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
180 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our trip at the end of April
594candaceh,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice, clean boat, plenty of room for everyone to be able to move to the railings and see any activity. Much better than the big crowded boats. It's a little late in the whale migration season, so we were not able to see any on this trip, but the dolphins are always fascinating and the babies were adorable.
Disappointed Customer
Tanya W,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00This is NOT a luxury yacht/catamaran at ALL!! It is EXTREMELY overstated on line. There is not one thing that is luxurious about this vessel and in all honesty, ii is extremely DATED l!!!! More importantly, the fact that one of the selling points is that there are fewer people is true, but in reality there is NOT enough seating to hold the 20-30 people that are on board. This vessel is OVER SOLD for the amount of seating!!!i If you’re ok with sitting inside the boat and whale watch through a window on your knees or standing, this is the excursion for you. I would say it comfortably seats 6, and everyone else is standing or inside, (Ideally who wants to whale watch from inside). The picture and the description on the Viator app is NOT an honest depiction of this “cruise”. The whale watching experience itself was average at best. There is a VIP section that allows you to sit up top. But it requires a “green band” and I’m not sure who or how someone is privy to this option, or even what the price differential is! This catamaran does travel at a speed that makes the day on the water fun! This part of the description is true. We were fortunate to have seen at least 3 whales and a few dolphins (not a pod). In short I would NOT recommend this particular excursion based solely on the seating accommodations. Our trip was 4/23/26
Amazing trip!!!!
dennishK2166FO,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing trip!!! Jill was an amazing Captain and told us all about the marine environment and animals. We saw a huge pod of dolphins and two Pilot Whales. We got to see them come up for four feedings. It was about eight mins between surfacing. Definitely a core memory for our entire family!!
We did see a fin whale...
Nancy D,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did see a fin whale and lots of dolphins. Captain had us staying near the whale in the boat—got several views of the whale. It was spectacular.
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!
From US$69.00
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Operated by Davey's Locker Whale Watching