one advertised because it was supposed to be less seating and a more private event. I think the advertisement said there were to be around 40 passengers, and from my seat, I could count 100 on the top floor alone. We did see Dolphins and we seen a whale surface a few times, but it was anti climatic. Had I bought the cheaper tickets and saved $100. I probably would’ve had an overall higher rating. Because the luxury seating wasn’t worth the experience we had. Nor was it even accurate and having false expectations always ruins an experience. I would not suggest it to a friend.
It boat crew was...
Charles p,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It boat crew was fantastic, guiding us to see dolphins and fin whales. They were knowledgeable and respectful of our group and the animals we saw. When you are near Newport Beach, schedule this experience.
My uber ran into a road...
Logan S,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00My uber ran into a road block so I ended up being a few minutes late and they left. They didn’t have the courtesy to call the number I gave them when I signed up. $300 down the drain
Memorable Experience!
Brenda N,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was awesome! Such great memories made with my kids and grandkids (ages 6-14). Harrison and Matt were our hosts, they did a great job and made it understandable for kids and adults alike. Thank you for a great experience!
-16% off
From US$57.96Was US$69.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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